The heavy thud of a body hitting the ground sent a visceral jolt through every person still seated in the private dining room.
Just moments ago, Gareth Stanton had been forced to the window and driven to leap from the third floor. Elias Vance didn't even bother glancing down. He simply dusted off his hands with a casual pat, drawing every pair of terrified eyes back to him.
One of the businessmen cleared his throat and forced a nervous laugh. "Mr. Vance, we had nothing to do with what Stanton was up to. We weren't involved in any of that ugliness, so we can go now, right?"
Elias acted as though the man hadn't spoken at all. His tone was unhurried, almost conversational. "Everheart Orphanage has been running short on funds recently. They need a donation. No strings attached."
"Twenty mi
