Chapter 2 - the whisper outside the frame
The quiet inside the office was heavy enough to cut with a blade. Dominic stood motionless, his broad frame shielding both Hannah and baby Grace, his dark eyes fixed on the empty hallway outside the open door.
"Get inside, Hannah. Now," Dominic commanded in a low, gravelly whisper that brooked no argument.
Hannah quickly stepped past the threshold. Dominic closed the heavy oak door with a quiet click, turning the brass deadbolt into place.
He set Grace down gently onto the soft leather sofa. The nine-month-old baby girl immediately sat up, happily playing with the dark brown tie dangling from Dominic's cream vest.
Dominic turned to the sealed envelope in his hand. He broke the heavy red wax seal, unfolding the thick parchment inside. Julian’s elegant, familiar handwriting filled the page:
Dominic,
If you are reading this letter, it means I am dead, and my sweet Hannah has finally been forced to reveal our child to you. Ten months ago, I discovered that someone on our executive council was selling our shipping routes to rival families. Before I could present the proof to you, my car was run off the road.
I hid Hannah in plain sight inside your estate as a maid because I knew your home was the only fortress in Chicago no one would dare attack. Grace carries our bloodline, Dominic. She is my daughter. Keep them safe from the snake sitting at your right hand.
Your brother, Julian.
Dominic’s jaw set like iron, his dark eyes burning with an intense, lethal focus. The car crash that had taken his younger brother ten months ago hadn't been an accident. It was an assassination planned by someone inside his own inner circle.
Dominic looked toward Hannah, who was kneeling beside the sofa, holding Grace's small hand. "Why didn't you come to me ten months ago, Hannah?"
"Julian was terrified, Mr. Caruso," Hannah sobbed softly, wiping her fair cheek. "He told me that until Grace was born and safe, I couldn't trust anyone... not even you, because the traitor was watching every move inside this house."
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Dominic stepped closer, crouching down beside her. He reached out, his broad, tattooed hand gently covering Hannah's trembling fingers.
"You are under my personal protection now, Hannah," Dominic said, his deep voice carrying unshakeable authority. "And anyone who harmed my brother will answer to me."
