Chapter 3 - The Threat Behind the Veil
Mrs. Grayson didn't panic. Instead, she slowly stood up, smoothing the front of her expensive wool skirt. The grandmotherly facade completely vanished, replaced by a cold, arrogant sneer that revealed her true nature.
"You won't call the police, Nathan," she said softly, walking toward the grand staircase. "Because if you do, I will ensure that the Charleston Child Protective Services receive a very detailed report about your constant absences. I have kept a meticulous log of every single night you left this little girl alone under my supervision while you were off chasing corporate contracts. Who do you think the family courts will believe? A reputable governess from the Arrington Agency, or an unstable, grieving widower who doesn't even know what his daughter does at night?"
Emma flinched, burying her face into Nathan’s wet neck, sobbing softly. "Daddy, don't let her take me away."
Nathan squeezed his daughter tighter. His mind, trained by years of cutthroat corporate acquisitions, immediately began scanning the situation for legal leverage. He knew the Arrington Agency had deep roots in South Carolina high society. A public scandal could trigger an ugly custody battle that Emma’s fragile mental state couldn't handle.
"Ten minutes, Mrs. Grayson," Nathan said, his face a mask of absolute stone. "Your threats mean nothing to me."
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"We shall see," Mrs. Grayson whispered maliciously as she walked up the stairs to gather her things.
Nathan carried Emma straight into the master bathroom. He turned on the warm water, gently washing the mud from her bruised feet and scraped knees. He wrapped her in his largest, softest cashmere robe and carried her to his own bed, locking the door behind them. He knew this was only the first battle in a war that was about to turn incredibly ugly.
