Chapter 5: The Fortress
The Vance Penthouse occupied the top three floors of a high-rise overlooking Lake Michigan. It was a masterpiece of minimalist architecture—monochromatic marble, floor-to-ceiling glass, and priceless modern art. It was a space designed for power, not for warmth.
When the elevator doors opened, Emma clung tightly to Mateo’s neck, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of the foyer.
"Put her down, Daddy! I want to show her my room!" Chloe cheered, bouncing on her heels.
Mateo set Emma down gently. Chloe grabbed her hand and led her across the polished floors toward the east wing. Mateo followed at a distance, watching as Chloe opened the doors to a massive nursery filled with plush toys, a miniature castle, and shelves of children's books.
Emma stood frozen at the threshold, her scuffed sneakers lingering on the hardwood, afraid to step onto the thick wool rug.
"You can come in," Chloe said, pulling out a giant pink stuffed bunny twice Emma’s size. "Look! You can play with Mr. Fluff!"
Emma looked down at her own one-eyed bear, hugging it closer. "My Barnaby might get your toys dirty."
Mateo knelt beside her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "Barnaby is the guest of honor, Emma. And this isn't just Chloe's house. From today on, this is your home too."
Emma looked around the vast room, then up at Mateo. "Is Mommy coming here too?"
"As soon as the doctors make her all better," Mateo said, offering a reassuring smile. "Until then, you and Chloe have a very important job. You need to pick out everything you want for your own bedroom next door."
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For the first time since they met in the park, a tiny, genuine smile touched the corners of Emma’s lips.
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