Chapter 3 - The Threshold CrossedThe private executive elevator chimed—a chime rarely heard on standard workdays. Arthur spun around, expecting the private building security guards he had summoned to haul Clara out.
Instead, four imposing figures emerged, led by Thomas Ward. Ward’s posture was granite, his silver hair neatly combed, and his sharp grey eyes immediately took in the scene: the scattered baby clothing, Clara writhing in labor on the floor, Elena shielding her, and Arthur standing over them with his hand raised in mid-threat.
"What is this circus?" Arthur demanded, stepping forward to reclaim authority. "Who authorized your entry to this floor? This is a private corporate workspace, and we are handling an insubordinate employee. Identify yourselves immediately, or I'll have you arrested."
Ward didn't even look at Arthur. His gaze locked directly onto the man standing by the mop bucket.
Frank stepped forward. The tired, slumped posture of the quiet custodian melted away in an instant. His spine straightened, his gaze turned razor-sharp, and the air around him shifted palpably.
"Report, Thomas," Frank said quietly.
Ward inclined his head with deep, unwavering deference. "The premises are secured, Chairman Sterling. The specialized medical transport is parked at the entrance bay. Paramedics are stepping out of the second car right now."
May you like
Arthur froze. His hand, still clutching his phone, trembled slightly. "C-Chairman? What kind of practical joke is this? That’s Frank! He’s cleaned the toilets here for three years!"
"And for three years," Frank replied, his voice calm yet carrying the weight of a judge passing sentence, "I have watched how men behave when they believe no one of consequence is watching."
Related Stories
