Chapter 1: The Echo on Marble
The heavy silence in the foyer was broken only by the sharp, rhythmic striking of Ethan’s leather shoes against the marble floor. He didn't stop until he was inches away from Victoria.
"What is wrong with me?" Ethan’s voice was dangerously low, a stark contrast to the ringing echo of the child’s fall. "You just threw my son onto the floor, Victoria. Like a piece of garbage."
Victoria stood her ground, her chin tilted upward in defiance. She smoothed the fabric of her elegant blue gown, completely unbothered by the sobbing toddler mere feet away. "He was ruining the silk, Ethan. And that girl," she spat, glaring down at the maid, "was overstepping her boundaries. Someone had to restore order."
Clara, the maid, didn't dare look up. She kept her body curled over little Leo, her hands gently running through his hair, murmuring soft, desperate reassurances. She could feel the boy trembling like a trapped bird.
"Restore order?" Ethan’s eyes darkened. He looked past his wife to the onlookers—Victoria’s parents, who stood frozen near the parlor doors. "Get out. All of you."
"Ethan, darling, don't make a scene," Victoria warned, her voice dripping with venomous sweetness.
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"I said get out!" he roared. The sheer force of his voice sent the older couple scrambling back into the parlor. Ethan crouched down next to Clara, his imposing frame shielding both her and the child from Victoria’s icy glare. He gently placed a hand on his son’s back. "Take him to his room, Clara. Lock the door. Do not let anyone in but me."
Clara nodded frantically, scooping the crying boy into her arms. She scrambled to her feet and practically ran up the grand staircase, leaving Ethan and Victoria alone in the vast, suffocating hall.
