Chapter 3 - Richard’s Cowardice
Richard did not come closer.
That was the cruelest part.
He wanted to.
Ethan could see it in the tremor of his father’s hands, in the way his weight shifted forward, in the wet panic gathering behind his eyes.
But Victoria stood between them like a law Richard had chosen to obey.
She did not need to touch him.
She only turned her head.
That was enough.
Richard lowered his gaze.
Ethan watched the motion with a pain sharper than anything in his ribs.
He had been dragged home battered, conscious, and barely standing.
His father had seen him.
Had seen the blood on his shirt.
The bruise near his cheekbone.
The torn trousers.
The way one hand protected his side.
And still Richard looked at Victoria first.
Victoria understood her power over him.
She turned that power into performance.
“Look at him,” she said, sweeping one hand toward Ethan. “Drama even now.”
The attorney’s mouth tightened.
He looked toward Richard.
“Mr. Hale, I strongly recommend medical care before any discussion of documents.”
Victoria snapped toward him.
“You are here to witness signatures, not give advice.”
The attorney’s eyes hardened.
“I am here to witness legality.”
The word shifted the air.
Legality.
Not obedience.
Not reputation.
Not Victoria’s version of truth.
Victoria’s diamond bracelet rattled as her fist clenched.
Richard whispered, “Maybe we should wait.”
Victoria turned slowly.
Richard’s face drained.
The same fear.
The same obedience.
But this time, the police lights outside flashed again through the glass doors.
Red.
Blue.
Red.
Blue.
Richard looked toward them.
His terror changed shape.
Victoria saw it and hissed, “Do not open that door.”
Ethan smiled faintly through his pain.
“No one asked you to.”
No officers entered.
No explanation came.
Only light.
Only Ethan’s raised drive.
May you like
Only the first crack in Victoria’s control.
Read Chapter 4 👉 Because Richard’s fear had always protected Victoria, until the lights outside made him afraid of something bigger.
