Chapter 1 - THE MAN IN THE SHADOWS
The footsteps stopped behind Serena.
For one terrible second, nobody moved.
Ethan’s weak cries trembled through the enormous foyer.
Lily remained on the floor, one hand pressed against her stomach and the other reaching toward the child.
Serena slowly turned.
The confidence vanished from her face.
Victor Blackwood stood beneath the dark archway.
His black overcoat was still wet from the rain.
Two bodyguards waited several feet behind him.
Neither man spoke.
Neither man needed to.
Victor’s eyes moved from Serena’s raised heel to Lily’s bruised face.
Then he looked at Ethan.
The baby’s arm hung against his small body.
His breathing came in frightened, uneven gasps.
Victor did not shout.
That made the silence more terrifying.
“Take your foot off her.”
Serena stepped backward immediately.
“Victor, I can explain.”
He walked past her without looking at her.
He dropped to one knee beside his son.
The most feared man in Chicago suddenly looked powerless.
“Ethan.”
The baby opened his wet eyes.
When he recognized his father, he made a small sound and reached toward him with his uninjured arm.
Victor carefully lifted him.
Lily forced herself upright.
“His arm may be injured.”
“He needs a hospital now.”
Victor looked at his head of security.
“Bring the car.”
“Call Dr. Holloway.”
“Tell him we are coming.”
Serena stepped forward.
“He fell.”
Lily stared at her.
Serena’s warning was clear.
Stay silent.
Victor finally looked at his fiancée.
“Did I ask you what happened?”
Serena froze.
“No.”
“Then don’t speak.”
One of the guards helped Lily stand.
Victor carried Ethan toward the entrance.
Then he stopped.
Without turning around, he spoke quietly.
“Lily comes with us.”
Serena’s face tightened.
Victor looked over his shoulder.
“And lock every door.”
“No one leaves this house.”
As Victor disappeared into the rain, Serena watched Lily follow him.
For the first time that evening, she looked afraid.
But Lily did not see Serena slip one hand into her pocket.
May you like
She did not see the message Serena sent.
Destroy the nursery camera before they return.
