Chapter 24: The Unwelcome Guest

The following morning, the war came to their doorstep. Vance Sterling, bypassing all professional boundaries, arrived at the Pendelton estate unannounced. He was dressed in a sharp, intimidating suit, his eyes roaming the grand foyer with naked avarice. He had come to deliver an ultimatum directly to Arthur, hoping to catch him off-guard on his home turf.
Rosa, professional as always, opened the door. She instantly recognized the type of man standing on the threshold. She had spent decades working for men exactly like him. She offered him a stiff greeting and led him to the formal drawing room, her protective instincts immediately flaring. The peace of the house had been breached.