The Enforcer's Sister

Chapter Two: Adele - The Cold Stranger

"F-first aid, please!" I cried out urgently, my heart racing in my chest. Determination filled me as I pushed through the chaos, determined to help the injured maid. With steady hands, I tore off a piece of cloth from the maid's uniform, swiftly applying pressure to the wound to stem the bleeding. The gravity of the situation sank in, my mind reeling with the sudden violence and the alarming circumstances that had unfolded. 'What the hell have I gotten myself into?!' I thought, struggling to process the situation.

Archer handed me a white box with red markings drawn on the lid. I quickly opened it, revealing first aid supplies. Amidst the chaos, his voice sliced through the tension like a knife. "Get the hell out of my room, now Jessica, or I swear I will make you!" His tone dripped with anger and authority, leaving no room for negotiation. Jessica scoffed and reluctantly strode out, her echoing heels reverberating on the marble flooring.

Ignoring Archer's cold and leveled gaze, I focused my attention on the injured maid. Blood seeped through the fabric, but it appeared that the knife had inflicted a non-life-threatening wound. Nonetheless, my priority was to stop the bleeding and ensure her well-being.

As I worked to staunch the flow of blood, my eyes involuntarily glanced down the hallway, where Jessica had paused briefly to cast a grin in my direction. A chill ran down my spine, and a sense of unease washed over me. Hastily, I redirected my focus back to the injured maid, refusing to let fear consume me.

Minutes stretched on, heavy with tense silence, punctuated only by the maid's occasional groans of pain. Gradually, the bleeding began to slow as I maintained firm pressure on the wound, allowing the body's natural clotting process to take effect. With each passing moment, a semblance of calm settled over the room, though the underlying tension remained palpable.

Finally, the bleeding subsided, and I released a relieved breath. The maid's pale face reflected her pain and distress, but she appeared to be stabilizing. Carefully, I cleaned the wound and secured a makeshift bandage, doing my best to provide immediate care with the available resources.

Looking up, I met Archer's cold gaze once again. His eyes held a mixture of emotions, their true meaning eluding me. He remained silent, observing my actions without offering a comment.

"I... I've managed to stop the bleeding," I spoke up, my voice trembling slightly. "But she'll need stitches. Do you have a doctor here, or can I assist with that?"

"I'll take care of it," Archer replied curtly, reaching for his phone.

Shortly thereafter, two men clad in security gear swiftly entered the room, their presence accentuating a sense of urgency. They were closely followed by two maids, each carrying a set of cleaning supplies. The guards promptly assisted the injured maid, carefully guiding her away from the scene, while the other maids efficiently set to work, diligently cleaning and disinfecting the splattered blood stains. 

In a matter of minutes, their concerted efforts transformed the room, restoring its pristine appearance as if the distressing incident had never occurred. It was almost as if this was a normal occurrence. 

Archer motioned towards an adjoining door, his voice devoid of warmth as he instructed, "Go clean up. You're covered in blood." I glanced down at the front of my dress, now stained with crimson, as well as my bloodied hands. Taking a shaky breath, I followed the direction he pointed, finding myself in a spacious and opulent bathroom. The room exuded luxury, adorned with marble countertops, a large jacuzzi tub, and glistening fixtures. Avoiding my reflection in the side mirror, I focused on removing the blood stains and washing my hands. 

Afterward, I returned to the room and positioned myself to the side, experiencing a mix of relief and unease from the intense moments that had unfolded.

When we were finally alone, I expressed my concern, my voice filled with genuine worry. "I hope she'll be alright," I murmured, seeking reassurance from Archer.

Archer briefly glanced at me before resuming his attention on his food. Without a trace of empathy, he replied, "She'll receive the best care available." His tone left no room for further discussion. "Sit down," he commanded firmly, his words carrying an air of authority. The transformed demeanor of Archer from the day before unsettled me, leaving me feeling uncomfortable and anxious.

"Why would she do that?" I questioned, genuinely perplexed by Jessica's violent act.

Archer responded nonchalantly, his voice dismissive. "Because she's a lunatic."

A furrow formed on my brow as I frowned, struggling to comprehend the situation. "I don't think I should be here..."

"Sit down, Adele," Archer repeated, his tone low and forceful, causing irritation to surge within me. I couldn't fathom how he could remain unfazed after witnessing his sister's shocking behavior toward the innocent employee.

"I can't stay here," I asserted, my frustration evident.

"You seem to be forgetting something, Miss Rutherford. You're not here on vacation. You're here to hide," he responded sharply, his words carrying a hint of irritation. "Within the confines of these walls, you will be safe. I made a promise to Mark, and I intend to keep it. Only I reside in this building, and I will ensure no one bothers you. The incident with Adiya, the maid, will be handled by me. She will be taken care of and compensated. Now, sit down and eat," he concluded, his eyes devoid of emotion, leaving me astonished at the transformation in his demeanor from our previous encounter.