Chapter 5 - The Inspection
Three stern-looking agents walked into the mansion, holding clipboards and refusing to offer any pleasantries.
The lead agent, a tall woman named Mrs. Higgins, glared at Julian with obvious suspicion.
"Mr. Ashford, we received an emergency tip regarding severe child neglect in this residence," she announced loudly.
Julian crossed his arms, maintaining his composure despite the fury burning inside him.
"You received a tip from an arrested felon who spent the last year stealing my money and starving my children," Julian fired back.
Mrs. Higgins frowned, jotting something down on her notepad.
"We will be the judges of that," she said coldly.
"We need to see the children immediately, and we need to interview them alone."
Before Julian could object, Sarah walked into the hallway holding Ivy and Maeve by their hands.
The girls looked happy, their faces still smeared with a little bit of syrup from breakfast.
"Who are you?" Mrs. Higgins demanded, looking Sarah up and down.
"I am their new nanny," Sarah answered smoothly, holding her head high.
Mrs. Higgins scoffed, clearly unimpressed.
"We need to speak to the girls privately, ma'am."
Ivy immediately hid behind Sarah's leg, whimpering in sudden fear.
"No, I stay with Sarah!" Ivy cried out, gripping the fabric of her pants tightly.
Maeve started to cry, reaching her arms up until Sarah picked her up and held her close.
Julian stepped forward, pointing a finger at the lead agent.
"You are traumatizing them," Julian warned dangerously.
"I will give you my security footage, my bank statements, and the police report."
"You will see exactly what my former staff did to them."
Mrs. Higgins hesitated, seeing the genuine terror in the children's eyes and the fierce protection radiating from both Julian and Sarah.
May you like
"Fine," the agent agreed reluctantly.
"Show me the tapes, Mr. Ashford."
