"Grandfather," Sandra rose gracefully from her seat, her slender finger pointing accusingly at the small boy cowering in the arms of a young woman.
"Are you really planning to keep this... illegitimate child?"
Her porcelain-like face twisted with barely suppressed fury, her teeth clenched as she spat out the words.
"No.
I won't allow it!"
The boy seemed to shrink under Sandra's venomous glare, his tiny frame trembling uncontrollably.
The young woman holding him instinctively tightened her embrace, her eyes wide with fear as she cast a silent plea toward Mr. Porter.
Mr. Porter gripped her hand in return, his lips parting slightly—yet no words came.
In this matter, his voice held no weight.
From across the room, Mr. Porter watched their intertwined fingers, her own nails digging so deeply into her palms they threatened to draw blood.
She lowered her lashes, forcing herself to steady her breathing, to maintain her composure in front of the others.
"Sandra."
