Chapter 4 - the secret lock
Vincent froze. Hearing his daughter’s voice for the first time in six terrifying months hit his chest like a physical impact. He dropped to his knees right in front of her armchair, his large, tattooed hand gently reaching out, though he was careful not to touch her.
"Isabella," Vincent breathed, his fierce, commanding persona melting into raw fatherly devotion. "I'm here, baby. I'm right here."
Beside her mother, Ellie stepped a little closer, squeezing her stuffed rabbit tightly against her bright red dress. She pointed her small finger back and forth—first at the white swan music box, and then straight at Dominic, who stood pinned behind the two bodyguards.
Dominic’s face had gone completely pale, his hands clenching into tight fists at his sides.
"He doesn’t want her to open it," Ellie whispered, her innocent voice cutting through the room like a cold blade.
Vincent’s gaze snapped from his daughter straight to Dominic. "Is that true, Dominic?"
"This is absurd!" Dominic declared, his voice tight as he adjusted his charcoal suit jacket. "You're listening to the ramblings of a four-year-old maid's child! I have spent ten years protecting your family, Vincent! I managed your estate, your legal affairs, your late wife's trust—"
"Then you won't mind if we open the box," Vincent interrupted coldly.
May you like
He reached down toward the white swan music box. Isabella didn't fight him; instead, she gently pushed the box into her father's hands, her rosy cheeks still stained with quiet tears.
Vincent turned the music box over. On the surface, it appeared to be a standard porcelain trinket with a winding key on the bottom. But as he ran his calloused fingers along the polished wooden base, he felt a faint seam along the velvet lining inside.
