𝘊𝘳𝘪𝘮𝘴𝘰𝘯 𝘏𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘴

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟒

The morning light filtered through the heavy curtains of my room as I sat at my desk, scrolling through my phone. The address Kurianna had sent me arrived early like she was expecting me to move fast. Good. I didn't waste time on decisions, and this was no exception. I forwarded the address to Luca with simple instructions: "Pick her up. Bring her things to the mansion. Make sure she's comfortable."

I rose from the chair and glanced around my office, my sanctuary. Dark wood paneled the walls, and floor-to-ceiling bookshelves housed not only books but files, ledgers, and documents that were far too important for anyone else's eyes. A heavy mahogany desk, almost as old as the mansion itself, dominated the center of the room, and behind me, a floor-length window overlooked the sprawling estate. This was where I handled everything—the business, the money, the operations. And this was where I protected Amira, even when she didn't know it.

A knock on the door brought me back to the present. "She's here, boss," one of my men said after opening the door a crack.

I nodded, straightening my suit jacket before heading downstairs. I found Anna just inside the grand foyer, looking around as if she'd entered a world that didn't belong to her. And maybe it didn't—yet. The mansion had that effect on people. The tall ceilings, intricate molding, and marble floors gave the place a sense of timeless power. The entryway alone was bigger than most people's apartments. A crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, throwing glints of light across the polished surfaces. Paintings—some of which were older than the country itself—lined the walls. Expensive, yes, but more than that, they were reminders of the legacy I'd inherited and the responsibility I carried.

Kurianna stood there, looking a little out of place in her casual clothes and wide, curious eyes. I walked over, taking in the uncertainty that flickered across her face.

"Welcome," I said, my voice cutting through the silence. "This is where you'll be living from now on. I'll give you a quick tour."

She blinked up at me, nodding hesitantly as I gestured for her to follow me through the mansion. I led her down the hall, pointing out the main living areas—each one filled with plush, custom-made furniture, Persian rugs, and intricate detailing that screamed money. I could see her taking it all in, her expression a mix of awe and trepidation. A few maids passed us, their heads down, offering polite nods as we continued walking. Several of my security team stood in their usual places, positioned at various corners, their presence silent but heavy.

"Dining room, living room, kitchen," I gestured, barely pausing. "The staff will prepare your meals, and they can assist with anything else you need."

I stopped at the bottom of the grand staircase and turned to face her. "There are only two places that are off-limits to you: my office and my bedroom. You'll find everything else is accessible, but those spaces are private." I paused, meeting her eyes. "Understood?"

Her gaze flickered up to meet mine, and she nodded quickly. "Understood."

I motioned for her to follow me up the grand staircase. As we ascended, I continued. "Amira's room is just down the hall, near yours. I expect you to be vigilant at all times. Nothing happens in this house that I'm not aware of, and the same will go for you."

I stopped at a door at the end of the hall and pushed it open, revealing the room I'd prepared for her. It was large, easily twice the size of a regular bedroom, with soft lighting that filtered through the curtains. The bed was already made with crisp white sheets, and her belongings had been carefully placed throughout the room—her clothes in the closet, her books, and personal items on the dresser. It wasn't just a place to stay—it was a place she'd be living in, full-time, under my roof.

"This will be your room," I said, stepping aside to let her take a better look. "Your things have already been brought here."

She looked around, her eyes wide with disbelief. "This is...wow. I wasn't expecting all of this."

I gave a curt nod. "I want you comfortable. You'll be taking care of my daughter, and I expect the best. If there's anything you need, you can ask the staff."

With that, I turned on my heel and headed toward my office. The door clicked softly shut behind me, and I was alone again. This was where I thrived—away from the noise, away from the personal entanglements that came with the rest of my life. Here, in this space, I had control. The work was piling up, as always, and I immediately sank into it, my fingers flying over the keyboard as I went through reports, funds, and business that never seemed to stop.

Then my phone buzzed, cutting through the silence.

I glanced at the screen and my jaw tightened. It was her. My ex. Toxic was an understatement when it came to her, and we hadn't spoken in months—not since I made it clear that her involvement in Emily's life was over. I'd cut her off, as I did with all liabilities.

The message blinked up at me.

Lillian: We need to talk. This isn't over.

I stared at the words for a long moment, tension coiling in my chest. Of course, she couldn't just leave it alone. She never could.

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