Chapter 2: The Truth Upstairs
Harper barely remained conscious when the library door opened again.
This time...
Dominic entered.
He immediately noticed the blood on her forehead.
The swollen hand.
The torn sleeve.
The broken receiver scattered across the Persian rug.
His expression never changed.
That frightened Grayson more than any shouting could have.
Dominic slowly knelt beside Harper.
"Can you stand?"
She nodded weakly.
He removed his overcoat and gently wrapped it around her shoulders.
Only then did he stand.
His eyes settled on Paige.
The broken champagne stem was still in her hand.
"You used that?"
Paige instinctively hid it behind her back.
"No..."
Dominic extended his hand.
One of his security officers quietly handed him a small evidence pouch.
Without speaking, Dominic picked up the broken glass and sealed it inside.
Another officer photographed the room.
Every broken object.
Every bloodstain.
Every bruise.
Grayson finally stepped forward.
"This is my family."
Dominic answered without looking at him.
"No."
He glanced toward Harper.
"This is my family."
The room froze.
Harper looked up in disbelief.
"So... my mother wasn't lying?"
Dominic finally met her eyes.
May you like
"I promised your mother that if she ever needed me..."
"...I'd come."
