Chapter 13
With the foyer secured, Aldric didn't wait for Marcus to finish zip-tying the intruders. He carried Thora swiftly up the grand staircase, bypassing the ruined dining room entirely. His only priority was the psychological and physical safety of his daughter.
He walked into his private, mahogany-lined study and approached the massive bookshelf. With a press of a hidden biometric scanner, the heavy shelves slid apart, revealing a state-of-the-art, impenetrable panic room bathed in soft, warm light.
"Here we are, sweetheart," Aldric said gently, setting Thora down on a plush sofa inside the vault. He knelt before her, his fierce, intimidating aura melting into pure, protective paternal love.
Thora sniffled, wiping her eyes. "Are the bad men gone, Daddy?"
"They are gone, and they will never come back," Aldric promised, pulling a soft, luxurious blanket from a cabinet and wrapping it securely around her trembling shoulders. "You are going to stay in here with Maria for a little while. Watch some cartoons, eat whatever you want. I have to clean up the mess downstairs."
Maria, the trusted head nanny who had been hiding in the suite, rushed forward with a tray of juice and cookies. "I have her, Mr. Vance. She is completely safe with me."
"Thank you," Aldric said. He kissed Thora's forehead, his jaw locking tight as he saw the fading red handprint on her cheek.
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"I love you, Daddy," Thora whispered.
"I love you more than life itself," Aldric replied. He stepped out of the vault, the heavy steel door sealing seamlessly behind him. The loving father vanished, instantly replaced by the ruthless, calculating CEO ready to burn the world to ashes.
