CHAPTER 2 — THE HELICOPTERS THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Nathan stared toward the towering windows as powerful searchlights swept across the front lawn.
One helicopter became two.
Then four.
Their blades shook the crystal chandeliers hanging above the grand hall.
Black SUVs poured through the iron gates in perfect formation.
Each vehicle carried the same silver crest—a crowned phoenix wrapped around a sword.
Nathan frowned.
"I never authorized anyone through those gates."
His security chief reached for his earpiece.
Nothing.
The communication system had already been overridden.
A voice echoed from outside.
"Blackthorn Manor is now under federal financial seizure."
"Remain where you are."
Nathan laughed.
"This is impossible."
"I own this property."
I slowly raised my head despite the pain covering every inch of my body.
"No."
"You only lived here."
Before Nathan could answer, the massive oak doors burst open.
Nearly forty armed private security officers entered with military precision.
Behind them walked a silver-haired man wearing a perfectly tailored black overcoat.
He wasn't surrounded by bodyguards.
The bodyguards surrounded everyone else.
My father.
Jonathan Blackwood.
Nathan's expression froze.
"...Who are you?"
My father looked at him as though he were examining damaged furniture.
"I've been waiting four years to ask you one question."
He glanced at my blood-stained clothes.
"Was she worth losing everything?"
No one moved.
Even Celeste had stopped breathing.
My father crossed the marble floor and knelt beside me.
His hands trembled only once.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart."
"I promised your mother no one would ever hurt you again."
He gently covered my shoulders with his coat.
Then he stood.
His kindness disappeared.
May you like
"So now..."
"My turn."
