Chapter 2 - The Shattered Toy
The cinematic tension in the grand dining room was completely paralyzing.
Vanessa didn't realize Dominic had walked in. She was completely intoxicated by the toxic power of degrading the young maid in front of the city's elite.
"I told you not to bring this filthy brat into the main house!" Vanessa shrieked like a feral banshee, stepping aggressively closer to the cowering four-year-old.
Before Claire could block her, Vanessa reached down and violently snatched the small wooden horse right out of Noah's tiny hands.
"No!" Noah cried out softly, his lip quivering.
"You don't belong here!" Vanessa sneered, violently tossing the wooden toy onto the pristine dining table. It clattered loudly against the expensive gold-rimmed plates.
Noah didn't scream or throw a tantrum. The absolute, terrifying restraint the four-year-old child showed was infinitely more heartbreaking. He simply pressed his small face tightly against Claire’s leg, hiding from the monster in the red dress.
"Mommy," Noah whispered, his tiny voice cracking with profound, innocent devastation. "Am I a mistake?"
Claire stopped breathing. The air in her lungs violently turned to absolute ice. She wrapped her arms fiercely, protectively around her son, fighting back heavy, burning tears of sheer agony.
But before Claire could grab her child and run, a low, incredibly dangerous voice echoed across the silent room.
"Step away from them."
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Dominic walked slowly toward the center of the dining room.
👉 What completely impossible detail will the mafia boss notice on the table?
