Chapter 4 - The Patriarch’s WrathArthur stepped so close to Victoria that she was forced to take an involuntary step back, her back hitting the stone balustrade. The air on the terrace grew heavy, laden with the weight of generations of power and unspoken truths.
"Don't touch her," Arthur whispered, every word sharp as a razor blade. "Lay a hand on Clara or my granddaughter again, and I swear to God, I will ruin you. I will strip away every cent, every title, and every privilege you ever thought you possessed, and throw you out into the street with nothing."
Victoria swallowed hard, her throat tightening as panic finally took hold. She looked around for support among the guests, but every single face turned away in disgust. Without another word, Victoria turned on her heel and fled down the driveway, humiliated and defeated.
Arthur watched her go before turning back to look at Clara, who was still kneeling on the ground, holding trembling little Lily close to her chest.
Slowly, the older man's harsh expression softened. He knelt down on one knee, ignoring the dust on his expensive trousers, and looked directly into Clara's tear-filled eyes.
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"I am sorry," Arthur said quietly, his voice filled with a deep, long-overdue sincerity. "I let arrogance blind me for too long. But this is your home, and no one will ever disrespect you in it again."
Clara looked up, stunned by the rare display of vulnerability from her father-in-law. Slowly, a small, grateful nod passed between them.
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