Chapter 2 - THE ARRIVAL OF THE UNKNOWN GIANTThe cars didn't park in the designated visitor lot near the administrative office; they pulled right up to the grass line, blocking the view of the street.
Director Henderson hurried out of the main building, his tie askew, sweating profusely despite the mild morning breeze. Henderson was a man who lived in terror of two things: state funding audits and wealthy donors pulling their checks. When the rear door of the lead car opened, Henderson’s expression shifted from panic to absolute, submissive terror.
A man stepped out.
He wasn’t wearing the standard corporate uniform of the board members who usually visited—no tailored gray suit with a matching tie. Instead, Julian Vance wore a charcoal turtleneck under an expensive cashmere overcoat, his silver-streaked dark hair combed back precisely. He looked like a man who owned mountains, rivers, and the very air people breathed.
Behind him, two security guards hauled massive cardboard donation boxes marked with the emblem of Vance Global Logistics.
“Mr. Vance! Sir! What an unexpected, absolute honor!” Henderson bumbled forward, his hand outstretched like a beggar clutching for coins. “If we had known the titan of industrial shipping was gracing St. Jude’s today, we would have rolled out the red carpet!”
Julian Vance didn't take Henderson's hand. His cold, piercing grey eyes swept across the playground, ignoring the director entirely.
“You can spare the performance, Henderson,” Julian’s voice was deep, smooth, and laced with absolute authority. “I’m here for an inspection. I was told this facility met state standards of accessibility. But looking at your front steps, I see a flight of stairs and no ramp. Interesting definition of accessible.”
Henderson swallowed hard, his face turning pale. “Ah, well, the historical nature of the building—”
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“Spare me the bureaucracy,” Julian cut him off coldly. He turned his head, scanning the grounds.
And then, his gaze locked onto the old oak tree.
