CHAPTER 4: THE SAFE HOUSE
Vincent brought Elena and Sophie to a quiet, gated estate on the outskirts of Lake Forest. It was a secure sanctuary, away from the prying eyes of both the law and the underworld.
Dr. Aris, a trusted physician on Vincent's private payroll, tended to Elena's injuries. ""She has two broken ribs and severe contusions, Don Vincent, but she will recover with rest,"" the doctor reported quietly in the hallway.
Vincent nodded, thanking him. As he walked past the guest room, he saw Sophie sitting on the edge of the large bed, swinging her feet nervously.
He knocked lightly on the open door frame. ""May I come in?""
Sophie nodded shyly. Vincent sat in a wingback chair across from her, crossing his legs.
""Thank you, sir,"" Sophie murmured, holding a stuffed teddy bear one of the housekeepers had given her. ""You saved my mama.""
""You saved her, Sophie,"" Vincent corrected warmly. ""You had the courage to run into a room full of dangerous strangers and ask for help. That makes you very brave.""
Sophie looked down at her shoes. ""Are you a bad man? The men in the black suits look like the bad men on TV.""
May you like
Vincent paused, taking a slow breath. ""I have done bad things in my life, Sophie. Things I cannot undo. But tonight, I chose to do something good.""
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