Chapter 4 - The Shield of Navy
Mr. Vance reached the bottom of the staircase, completely ignoring Victoria’s trembling explanation. He stepped directly between the security guards and the boy, placing a large, warm, protective hand on the child's trembling shoulder.
The contrast was stark: the impeccably tailored navy wool of the billionaire’s suit resting against the threadbare, stained brown cotton of the street orphan’s coat. The boy looked up into the elderly man's face, his tears stopping as he recognized the gentle, dark eyes looking down at him.
"Are you hurt, Leo?" Mr. Vance asked, his tone dropping into a rich, compassionate purr that washed away the cold fear in the air.
The boy shook his head softly, holding out the small black velvet box in his trembling hands. "I brought it back, Grandpa... just like you asked me to."
Victoria’s jaw dropped slightly, her eyes widening in absolute horror as the words registered in her brain. "G-Grandpa...?" she stuttered, her voice losing every ounce of its former authority.
May you like
Mr. Vance raised his head, turning his dark, icy gaze toward Victoria. The gentle warmth in his face vanished entirely, replaced by a cold, lethal fury that turned the air in the boutique to ice.
"Do you know who he is?" Mr. Vance said, his voice echoing cleanly across the quiet lobby. "He is my grandson. And the true owner of this store."
