Jerica peeked nervously from behind Jared's broad back, her heart pounding as she tried to make sense of the sudden tension crackling in the air. Jared's protective stance, shielding her as if she were a fragile vase, only heightened her fear. Her husband was rarely this visibly shaken.
"Is that… Arthur Sutherland?" she whispered, her voice barely audible as it trembled into Jared's ear. The name felt foreign and ominous on her tongue.
Jared stiffened instantly at her question, his muscles locking as though to confirm her suspicion. Without answering, he gently but firmly nudged her further behind him, as if her very presence in Sutherland's line of sight was dangerous.
"Well, hello there…" The smooth, calculated voice sent a chill down Jerica's spine. Arthur Sutherland stepped forward with a disarming smile, the kind that seemed too friendly to be trusted.