Chapter 4
The glowing screen of the smartphone illuminated Julian’s grim face as he watched the live security feed play out in real-time. Two masked figures dressed in dark tactical gear were methodically bypassing the biometric locks on the front gates of his family estate. The scheduled transfer at midnight was clearly just a legal backup plan; Elena’s confederates were moving in early to secure physical possession of the house and any hard-copy documents hidden inside the study safe. Julian felt a suffocating wave of anger rise in his chest. They were not just trying to steal his wealth; they were actively invading his family's sacred sanctuary.
He needed to act immediately, but calling the local police department from a crowded wedding venue while wearing a tuxedo would only create a public spectacle that Elena’s powerful legal team could easily delay or manipulate.
"Daddy, what are they doing to our house?" Lily asked softly, her small fingers clutching the lapel of his black tuxedo jacket for comfort.
"They are trying to take something that doesn't belong to them, sweetie," Julian replied, his voice firm and steady despite the internal storm raging within him. "We are going to stop them."
Julian turned on his heel, bypassing the main ballroom where guests were beginning to murmur in confusion over the delayed ceremony. He headed straight toward the private service exit that led directly to the valet parking lot. He needed his own car, and he needed it now. As he pushed open the heavy glass doors into the cool evening air, his phone buzzed again. This time, it was a direct phone call from an unknown, restricted number.
He hesitated for a fraction of a second before pressing the accept button and bringing the device up to his ear.
"Julian," a cold, distorted voice filtered through the speaker, devoid of any human warmth. "I would advise you not to drive home right now. Unless, of course, you want to find out what happens to your mother's vintage portrait collection."
Julian stopped walking instantly, his breath hitching in his throat. The threat was specific, deeply personal, and completely unexpected. They did not just have access to the house; they knew every sentimental detail of what made the estate irreplaceable.
"Who is this?" Julian demanded, his voice echoing loudly in the empty concrete parking structure. "If you touch a single thing inside that house, I swear I will hunt you down until my dying breath."
May you like
A low, mocking chuckle echoed on the other end of the line before the caller replied with a chilling ultimatum.
"You don't have time to hunt anyone, Julian. You have exactly thirty minutes to return to the bridal suite and sign the final property transfer over to Elena, or the entire house goes up in flames with all of your family history inside it."
