Chapter 4 - The Unmasking
Raymond spun around, his face instantly smoothing into a servile grin. "Mrs. Whitmore! Not at all. I was just helping the young lady secure her leftovers so she wouldn't have to carry them openly through the dining room. I know how uncomfortable it can be for... people of her standing."
"Her standing is at my table," Eleanor said, stepping forward. She didn't look at Raymond; her eyes were fixed entirely on Lucy. "And if I see you touch her or speak to her in that tone again, Raymond, I will buy this entire building by 5:00 PM and have you sweeping the sidewalks outside by six. Do you understand me?"
Raymond’s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. He nodded frantically, his face turning a deep, humiliated red, and backed away down the corridor.
Eleanor turned to Lucy, her expression instantly softening into something approaching desperation. "Are you alright, child?"
Lucy looked at the billionaire. The fear was gone, replaced by a profound, overwhelming clarity. She reached into the collar of her sweatshirt, pulled the tarnished steel chain over her head, and held it out. The silver crescent moon dangled between them, spinning slowly in the ambient light of the hallway.
Eleanor stopped breathing. Her hand flew to her mouth, her knees trembling so violently she had to lean against the wall for support.
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"Where... where did you get that?" Eleanor whispered, her voice cracking into a sob.
"I've had it since I was five years old," Lucy said, tears finally spilling down her dirty cheeks. "I don't remember my real mother. I don't remember the fire. But I know this locket is the only thing that kept me alive."
