Chapter 3 - Shadows of the Estate
The rain hammered against the floor-to-ceiling windows of the Hamptons mansion, washing away the remnants of the stormy night. Down in the courtyard, the heavy steel security gates swung open as three black armored SUVs idled, their engines rumbling like caged beasts.
Rory walked down the grand staircase, his heavy boots echoing through the cavernous foyer. He had traded his soft T-shirt for a tailored charcoal suit, the jacket buttoned tight across his broad chest, a heavy gold signet ring catching the dim hallway light.
Veronica stood near the base of the stairs, quietly folding a spare wool blanket. She expected him to leave, to vanish into the city night to mete out bloody, underworld justice. Instead, Rory stopped two steps above her, turning his piercing gaze toward the maid.
"You saved my daughters," Rory said, his voice stripped of its usual guarded coldness. "Every doctor, every high-priced specialist I hired, told me it was night terrors, colic, psychological trauma. None of them looked at the bear."
"I was a pediatric nurse before I took this job, Mr. Starks," Veronica answered evenly, keeping her eyes respectfully lowered. "Medical degrees teach you to look at charts. Working wards teaches you to watch children."
Rory studied her closely. In his world, everyone had an angle. Everyone wanted something—money, protection, or revenge. Yet Veronica stood before him in a simple maid's uniform, her posture dignified and calm, showing no fear despite the aura of absolute danger surrounding him.
"You're wasted cleaning rooms, Veronica," Rory stated flatly. "As of tonight, you are officially promoted. Head of household security and personal guardian to Lily and Rose. Double your salary, effective immediately."
Veronica looked up, her dark eyes meeting his unblinkingly. "I accept the promotion, Mr. Starks. But money won't fix what's broken in this house. Susan Thompson didn't build that device alone. She doesn't have the technical expertise to wire a custom psycho-acoustic emitter. Someone helped her."
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Rory’s eyes narrowed. "Find out who. While I go talk to my dear sister-in-law, I want you to tear apart the east wing. Look for anything else that doesn't belong."
With a sharp nod, Rory turned and strode out into the rain, leaving Veronica standing alone in the grand hallway as the clock struck four.
