Chapter 9 - The Poison in the Glass
Before Jonathan could speak, Celeste stepped back into the hallway from the grand ballroom entrance.
She was no longer alone. Two security guards from the estate stood behind her.
"Jonathan, darling," Celeste said smoothly, her voice completely calm. "Thank goodness you found her. Maya has completely lost her mind."
Jonathan turned on his heel, his face contorted in rage. "Celeste... what is Noah doing here?!"
Celeste didn't blink. She offered a look of deep, sorrowful concern.
"I didn't want to tell you like this, Jonathan," Celeste sighed softly, stepping up beside him. "Noah suffered a severe psychotic break three weeks ago. He became violent toward himself. The doctors recommended a quiet, sensory-deprived isolation room right here on the estate until the transport team arrived."
"He's starving, Celeste!" Jonathan roared, pointing at his son. "He's covered in bruises!"
"That's from his episodes, darling," Celeste explained, her tone dripping with fake sympathy. "And Maya... Maya has been feeding his delusions. She was hired to clean, not to intervene in medical treatments."
Celeste signaled the security guards.
"Take the child back to his room," Celeste commanded softly. "And escort Maya off the property immediately before she causes a scene in front of our donors."
The two guards stepped forward, their massive frames blocking the exit.
Maya pulled Noah tighter against her chest, stepping back toward the broken frame. "Don't touch him!"
"Jonathan, please," Celeste urged, wrapping her arm around his waist. "Let the professionals handle this. Think of the foundation's reputation tonight."
Jonathan looked at Celeste’s calm, beautiful face. Then he looked at his son’s terror-stricken eyes.
For the first time in three years, Jonathan saw past the blue silk gown and the diamond necklaces.
May you like
He saw the monster standing beside him.
"Get your hands off me," Jonathan whispered, shoving Celeste away with such force she stumbled back against the wall.
