Chapter 6
The profound, ringing silence of the grand dining room settled heavily over the remaining three figures. The cascading crystal chandeliers continued to cast their warm golden light over the abandoned gold-rimmed porcelain and half-empty crystal wine glasses. The opulent space, designed for celebration, now felt like a war room.
Felix stood silently for a moment, his broad shoulders rising and falling with a slow, controlled breath. The betrayal was absolute, the upcoming syndicate war with Cecile’s father inevitable, but the immediate, toxic sickness within his home had been surgically removed. Now, he had to secure his son.
He turned his body, his polished leather shoes pivoting seamlessly on the thick rug, and walked toward the two figures remaining by the head table.
Enid was kneeling on the floor, holding Aaron tightly in her arms. The sophisticated black maid dress contrasted sharply with the boy’s formal dinner jacket. Aaron had buried his face in the crook of Enid’s neck, his small body trembling from the shouting and the sudden violence of Cecile’s removal. Enid was gently stroking the child's hair, her softly heart-shaped face etched with deep, maternal relief.
Felix stopped beside them, his imposing, masculine frame casting a protective shadow over the housemaid and his son.
"Are you unharmed, Aaron?" Felix asked, his deep voice softening significantly, losing its lethal, interrogative edge.
Aaron turned his head, his fair, rosy cheeks stained with fresh tears. He looked at the towering mafia boss, his eyes searching for reassurance. "I'm sorry, Daddy. Are you going to be mad at me?"
"Would I ever be angry with you for telling me the truth about my mother?" Felix asked, reaching out to gently cup the boy’s cheek.
Aaron sniffled, leaning into his father's large, tattooed hand. "No."
"Are you a brave boy?" Felix asked, his thumb brushing away a tear.
"Yes," Aaron nodded, his small chin trembling.
Felix shifted his gaze to Enid. The beautiful housemaid was watching him, her expressive brows drawn together in quiet empathy. She had risked her job, her physical safety, and her life by bearing the abuse of the fiancée of a mafia boss to protect his child. The fierce loyalty she had displayed was a rare, precious commodity in Felix's dark, violent world.
"Are you in pain, Enid?" Felix asked, his cold, perceptive eyes scanning her delicate features, lingering briefly on the bruised cheekbone.
"No, Mr. Ravenshaw," Enid answered softly, her elegant posture unwavering even as she knelt on the floor. "I am perfectly fine."
"Will you take Aaron up to the secure wing and stay with him until I come for him?" Felix asked, holding her gaze with an intensity that sent a sudden, warm flutter through Enid’s chest.
"Yes, Mr. Ravenshaw," Enid replied, her rosy cheeks flushing slightly under his intense focus.
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Felix stood up, watching as the beautiful housemaid took his son's hand and led him out of the luminous dining room through a discrete service door. The impending war with the Ward syndicate loomed over him, but for the first time in six months, his house finally felt like a home again.
"Shall we prepare for what comes next?" Felix asked the empty room, turning to begin his preparations for absolute war.
