Chapter 2 - Blood on the Snow
Screams erupted across the ballroom. Guests ducked behind linen-draped tables, flutes of champagne shattering across polished floors. Julian lunged instinctively, shielding Maya and the infant with his own body as heavy oak doors were kicked open.
Two men dressed in tactical black gear stepped into the foyer, their boots leaving muddy tracks on the immaculate marble. Julian recognized the jagged cross emblem stitched onto their tactical vests. The Syndicate. Not thugs or beggars, but the private debt enforcers tied to the criminal underground Evelyn had fled years ago.
"Give up the kid, Sterling," the taller man growled, lowering a suppressed sidearm. "Evelyn took something that wasn't hers before she died. Hand over the package, and the Ashford family keeps their blood inside their veins."
Clara screamed, dragged back by her father into the shadows of the VIP gallery. "Julian, stay away from them!" Arthur bellowed, frantically dialing security on his gold-trimmed phone.
Julian looked at Maya. Her face had gone chalk-white. "Maya, what package is he talking about?" Julian hissed, pulling her toward the service corridor behind the stage.
"The baby," Maya whispered, tears spilling freely now. "It’s not just about blood. In his blanket... Evelyn sewed something inside."
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Security guards rushed through the side entrances, drawing their weapons. A chaotic exchange of gunfire broke out, rounds tearing through floral arrangements and splintering ancient woodwork. Julian grabbed Maya’s wrist, pulling her into the darkened labyrinth of the estate's service tunnels. Behind them, heavy boots gave chase, closing in fast.
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