Chapter 3 - The Empty Casket
The morning sun bathed the luxurious estate in a bright, cinematic glow. The heavy silk curtains of the East Wing were drawn back, allowing the light to flood into the expansive suite Claire and Nora had been moved into overnight. It was a beautiful, gilded cage. The walls were painted a soft cream, the furniture upholstered in elegant, pale fabrics.
Claire sat on the edge of the large plush bed, watching Nora play on the floor. Nora was entirely unbothered by the sudden relocation. She had arranged her crayons in a perfect line on the expensive rug and was happily humming to herself, her long curly light-brown hair bouncing. She wore her mustard-yellow cardigan over her dress, completely oblivious to the massive power shift that had occurred the night before.
A soft knock echoed through the suite, and the heavy double doors opened.
Adrian walked in. He wore a fresh, perfectly tailored black suit, a crisp black dress shirt, and polished black shoes. His thick dark-brown hair was swept back flawlessly. He looked rested, though Claire knew a man in his position likely hadn't slept a single minute.
Claire stood up quickly, smoothing her hands over the elegant, simple dress she had changed into.
Adrian did not look at her immediately. His intense gray eyes found Nora. The little girl looked up from her crayons, her bright blue eyes lighting up with recognition.
You're the boss man, Nora stated matter-of-factly, pointing a crayon at him.
Adrian’s sharply masculine features relaxed into a genuine, unexpected smile. The cold, controlled aura he carried into every room vanished instantly around the child. He walked over to her, his tall, muscular frame dropping smoothly to a crouch on the expensive rug.
I am, Adrian replied softly. And what are you building today?
I am drawing a big house. With a big fence so the monsters can't get in, Nora explained, holding up a paper filled with colorful, chaotic scribbles.
Adrian’s smile faded slightly, a protective shadow passing over his eyes. You don't have to worry about monsters anymore, Nora. My fence is the biggest in the world.
He gently patted her head, careful not to mess up her large gold bow, and stood up, turning his attention to Claire. The shift in his demeanor was abrupt. He became the intimidating mafia boss once again, motioning for Claire to follow him onto the private balcony.
The balcony overlooked the bright, sprawling estate grounds. Adrian stood near the stone railing, the morning breeze catching the edge of his black tie.
I sent a trusted team to the cemetery before dawn, Adrian said, his voice low and thoroughly controlled. They exhumed the casket.
Claire gripped the stone railing, her delicate feminine features pale. What did they find?
Rocks, Adrian said, his jaw tightening. A hundred and eighty pounds of river stones. My father’s medical examiner was paid off. James played us all perfectly.
Why would he leave us? Claire whispered, her expressive blue-gray eyes filling with profound sadness. We had nothing, Adrian. We lived in a tiny apartment. He loved Nora. He adored her. A man doesn't just walk away from his child without a reason.
Adrian looked at her, truly observing her for the first time. He saw the exhaustion hiding behind her elegant appearance. He saw the fierce, undeniable love she had for her daughter. It stirred a strange, deeply buried emotion in his chest. He had spent his entire life building an empire of fear, isolating himself from genuine connection, yet here was a woman who had endured absolute heartbreak and remained unbroken.
James was always weak, Adrian stated bluntly, offering no comforting lies. He hated the pressure of the family name. If he ran, it wasn't because he was a victim. It was because he found something he valued more than his freedom, or perhaps more than his family.
Claire looked away, unable to argue. The betrayal still stung, a fresh wound that refused to close.
Marco stepped onto the balcony, his athletic build moving with quiet discipline. Boss, Marco said, his tone serious. We just got a hit on the facial recognition software.
Adrian turned, his intense gray eyes locking onto the security chief. Where?
Marco glanced nervously at his sister before answering. A high-end casino in Las Vegas. The footage is from three days ago. He was seen leaving a VIP room with a woman.
Claire felt the air leave her lungs. The man who had supposedly been running for his life, the man who had left them with nothing, was living a life of luxury across the country.
Adrian’s expression turned utterly cold. He looked at Claire, seeing the fresh devastation on her fair, rosy face. He felt a sudden, powerful urge to tear the world apart to keep her from hurting.
Prepare the jet, Adrian commanded Marco, his voice vibrating with absolute authority.
May you like
You're going to Vegas? Claire asked, stepping forward, her voice desperate.
No, Adrian replied, his gaze locking onto hers. We are going to Vegas. I am not leaving you and Nora unprotected in this city while the news of his survival leaks. Pack your bags, Claire. It is time to go find the ghost.
