Chapter 9 - THE CHRISTMAS PRESENCE
The quiet chime of the gold-trimmed elevator echoed down the corridor outside the executive suite.
The heavy double oak doors pushed open, and Marlene—the housekeeping supervisor—hurried into the room, her clipboard clutched nervously against her chest, followed closely by two tall, dark-suited security guards.
"Mr. Whitmore!" Marlene gasped, her face pale with terror as she saw Hannah standing beside the stroller with the CEO kneeling nearby. "Sir, I am so sorry! I told her to clear out before nine—I will take full responsibility for this security breach! I'll escort her off the premises immediately—"
Ethan stood up to his full, towering height, holding the small gray rabbit in one hand and the silver frame in the other.
He turned his dark, powerful gaze onto Marlene and the two security guards.
"Marlene," Ethan said, his voice returning to its resonant, absolute authority, though completely devoid of anger.
Marlene froze, her hands shaking. "Y-yes, Mr. Whitmore?"
"Call down to the catering department at the hotel downstairs," Ethan instructed smoothly. "Order a full Christmas dinner service for three. Roast turkey, warm bread, cider, and dessert. Have it delivered up to this office immediately."
Marlene blinked in absolute, stunned shock, her jaw hanging slightly open. "Sir...?"
"And cancel my appointments for the rest of the week," Ethan added, turning his back on the guards to look down at Hannah and Ellie. "In fact... cancel every meeting until the New Year."
The two security guards exchanged confused, bewildered glances, while Marlene stammered out a hasty, respectful reply. "R-right away, Mr. Whitmore! Immediately!"
Marlene and the guards backed quietly out of the suite, pulling the heavy oak doors shut behind them, leaving the executive office in warm, peaceful quiet once more.
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Hannah looked at Ethan, her mouth open in disbelief. "Mr. Whitmore... you don't have to do this. We can leave—"
"You aren't leaving, Hannah," Ethan said gently, offering her a rare, warm smile that completely transformed his sharp, intimidating features. "It's Christmas Eve. And no one eats alone on my floor."
