Chapter 8 - The Shadow in the West
The anger that had been building inside Ethan since his wife's passing now had a clear, defined target. Marcus hadn't just been managing his security; he had been orchestrating his ruin, and Victoria had paid the ultimate price to protect the family’s legacy.
“You aren't safe in this house, Emma,” Ethan said, his voice cold and absolute as he stood up, retrieving his handgun from the marble cabinet and concealing it within his jacket. “And neither is Leo.”
He walked to the window, peering down at the expansive, manicured grounds below. Several of Marcus’s private security guards were stationed near the perimeter, their movements far more coordinated than standard patrol patterns. Marcus knew Emma was the missing piece of the puzzle, and he was likely preparing to eliminate the threat before she could speak.
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“We need to leave,” Ethan whispered, turning back to the chair. “There’s a private service stairwell at the end of the west corridor that bypasses the main security cameras.”
He grabbed a heavy travel bag, stuffing it with diapers, blankets, and infant supplies, before helping Emma stand. She held the sleeping Leo securely against her chest, her dark uniform contrast against the white blanket, her eyes wide with a quiet, resilient courage as she prepared to step into the dark.
