Chapter 8 - The Confrontation at the Haven
The lakehouse sat on a secluded, fog-draped shore forty miles north of Chicago. Towering pine trees surrounded the rustic timber building, their branches swaying in the cool morning wind.
Dominic’s armored SUV pulled up the gravel driveway at five-thirty in the morning. The first rays of pale golden light were beginning to break over the dark waters of the lake.
Dominic stepped out of the vehicle, his long dark overcoat draped over his black tuxedo. He held the iron box from the Chicago vault under his broad arm.
Frank and two bodyguards took tactical positions around the perimeter, while Alina stayed inside the armored SUV with sleeping Maisie.
Dominic walked up the wooden porch steps, pushing open the heavy pine front door.
The interior of the lakehouse was warm, lit by a crackling stone fireplace. Sitting in a plush leather armchair by the fire, holding a mug of tea, was a woman dressed in a simple cashmere sweater and trousers.
She had soft brown hair, fair rosy skin, and gentle eyes that mirrored Maisie's own features perfectly.
It was Sofia Vance.
She looked up as Dominic entered, a tired, deeply grateful smile touching her lips.
"You came, Dominic," Sofia whispered, her voice soft and melodious.
Dominic stopped ten feet from her chair, staring at the woman he had believed dead for nine years. "You let me believe you were buried in Chicago, Sofia."
"I had to, Dominic," Sofia said, tears welling in her eyes as she set her mug down. "Seven years ago, my sister Veronica and my brother Julian tried to poison me when they found out I was pregnant. They wanted to use my child as a bargaining chip to seize the Chicago shipping terminals."
She stood up, looking at Dominic with raw, unadulterated sincerity. "Catherine found me at Saint Jude's Hospital. She hid me in this lakehouse and protected my baby by taking her to your mansion. Catherine gave her life to keep Maisie safe from my family."
Dominic walked over to the fireplace, setting the iron box on the mantelpiece. "Maisie is outside in the car, Sofia."
May you like
Sofia gasped, her hand rising to cover her mouth as tears spilled down her cheeks. "Can... can I see her?"
Before Dominic could answer, the wooden front door was blown off its hinges with a deafening blast.
