Chapter 2 - The Silent War
"Upstairs. Now," Nathan commanded, rising while keeping Emma cradled in his left arm and holding Leo and Lucas with his right hand.
"Nathan, think about what you're doing!" Victoria snapped, her terror suddenly twisting back into defensive rage as she followed him up the stairs. "If anyone sees them like this, it will destroy us! The media, the board, the foundation—"
"If you speak another word in front of these children, Victoria, I will forget every law I've ever sworn to follow," Nathan said without looking back.
He led the kids to his private study on the third floor—a room Victoria never had access to. He locked the heavy mahogany door, wrapped the children in warm cashmere blankets from his sofa, and ordered the kitchen staff to bring up hot soup and warm milk.
Downstairs, Victoria was pacing frantically. When Nathan finally descended the grand staircase alone, she was waiting at the bottom, a glass of wine in her hand, trying to regain her composure.
"Let's be reasonable," Victoria said, forcing a calm tone. "We have an image, Nathan. A empire. You're never here—you're always traveling for business! Someone had to raise them with standards. I lost my temper tonight, fine. I admit it. But a trial? A divorce? It will ruin the Harrington name."
Nathan walked past her to the grand entrance where the old butler, Arthur, stood with his head bowed.
"Arthur," Nathan said quietly. "How long?"
Arthur's hands trembled. Tears leaked from the old man's eyes. "Three years, sir. Since... since she took control of the household staff. She threatened to ruin my daughter's business if I said a word. She kept the basement key on her at all times."
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"I understand," Nathan said softly. "Pack your things, Arthur. But first... call my chief of security and my private legal counsel. Tell them to be here in fifteen minutes."
Victoria dropped her wine glass. It shattered on the marble floor. "You wouldn't dare."
