Chapter 10 - Sanctuary in the Highlands
The Vance estate was quiet when the convoy arrived past midnight. The rain had slowed to a gentle mist, wrapping the manicured pine trees and stone facades in a quiet shroud. Arthur carried Claire into the grand hall, where Dr. Evelyn Hayes, the Vance family physician for over twenty years, was already waiting with medical supplies and two nurses.
""Set her in the garden suite, Arthur,"" Dr. Hayes said quietly, her professional demeanor masking the deep sorrow she felt seeing Claire in such a state. ""Let me look at those injuries.""
Arthur gently set his daughter on the large plush bed. Claire tried to hold onto his sleeve, fear flickering in her eyes whenever he moved away.
""I am not leaving, Claire,"" Arthur assured her, kissing her forehead softly. ""I will be right outside this door. Evelyn will tend to your cuts. No one enters this house who does not love you.""
He stepped into the corridor, leaning against his cane as the heavy oak door clicked shut. The cold mask of composure he had worn at the Sterling Tower cracked slightly, revealing the profound weariness of a father who had nearly lost his only child.
Marcus approached, holding a secure tablet. ""Arthur. Raymond Sterling has been trying to reach your private line every two minutes. He claims he had no knowledge of his son's actions. He’s pleading for an emergency meeting to stop the financial freeze.""
Arthur’s eyes turned hard once more. ""Tell Raymond that ignorance is an expensive luxury. If he wants to save his personal freedom, he will instruct Julian to sign every legal document we put before him by noon tomorrow. If not, the federal auditors will be the least of his concerns.""
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""And Julian?"" Marcus asked.
""Julian is a cornered rat,"" Arthur said, staring down the dimly lit hallway. ""Watch him closely. Cornered rats either roll over and die, or they attempt something desperately foolish.""
