Chapter 4 - The Threat From Within
The transition was rapid and completely turned the Ashford household upside down.
Sarah was given the grand guest suite, a wardrobe full of fresh clothes, and unlimited access to the household funds.
Once she had bathed and dressed, she looked like a completely different person, yet her warm smile remained exactly the same.
The girls refused to leave her side for even a single second.
They sat at the huge dining table, eagerly eating scrambled eggs and pancakes while Sarah told them gentle stories.
Julian watched from the doorway, feeling a massive weight finally lifting from his shoulders.
However, his peace was shattered when Owen approached him with a grim expression on his face.
"Boss, we have a massive problem," Owen muttered, handing Julian a tablet.
"Cordelia made a phone call to her lawyer from the holding cell."
Julian frowned, staring at the screen.
"She leaked a completely fabricated story to Child Protective Services," Owen explained.
"She claimed you were the one starving the girls and that she was trying to sneak them extra food to save them."
Julian's blood boiled with a sudden, violent rage.
"She wants to take my daughters away because I exposed her sick theft ring," he growled.
"CPS agents are at the front gate right now, demanding to inspect the children and the property."
Julian knew how vicious the system could be to wealthy widowers with bad press.
"Let them in," Julian ordered, adjusting his suit jacket.
"We have nothing to hide, and I have the security footage to prove she is a lying monster."
Owen nodded and went to open the massive iron gates for the government vehicles.
Julian hurried into the dining room to warn Sarah about the approaching storm.
"They are going to try to tear this family apart," he told her honestly.
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Sarah stood up, her maternal instincts flaring up instantly.
"I won't let them take these babies," she vowed fiercely.
