Chapter 7
Victor signaled to the remaining guard in the room. "Escort Mrs. Bennett to the secure guest wing. Ensure she has a warm meal, fresh clothes, and a direct line to my office. Post two men outside her door."
"Yes, Boss," the guard nodded, gently assisting the exhausted elderly woman out of her velvet chair and guiding her out of the dining hall.
Once the room was entirely empty, Victor stood alone amidst the abandoned opulence of the Christmas Eve dinner. He looked down at his signet ring, the symbol of his family's power, and felt a deep, burning disgust for the woman who had nearly tarnished it irreparably. He needed to mobilize his network immediately. The wealthy couple could be anywhere, and with every passing hour, the trail would grow colder.
He turned and strode purposefully out of the dining hall, navigating the bright, airy corridors of his mansion until he reached the grand staircase. He ascended two steps at a time, his polished shoes silent on the thick carpet, heading straight for Cora’s quarters.
He needed to see his daughter. He needed to assure her that she was safe.
He approached the heavy wooden door of Cora’s suite. Two enforcers stood guard, nodding respectfully as he approached. Victor opened the door and stepped inside.
The room was bathed in the soft, warm light of a bedside lamp. Cora was sitting in a plush armchair, still wearing her cream Christmas dress and burgundy cardigan, clutching a stuffed bear tightly to her chest. Sitting on the floor right beside her, speaking in a low, soothing voice, was Violet Ellis.
The maid had removed her white apron, folding it neatly over her lap. Her black dress was creased, but her delicate features radiated a fierce, protective warmth. As Victor entered, Violet immediately stood up, smoothing her skirt, her expressive eyes darting to his face to read the outcome of the confrontation downstairs.
"Daddy!" Cora cried, jumping out of the chair and running across the room.
Victor dropped to one knee, catching his daughter perfectly as she threw her small arms around his broad shoulders. He buried his face in her hair, closing his eyes tightly.
"I'm here, sweetheart. I'm right here," Victor murmured, his deep voice thick with emotion.
"Are you going to sell me, Daddy?" Cora whispered, her voice trembling with the residual fear Juliette had planted.
"Never," Victor said fiercely, pulling back to look directly into her eyes. "You are my entire world, Cora. No one will ever take you away from me. The woman who said those things is gone. She will never, ever come back to this house."
Cora sniffled, nodding slowly as she accepted his absolute certainty. "Violet said you wouldn't let the bad lady hurt me."
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Victor looked up. Violet was standing quietly by the armchair, her hands clasped together, her graceful posture a testament to her quiet strength. She had risked everything to protect a stranger's child, and in doing so, had protected his own.
"Violet is very smart," Victor said softly, keeping his eyes locked on the beautiful maid. "And incredibly brave."
