Chapter 3 - SHADOWS OF THE PAST
Hannah walked down the marble staircase with slow, measured steps. She didn't flinch under Victoria's cruel stare. Having faced the cold reality of a newborn's funeral three weeks ago, luxury coats and arrogant snarls meant nothing to her.
"My name is Hannah Brooks," she said calmly, stopping three steps above the foyer floor. "And Lucas is currently sleeping. I suggest you lower your voice before you wake him."
Victoria let out a harsh, bitter laugh. "How dare you speak to me in that tone?! You're a hired servant! A temporary milk tap Adrian dragged out of a gutter in Brooklyn!"
"Victoria."
The single word cut through the foyer like a physical blow.
Adrian Vale emerged from the dark hallway of the west wing. He was wearing a fresh white shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, exposing the faint scars of old combat. His expression was utterly devoid of emotion, yet the air in the room instantly grew heavy with danger.
Victoria straightened her posture, though a momentary flicker of anxiety passed through her eyes. "Adrian. Thank God. I came the moment I heard you were hiding away here. The rumors in Manhattan are out of control. People are saying you've lost your mind since Isabel died."
"Who gave you permission to enter my home?" Adrian asked, his voice low, quiet, and terrifyingly smooth.
"I am Isabel's blood!" Victoria argued, taking a step toward him. "Our family board is deeply concerned, Adrian! You haven't attended a single shipping council meeting in two weeks. The Moretti family is moving in on the Red Hook terminals! And instead of securing your empire, you bring this woman into Isabel's home?!"
Victoria gestured wildly toward Hannah. "She’s a nobody! A failing baker from a ruined neighborhood! How do you know she isn't an operative sent by the Morettis to poison the boy?!"
Adrian moved so fast it was almost invisible.
Within a second, he was standing directly in front of Victoria, his towering frame casting a massive shadow over her. His eyes were cold steel.
"If anyone threatens my son," Adrian whispered, his voice vibrating with absolute menace, "they die. Regardless of their bloodline."
Victoria swallowed hard, backing away half a step.
"Hannah Brooks saved my son's life when your family's doctors stood over his crib with their hands in their pockets," Adrian continued, his voice cutting like broken glass. "She stays. You leave. And if you ever step onto my property without an invitation again, I will liquidate your family's holding shares in the Brooklyn terminal before sundown."
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Victoria's face flushed with deep rage and humiliation. She glared at Hannah with pure venom before turning on her heel. "This isn't over, Adrian. My father will hear about this!"
She stormed out of the mansion, her guards hurrying behind her as the heavy oak doors slammed shut.
