Chapter 3 - the trembling whisper
The room seemed to drop several degrees in temperature.
Dominic took another step toward the chairs, his hand reaching out in a smooth, placating gesture. "Isabella is delicate right now. Forcing her to open her keepsake will only cause unnecessary stress, Vincent. As her legal guardian's counsel, I strongly advise we let the doctors proceed with their standard therapy."
As Dominic spoke, Isabella didn't just turn away—she violently recoiled. She drew her knees to her chest, curling her body away from the sound of Dominic’s voice, her white swan music box shaking in her trembling hands.
Vincent saw it. The sharp, instinctual recoil of his daughter at the sound of his most trusted adviser's voice did not escape his notice.
Vincent turned slowly away from the specialists. His muscular frame squared toward Dominic, his blue eyes hardening into cold steel.
"Dominic," Vincent said softly, his voice dropping into a dangerous register. "Step back."
Dominic paused, his calm expression faltering for a fraction of a second. "Vincent, I am only thinking of Isabella's well-being—"
With a simple flick of Vincent's wrist, two large, suited bodyguards who stood near the doors stepped forward, immediately placing themselves between Dominic and the child.
May you like
In the sudden stillness, Isabella raised her chin just a fraction of an inch. Her eyes, filled with unshed tears, looked straight past the specialists and locked onto Vincent.
"Daddy," Isabella whispered, her voice barely audible, trembling like a leaf in the wind.
