Chapter 2 - THE PROTECTIVE SHIELD
While the dinner party continued in the main hall, Denise Carter stood in the kitchen pantry, her hands shaking violently as she adjusted Mabel’s cardigan.
"Sweetheart," Denise whispered, her eyes brimmed with tears. "Are you sure... are you sure you saw him?"
Mabel nodded solemnly, hugging her worn stuffed bear against her chest. "He had a tiny glass bottle, Mommy. Like the drops Dr. Stevens uses for my ears. He squeezed it into the red juice, then he put it in his coat pocket."
Denise pulled her daughter close, burying her face in Mabel’s dark curls. She was terrified. In her world, rich and powerful men like Victor Langford did not lose. If Victor realized Mabel was the only witness to a crime, Denise knew her little family’s safety—and lives—were in grave danger.
The pantry door opened softly.
Denise jumped, pushing Mabel behind her back defensively.
Preston Hale stepped inside, followed closely by Ethan Brooks.
"Mr. Hale!" Denise gasped, her breath catching in her throat. "I am so sorry... I’ve packed Mabel’s things. We can leave immediately through the back service gate. Please don't fire me—I swear we won't say a word to anyone—"
"Denise, stop," Preston said gently, raising a hand.
He walked over, kneeling down on the tile floor until he was eye-level with three-year-old Mabel. The feared billionaire titan looked at the little girl with a warmth and gratitude so profound it made Denise freeze.
"Hello, Mabel," Preston said softly.
"Hi, Mr. Hale," Mabel replied, holding out her purple crayon. "Did you drink your red juice?"
"No, Mabel," Preston smiled warmly, his eyes glistening. "I didn't drink it. Because you were brave enough to tell me the truth."
He looked up at Denise, his expression turning resolute. "Denise, you are not losing your job. You and Mabel are under my personal protection from this second forward."
Ethan stepped forward, handing Denise a keycard. "I’m having a private security team move you and Mabel to the estate’s secure guest house immediately. No one enters or leaves that wing without my personal authorization."
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"Mr. Hale... I don't understand," Denise stammered, overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events.
"Your daughter saved my life tonight, Denise," Preston said, standing up and placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "And in my family, we protect the people who stand by us. Now, go with Ethan. I have a dinner party to finish."
