Chapter 7: The High-Stakes Ultimatum
Chapter 7: The High-Stakes Ultimatum
Before Vivienne could launch a counterattack, another luxury vehicle arrived. Clara’s husband, Julian, stepped out. He wore a bespoke suit and an expression of furious entitlement.
"Get in the car, Clara," Julian commanded, completely ignoring Eleanor and Lila.
Clara trembled. She looked at the open door of the Rest House, a place that promised safety, and then at the open door of the town car, a place that promised a return to her gilded cage.
"Julian, please," Clara whispered. "I just need a few days to rest. I can't breathe."
"You are embarrassing me," Julian snapped, grabbing her wrist. "If you walk into this charity house, you are done. Your credit cards will be cut. I will lock you out of the estate. You will have nothing."
Lila stepped forward, her presence a quiet anchor in the escalating storm.
"Let go of her wrist," Lila said. She didn't shout. The authority in her voice was absolute because it was forged in her own survival.
May you like
Julian scoffed. "This is a private family matter. Stay out of it."
"There is nothing private about abuse," Lila replied, holding his gaze without a single flinch. "And she is standing on my property."
