Chapter 3 - A Father’s Shield
Graham’s eyes narrowed as he connected the dots. Vance wasn't here out of charity; he was hunting for corporate intelligence that Josie's mother might have hidden before her death, and he was willing to throw a five-year-old orphan into an institution to get it.
The lead social worker stepped forward. "Mr. Vanguard, please step aside. Josie is a ward of the state. We have court authorization to transfer her into Mr. Vance’s sponsored care facility."
"Daddy!" June whimpered, pulling on Graham’s collar. "Don't let them take Josie!"
"I'm not going anywhere with him," Josie whispered, her small voice trembling for the first time since they met. "He was mean to my mommy. He made her cry."
Graham looked Vance dead in the eye. The cold, ruthless billionaire who had been dormant since his wife's passing two years ago suddenly reawakened inside him.
"She’s coming with me," Graham stated flatly.
"On what grounds?" Vance laughed bitterly. "You have no legal relation to this girl, Vanguard!"
Graham pulled out his phone, dialed a three-digit speed dial, and placed it on speaker. Within two seconds, his personal head of legal counsel answered.
"Arthur," Graham commanded calmly. "File an emergency temporary guardianship petition for Josie Reed immediately. Issue an injunction against Vance Holdings and the city welfare department. Offer a ten-million-dollar surety bond to the court within the hour."
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Vance’s smile vanished. "Are you insane? You're starting a legal war over a street orphan?"
"I'm protecting a child," Graham snapped, pushing past Vance and the stunned social workers. "Try to stop me, Vance, and I’ll buy your firm tomorrow just to fire you."
