Chapter 7 - Dominic’s Portfolio
Dominic had always looked calm because calm was profitable.
He had built a life out of measured sentences, polished shoes, and folders that frightened people before anyone opened them.
Now the portfolio trembled slightly in his hand.
Julian saw it.
So did Clara.
So did Eleanor.
Dominic looked toward the camera in the vent again.
Just once.
But once was enough.
Julian followed the glance.
“You know what that is.”
Dominic’s jaw tightened.
“I know hospitals have security systems.”
“That one is hidden.”
Dominic said nothing.
Eleanor cut in sharply.
“Enough about the camera.”
Julian turned slowly toward her.
“Why?”
Her eyes widened.
The question trapped her.
Because if the camera was harmless, there was no reason to fear it.
If Clara was lying, the camera might prove it.
If the papers were legitimate, the camera could only support them.
Unless the camera had seen the wrong people doing the wrong things.
Clara’s voice came from the bed.
“They didn’t know it was there.”
Eleanor’s face twisted.
“You little—”
Julian stepped forward so fast Eleanor recoiled.
He did not touch her.
He did not need to.
“Finish that sentence carefully.”
The room froze.
Dominic’s hand closed harder around the folder.
The baby shifted in the bassinet, still asleep.
Clara’s eyes widened at Julian’s tone.
Not afraid of him.
Afraid of what Eleanor might do now that control was slipping.
Eleanor adjusted her emerald jacket, trying to rebuild dignity.
“You are making a mistake.”
Julian looked at the portfolio.
“No. I made one when I walked in believing you.”
The sentence hit Clara with visible force.
Tears kept falling, but her breathing changed.
Less frantic.
More present.
Dominic cleared his throat.
“Julian, perhaps we should step into the hallway.”
Julian did not look away from him.
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“No more hallway conversations.”
Read Chapter 8 👉 Because Julian refused to leave the room, and that meant Eleanor could no longer control the story away from Clara.
