Chapter 7 - The Uninvited Guest
The tranquility of the Newport estate was shattered just as the main course was being served.
One of the private security guards appeared quietly at the edge of the dining room, leaning down to whisper into Marcus’s ear. Marcus’s expression tightened instantly, his blue eyes flashing with cold authority.
"What is it?" I asked, lowering my fork.
"We have an uninvited visitor at the outer security gate," Marcus said, his voice measured. "Someone managed to bypass the perimeter intercom by tailgating a catering van."
"Who?"
"Your father."
I blinked in surprise. Dad? He had never left the state, let alone traveled all the way to our private residence in Newport.
"Let him in," I instructed after a brief moment of hesitation. "Put him in the conservatory. I'll meet him there."
Five minutes later, I walked into the glass-walled conservatory.
Dad was standing by a marble fountain, looking thoroughly overwhelmed by the soaring ceilings, priceless art, and sweeping ocean views. When he saw me enter, his shoulders slumped in exhaustion.
"Amelia," he breathed, rubbing his temples. "Thank God you’re here. Security treated me like a criminal downstairs."
"You bypassed a high-security gate, Dad," I pointed out, crossing my arms. "What are you doing here? Did something happen to Mom?"
May you like
Dad shook his head slowly, sinking into a velvet armchair. "No. Mom’s fine physically. But our house... Amelia, we had to put the house on the market."
The words hung in the air between us, heavy and suffocating.
