The sound of footsteps echoed across the marble floor.
Several employees immediately turned toward the entrance.
A tall man wearing a grey overcoat stepped into the foyer.
His name was Alexander Reed.
Even among billionaires, Alexander carried a reputation that commanded respect. He owned investment firms, technology companies, and international businesses worth billions of dollars.
More importantly, many of the Ashford family's business ventures depended on his financial support.
The atmosphere changed the moment he entered.
Vanessa instantly forced a smile.
"Mr. Reed," she said. "What a surprise."
Alexander barely acknowledged her greeting.
His attention was focused elsewhere.
Specifically on the maid kneeling on the floor.
He noticed the tears first.
Then the trembling hands.
Then the blood.
The sight immediately hardened his expression.
A deep silence filled the foyer as Alexander walked directly toward Sophie.
She looked up nervously.
Why was someone this important paying attention to her?
When he finally stopped beside her, the room became completely silent.
Alexander studied the bruise forming on her face.
His jaw tightened.
Then he asked a single question.
"Did she lay a hand on you?"
The words were calm.
But beneath them was unmistakable anger.
Sophie's heart pounded.
She wanted to answer.
She wanted to tell him everything.
Yet fear kept her silent.
Speaking against Vanessa could destroy her future.
So she lowered her eyes.
Alexander didn't need a response.
The silence told him everything.
Vanessa immediately stepped forward.
"It was just a misunderstanding," she explained. "The girl made a careless mistake."
Alexander slowly turned toward her.
The look in his eyes made Vanessa's confidence disappear.
For the first time all day, she looked uncomfortable.
Alexander returned his attention to Sophie.
Something about the injured maid clearly affected him on a personal level.
Far more than anyone understood.
Without saying another word, he reached into his coat pocket and removed a smartphone.
The movement seemed simple.
Yet it instantly filled Vanessa with dread.
Alexander unlocked the device.
Made a call.
And within seconds, he changed the course of everyone's lives.