Chapter 2 - The Lion in His Den
The private penthouse in the center of the financial district was wrapped in deep, heavy shadows.
Harrison sat with absolute composure behind a massive, hand-carved mahogany desk in his private study.
Evelyn was completely buried beneath a thick cashmere blanket on the oversized leather sofa nearby.
A freshly poured, steaming cup of chamomile tea sat entirely untouched on the side table beside her.
"Drink the tea, Evelyn," Harrison instructed softly, his voice devoid of the terrifying rage from earlier.
Evelyn slowly looked up, her bloodshot, swollen eyes reflecting the dim glow of the fireplace.
"Why did you come back tonight, Uncle Harrison?" she asked in a small, fragile voice.
"You were supposed to be overseas in London for the rest of the year."
Harrison set his crystal glass down without making a single sound against the wood.
"I received a urgent coded transmission from the mansion's head housekeeper two hours ago," Harrison replied.
"She informed me that Julian had locked you inside the wine cellar without food for three whole days."
Evelyn shuddered violently at the sound of her husband's name, pulling the blanket tighter.
"He forced me to put my hand on those legal transfer documents," she whispered, her voice cracking.
"He explicitly swore that he would cut off Leo’s medical support if I dared to refuse him."
Harrison’s right hand slowly clenched around his fountain pen until the heavy barrel emitted a sharp groan.
"Julian is a foolish, greedy little parasite," Harrison said, his tone ominously calm and smooth.
"He truly convinced himself that marrying you gave him supreme authority over the Vance dynasty."
"He... he doesn't actually know about your true position in the foundation, does he?" Evelyn asked softly.
"No," Harrison answered, a cold, ruthless smile creeping onto his sharp features.
"To that entire foolish family, I am merely an eccentric, retired relative living quietly off a pension."
"They have no idea that I created the trust fund they have been desperately trying to drain."
Suddenly, the encrypted intercom system on his desk buzzed with a sharp, harsh tone.
The deep voice of the primary ground-floor security chief came through the speaker clearly.
"Sir, Mr. Julian Vance is currently causing a massive physical disturbance in the main building lobby."
"He is screaming at the front desk, claiming his wife was forcibly kidnapped, and demanding entry."
Harrison gently picked up his fountain pen and capped it with a satisfying click.
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"Let him come up," Harrison commanded softly into the microphone.
"Let the boy see what happens when a petty thief wanders directly into a hungry lion's den."
