Ten tense minutes passed in total silence outside the mansion. Julian remained near the doorway, casually sipping his glass of expensive whiskey while chatting with Victoria about remodeling the master suite. He paid no attention to Clara, who stood silently beside the main fountain in the driveway, her posture straight despite her puffy eyes and bruised face. She could hear the faint sound of traffic off in the distance, but her focus was entirely on the main security gates at the end of the long driveway. She knew her father never made empty promises, especially when it came to protecting his only daughter.
Suddenly, the high-pitched hum of high-performance engines echoed down the quiet street. The massive iron security gates swung open automatically as two sleek, midnight-black SUVs pulled onto the property at full speed. The heavy vehicles drove up the curved driveway, kicking up tiny pieces of gravel before coming to a sudden, coordinated stop right in front of the steps. The sudden arrival of the dark convoy caused Julian to pause his conversation. He set his drink down on a nearby side table and squinted against the bright daylight, trying to figure out who was trespassing on his private property without permission.
The car doors slammed shut in unison with a loud, metallic thud that rang across the courtyard. Four broad-shouldered security guards dressed in matching dark suits stepped out of the first vehicle, immediately taking strategic positions around the entrance. Then, the rear door of the second SUV opened, and an older man in a perfect custom-tailored suit stepped out onto the driveway. Arthur Vance possessed a powerful presence that commanded instant respect from everyone in the room. His face was carved from hard granite, his eyes cold and dangerous as he surveyed the property before locking his gaze directly onto Clara's swollen, bruised cheek.
Arthur: Clara. Come here to me.
Clara: Oh, Dad...
Arthur: Take a breath, sweetheart. Nobody is ever going to hurt you again.
Julian: Who the hell do you think you are, bringing armed guards into my home?!
Arthur ignored Julian completely as he walked over to Clara, wrapping his arms around her fragile shoulders for a long, protective moment. He looked down at her red skin, his jaw clenching so hard that the muscles in his neck turned tight as steel cables. For years, Arthur had accepted Clara's choice to live a independent life away from the family empire, even when he doubted Julian's true character. But seeing his daughter physically battered broke every piece of patience he possessed. He turned slowly toward the grand entrance, his eyes turning dark with absolute rage as he began walking up the front marble steps.