Chapter 7 - The Knock at the Gate
Chadworth stared at the authentication records until the numbers began to blur.
The transactions had occurred from a device inside his home.
Someone had used his credentials to authorize substantial payments and examine documents protecting his daughters' inheritance.
But evidence of access was not the same as proof of who had pressed the keys.
Miriam made that distinction clear when he called her.
"Don't jump ahead of the investigation," she advised. "We need to establish how the credentials were obtained, who had physical access, and whether other records corroborate the transactions."
Chadworth paced beside the fireplace.
"Everything points toward Sabina."
"Perhaps. But we need a case that can withstand scrutiny, not merely one that confirms our suspicions."
He stopped walking.
Her words reminded him painfully of his earlier mistake.
He had almost condemned Rosamund because Sabina's accusations seemed to fit a story.
This time, he would insist on evidence.
"All right," he said. "What do you need?"
"Preserve the devices, access logs, and original financial records. Don't confront Victor or Sabina without discussing it first. We're preparing formal reports."
Chadworth agreed.
After ending the call, he looked toward the staircase.
He wanted to shield his daughters from the trouble surrounding them.
But he was beginning to understand that protection did not mean pretending trouble didn't exist.
It meant making sure children knew the adults would handle it.
The following morning, he sat with Lorelai and Gemma at breakfast.
"Something important is happening today," he told them.
Both girls became attentive.
"A woman may come to ask whether everyone in this house is safe."
Gemma immediately reached for her rabbit.
"Is Miss Sabina coming back?"
"No, sweetheart."
"Then why is someone coming?"
"Because when people hear that children may have been treated badly, they sometimes need to check what happened."
Lorelai lowered her spoon.
"Did we do something wrong?"
"No."
"Are we going to be taken away?"
Chadworth shook his head.
"Nobody has told me that. The purpose of the visit is to understand the situation and make sure you're safe."
He leaned forward.
"You don't have to guess what anyone wants you to say. You can tell the truth, and you can tell someone if you don't know an answer."
Gemma considered this carefully.
"Even if I say I'm scared?"
"Especially then."
At ten thirty, a representative from the county child protection agency arrived.
Her name was Jane Howard.
She carried a modest leather folder and spoke in a calm, professional voice.
Chadworth welcomed her into the study.
Miriam joined them by video call.
Jane explained that the agency had received a report expressing concern about the girls' safety and the conduct of adults responsible for them.
She did not identify the reporter.
Chadworth suspected Sabina, but he did not say so.
Instead, he provided a straightforward account of what had happened.
He described the hidden camera footage, Sabina's treatment of the children, the discovery of the staged bracelet accusation, and the steps he had taken afterward.
He also admitted something that embarrassed him.
"I didn't recognize what was happening soon enough."
Jane looked up from her notes.
"What do you mean?"
"My daughters were becoming withdrawn. I assumed they were struggling with their mother's death. I didn't investigate further."
"Why not?"
He hesitated.
"Because I was away too often. And because I trusted someone I shouldn't have."
Jane nodded without offering judgment.
"What has changed since you became aware of the situation?"
Chadworth described Sabina's removal, the updated security arrangements, Dr. Ellis's involvement, and the new routines he was establishing.
Jane asked about the children's school attendance, medical care, emotional support, and daily supervision.
Rosamund was also given an opportunity to describe her responsibilities and experiences.
Chadworth stayed away from that conversation unless invited.
He wanted Rosamund to speak freely.
The girls were approached in an age-appropriate manner, with attention to their comfort and without requiring them to repeat every frightening detail.
Chadworth remained nearby but did not attempt to control what they said.
Waiting was difficult.
He had spent his career directing outcomes.
Now the best thing he could do was allow other people to perform their responsibilities independently.
After the visit, Jane explained that the agency would review the information and determine what follow-up was necessary.
No immediate separation or emergency action was indicated during the visit, but the process was not automatically finished.
Chadworth thanked her.
When she departed, he found Lorelai sitting beside the living room window.
"How are you feeling?" he asked.
She shrugged.
"Okay."
He sat beside her.
"You can tell me if it wasn't okay."
She thought for a moment.
"I was nervous."
"I understand."
"She asked whether I felt safe with you."
Chadworth felt his chest tighten.
"What did you tell her?"
Lorelai looked at him.
"I said I was trying to."
The answer hurt.
But he knew it was honest.
He nodded.
"Thank you for telling her the truth."
She looked surprised.
"You're not mad?"
"No."
"Even though I didn't say yes?"
Chadworth shook his head.
"You don't have to pretend everything is fixed just to make me feel better."
Lorelai leaned against him.
He remained still, allowing her to rest there.
After several minutes, she whispered:
"I want to feel safe with you again."
Chadworth closed his eyes.
"So do I, sweetheart."
That afternoon, he canceled another business trip.
His assistant asked whether he wanted to reschedule it for the following week.
"No," he replied. "Have the team handle the meeting."
"Sir, the investors were expecting you personally."
"Then they can speak with my team. If they truly need me, we can arrange a call from here."
There was a brief silence.
"Understood, Mr. Prescott."
He ended the call and returned to the family room.
Gemma was waiting with colored paper and glue.
"Butterflies tomorrow," she reminded him.
Chadworth smiled.
"I haven't forgotten."
But just before dinner, Graham approached him with a troubling expression.
"Sir, a reporter has contacted our communications office."
Chadworth frowned.
"About what?"
"The allegations concerning your daughters."
His stomach tightened.
"How would a reporter know about that?"
"We don't know."
Graham handed him a tablet.
The message claimed to contain evidence that Chadworth had mistreated his daughters and that Rosamund had improperly influenced them.
The reporter was requesting a response before publication.
At the bottom was a still image.
Lorelai, sitting alone in the library, looking frightened.
The same image from Sabina's recording.
Chadworth stared at it.
Someone had taken his daughter's fear and offered it to the public.
"Tell Miriam immediately," he said.
Graham nodded.
Then he pointed to the final paragraph of the reporter's email.
"There's something else, sir."
Chadworth read it.
The publication claimed to possess additional material showing that the Prescott household had concealed complaints from employees for months.
May you like
Chadworth looked up.
"Graham... who else inside this house has been trying to tell me the truth?"
