Chapter 2: Threshold of the Estate
The silence that followed Julian's words was heavier than the crystal chandelier overhead. Victoria's fingers turned white around the stem of her wine glass, her lips parting in a soundless protest before she smoothed her expression into a mask of icy disdain. "The veterinarian handled the disposal months ago, Julian. The animal was sick, dangerous, finished. You're making a scene in front of our guests."
Julian rose slowly from the floor, his height dwarfing Victoria even as she stood tall in her heels. He kept one hand firmly on the dog's collar. The animal leaned against his leg, no longer shivering as violently now that it recognized its master's scent. "The vet told me he was put down because of organ failure," Julian said, each word measured and lethal. "Yet here he is, found freezing behind our own catering pavilion on a Tuesday night."
"The staff makes mistakes," Victoria snapped, glancing nervously at the murmuring guests at the far end of the long table. "The agency sends incompetent girls who let strays wander in off the street. Look at her—she's nothing more than a common thief bringing filth into my home."
I shrank back slightly toward the swinging kitchen doors, my hands still trembling in the folds of my apron. I had only wanted to save the dog from the rising puddles in the back alley, but now I stood at the epicenter of a war I didn't understand. Julian turned his head slightly, his dark eyes sweeping past Victoria to land directly on me. There was no anger in his gaze now, only a quiet, burning calculation.
"You," Julian said, his voice dropping an octave. "What's your name?"
"Clara, sir," I managed to say, swallowing the lump in my throat.
"Clara. Pack your things," Julian instructed, turning back to the dog and lifting the medium-sized shepherd effortlessly into his arms, ignoring the dirt and water that smeared across his custom tuxedo jacket. "You're not fired. Victoria is ending your shift early, but I am doubling your wages for the night. Meet me in the east study in ten minutes."
May you like
Victoria's face drained of color. "Julian, you cannot be serious. You're rewarding insubordination over a mangy stray?"
"I'm finding out why my dog was buried in a shallow grave of lies," Julian replied without looking back, carrying the animal through the arched doorway and leaving Victoria standing alone at the head of the table amidst a sea of silent, watching faces.
