Chapter 5 - The Intruder in the Sunlit NurseryWhile Marcus finalized the criminal evidentiary portfolio, Annie was in the kitchen preparing warm tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for the twins.
Jordan and Justin sat at the low breakfast bar, laughing softly as Annie playfully folded their napkins into paper boats. For the first time in over a year, the hollow silence of the mansion was broken by the sweet, innocent sound of children's laughter.
I stood in the kitchen doorway, watching them in silence.
The heavy front door clicked open.
High heels clicked across the marble foyer, followed by the cloyingly sweet scent of expensive French tuberose perfume.
Victoria Vance strode into the kitchen wearing an ivory cashmere coat, carrying a shopping bag from Bergdorf Goodman.
"Edward, darling!" Victoria beamed, ignoring the two armed security guards standing in the vestibule. "I saw your car in the driveway! I brought the sweetest little sailor suits for the boys."
Her smile froze when she saw Annie standing beside the stove, wearing a clean apron.
Victoria’s eyes narrowed into venomous slits.
"Why is this girl still in your house, Edward?" Victoria scoffed, setting her designer handbag onto the marble island with an irritated snap. "I specifically told your estate manager that she was insubordinate and completely unqualified. She belongs in an industrial laundry, not around your traumatized sons."
Jordan and Justin instantly shrank back, clutching Annie’s skirt.
Annie didn't flinch. She stepped forward half an inch, placing herself squarely between the children and Victoria.
"The boys are having their dinner, Miss Vance," Annie said calmly. "Please don't raise your voice."
"How dare you speak to me!" Victoria hissed, raising her manicured hand to shove Annie aside. "Get out of my way before I—"
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Before Victoria’s fingers could touch Annie's collar, I stepped between them.
My hand clamped around Victoria’s wrist like an iron vise.
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