Chương 4 - the penthouse on park avenue
By seven o'clock that evening, a sleek black armored SUV pulled up to the private courtyard of the penthouse tower on Park Avenue.
The grand penthouse suite occupied the entire top floor, featuring soaring glass walls, white marble floors, a crackling stone fireplace, and panoramic views of the glittering Manhattan skyline.
Adrian helped Claire and Mia out of the private elevator.
Mia's eyes lit up with pure wonder as she looked around the massive living room. She dropped her small canvas backpack near the sofa and ran straight toward the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Central Park. "Mommy! Look! You can see the whole world from up here!"
Claire walked into the foyer, holding her coat, her guarded brown eyes taking in the breathtaking home. "Adrian... we can't stay here. I have my apartment in Brooklyn, and Mia has school in the morning."
"Your apartment in Brooklyn has two security guards stationed outside the door as of an hour ago, Claire," Adrian said softly, walking up to her and taking her wet coat. "And Mia's school transport will pick her up directly from this building's private garage."
He looked down into her eyes, his sharp, rugged face softened by genuine devotion. "Sterling is desperate. Until I clean out the board, you and Mia are staying under my roof where I can keep you safe."
Claire looked at him, her heart aching with years of unspoken love and longing. "Adrian... why are you doing all of this? We haven't spoken in nine years."
Adrian reached out, his broad, calloused hand gently cupping her fair cheek, his thumb brushing over her soft skin.
"Because nine years ago, I let my father drive you away," Adrian murmured, his gray-blue eyes shining with intense, fierce emotion. "I am not making that mistake twice."
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Mia ran over, throwing her small arms around Adrian's leg, looking up at him with a wide, cheerful smile. "Mr. Adrian, can Elephant sleep in the big room with the fireplace?"
Adrian let out a quiet, handsome laugh—a warm sound that transformed his rugged features—and lifted the six-year-old girl effortlessly into his broad arms. "Elephant can sleep anywhere he wants, little princess."
