Chapter 2: The Gates Open
Chapter 2: The Gates Open
Vivian never answered Elise.
Instead, she slowly slipped her phone into the hidden pocket sewn inside her evening gown.
Then, without asking for anyone's help, she rose gracefully to her feet.
The ballroom remained silent.
Not because anyone respected her.
Because everyone was waiting to see whether she would finally break.
Julian adjusted his cuff links.
"Much better," he said. "Now let's stop embarrassing ourselves."
"Ourself?" Vivian asked quietly.
"I think you mean yourself."
A faint mechanical sound echoed through the conservatory.
Click.
Several guests turned toward the northern windows.
Beyond the gardens...
Headlights appeared.
One black SUV.
Then another.
Then four more.
The convoy rolled through the wrought-iron gates with disciplined precision.
The music stopped.
The violinist lowered his bow.
The estate's elderly butler, Malcolm, closed his eyes for a brief second.
"They came," he whispered.
Julian laughed.
"Probably another charity committee."
Malcolm looked directly at him.
"No, sir."
"They're Hartwell Security."
The front doors opened.
Six security officers entered first.
Behind them walked a distinguished man in his late sixties wearing a charcoal overcoat and carrying a leather document case.
Every employee of the estate immediately straightened.
"Mr. Ashcroft," Malcolm greeted.
The man nodded politely before walking directly toward Vivian.
He bowed.
"Miss Hartwell."
"The Board is waiting."
A murmur swept through the ballroom.
Julian frowned.
"What board?"
Ashcroft slowly turned.
"The Hartwell Family Trust."
May you like
He looked at Julian without emotion.
"The one you were never meant to control."
