Chapter 7: The Midnight Visitor
The grand grandfather clock in the foyer struck midnight as Arthur and Elena finally returned to the sprawling penthouse apartment that served as their new marital home. The space was sleek, modern, and utterly devoid of warmth, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass windows overlooking the glittering skyline of the city.
Lily had fallen asleep in the back of the limousine during the ride home. Arthur carried her upstairs, her small, weightless body resting against his shoulder, her breathing deep and even. He gently tucked her into the white canopy bed in her new room, brushing a stray wave of blonde hair from her forehead.
“Sleep well, sweetheart,” he whispered, kissing her cheek before softly closing the bedroom door.
When he walked down the long hallway to the master suite, he found Elena standing by the window, staring out at the city lights. She had removed her heavy bridal gown, now wearing a simple silk robe, her dark hair falling loose around her shoulders for the first time. She looked younger, softer, yet entirely unreachable.
“She’s asleep,” Arthur said, leaning against the doorframe.
“Good,” Elena murmured without turning around. “She shouldn’t have to pay for our mistakes.”
Before Arthur could reply, a sharp, distinct knock echoed through the penthouse foyer.
Both of them froze. In a high-security building like this, unannounced visitors at midnight were an impossibility unless someone had bypassed the electronic gates and the lobby concierge.
Arthur motioned for Elena to stay back, stepping quietly down the hallway toward the private elevator foyer. He reached the heavy mahogany front door and peered through the brass peephole.
Standing in the dim light of the hallway was Lucas. He wasn’t wearing his overcoat anymore; instead, he wore a simple black turtleneck and a dark jacket, looking every bit the ruthless entrepreneur he was reputed to be. In his hand, he held a sleek black flash drive.
Arthur unlocked the deadbolt and pulled the door open just wide enough to block the threshold. “You’ve got a lot of nerve showing up here, Lucas.”
Lucas didn’t flinch. He pushed his way past Arthur with casual arrogance, stepping directly into the opulent foyer. Elena appeared at the end of the hallway, her breath catching in her throat as she saw him standing there under the recessed lighting.
May you like
“Lucas,” she breathed, her voice barely a whisper.
“Hello, Elena,” Lucas said, his eyes locking onto hers with an intense, unreadable hunger. “I told you I wouldn’t let them steal you away. And I brought proof that can burn your father’s entire empire to the ground.”
