Chapter 6 - The digital ghost
The underground bunker beneath the Hudson Valley estate was a marvel of modern technology, a stark contrast to the classic luxury of the mansion above. Adrian sat in front of a bank of encrypted monitors, the glow of the screens illuminating his sharp jawline. His tailored jacket was discarded over a chair, his white dress shirt sleeves rolled up, revealing the corded muscle of his forearms. Maya stood behind him, her shoulder heavily bandaged, her eyes fixed on the loading screen.
Adrian inserted the micro-SD card into the secure reader. A single video file populated the screen. He clicked play.
The screen flickered, revealing Claire. She looked exhausted, her fair, rosy skin pale, her light-brown hair pulled into a messy knot. She was sitting in a dimly lit motel room, staring directly into the camera with a mix of terror and absolute resolve.
Adrian, if you are watching this, it means I have been found, Claire’s voice echoed in the silent bunker. It means Victoria finally caught up to me, and I had to send Lily to you. You are the only one powerful enough to keep her safe.
Adrian leaned closer to the monitor, his breathing shallow. The ghost of his past was speaking to him, her voice breaking his heart all over again.
You think Julian died in a tragic accident, Claire continued, wiping a tear from her cheek. But you don't know the truth about Victoria. She cannot have children, Adrian. Her family's empire requires a bloodline heir to secure the syndicate merger. When Julian found out she was barren, he threatened to cancel the engagement. He was going to expose her family's failing finances. So, they paralyzed him and drove his car off the cliff.
Maya gasped softly, covering her mouth with her hand.
I found out I was pregnant the week after he died, Claire said, her voice shaking. Victoria discovered my pregnancy. She realized that if I gave birth to a Moretti heir, her claim to the family wealth would vanish. She has been hunting me for four years, Adrian. She wants to kill me, and she wants to erase Lily.
The video paused as Claire looked off-screen, a loud banging sound coming from the recording. She looked back at the camera in panic.
There's one more thing, Adrian. The most important thing. Claire leaned incredibly close to the lens, her eyes desperate. The medical records in the storage unit are a lie. I forged Julian's name on the birth certificate to throw Victoria off the scent. I wanted her to think Lily was Julian's heir, because it gave Lily political value in the syndicate. But she isn't Julian's daughter.
Adrian froze, his entire world tilting on its axis.
Five years ago, the night before I left New York, you came to my apartment, Claire whispered, her voice breaking. We were grieving. We were lost. Lily is not your niece, Adrian. She is your daughter.
The video cut to black.
Adrian stared at the empty screen, the silence in the bunker absolute and crushing. The four-year-old girl with the light-brown curls, the child who had looked at him with such profound sadness, was his own flesh and blood. Victoria hadn't just kidnapped an heir; she had stolen his daughter.
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A terrifying, cold rage washed over the mafia boss. He stood up slowly, the dark, intimidating masculine presence expanding to fill the entire room. He looked at Maya, his eyes completely devoid of mercy.
Assemble every man we have, Adrian commanded, his voice a low, lethal rumble. We are going to war.
