Chapter 4 - The Threat from the Shadows
Two weeks passed. Under Julian's personal care and the strict security of the hospital's private wing, Clara’s physical wounds began to heal. The fractures in her hand were mending, and the color had returned to her cheeks.
Julian had moved his entire office into the hospital room. He slept on a small cot beside her bed every night, refusing to leave her side even for corporate board meetings, which he conducted entirely via video conference.
But just as a sense of peace began to settle over them, a package arrived at the hospital’s front desk.
Mark intercepted it, scanning it for explosives or biohazards before bringing the contents to Julian’s private office down the hall.
Inside the plain manila envelope was a single, high-definition photograph of the coastal cottage where Clara had been hidden. On the back of the photo, written in crude red marker, were the words:
"You think you won? The game hasn't even started. A child born of a commoner will never inherit the Vance legacy."
Julian stared at the photo, his knuckles turning white as he gripped the edge of his desk. "Who sent this, Mark? Vanessa is in a maximum-security holding cell awaiting trial. Her father is bankrupt and under house arrest."
"We traced the courier, sir," Mark replied, his expression grave. "It was sent from a burner account registered to a name we haven't heard in years. Victor Vance."
Julian’s breath hitched.
Victor Vance. His uncle.
Ten years ago, Victor had attempted to poison Julian’s father to seize control of the family conglomerate. When his plot was exposed, Julian’s father had stripped him of his inheritance and banished him from the country. Victor had fled to the lawless border regions of Eastern Europe, swearing he would return to claim what he believed was rightfully his.
"He's back," Julian muttered, his eyes narrowing. "He’s using Vanessa’s public downfall as a distraction to strike at my family."
"We've increased security around Clara’s room, sir," Mark said. "We have armed guards at every exit, and the hospital staff has been vetted. But if Victor is involved, he won't attack directly. He’ll look for a weak point."
"The baby," Julian said, his heart tightening with a sudden, icy grip. "Clara is scheduled for a planned C-section next week due to the trauma from the assault. He knows that’s when we’ll be at our most vulnerable."
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Julian walked back into Clara’s room, forcing his face to remain calm and relaxed. He didn't want to worry her. But as he looked at her sleeping peacefully, her hand resting on her stomach, a silent vow solidified in his heart.
I will burn the entire world to the ground before I let anyone hurt you again.
