Chapter 20
The war was officially over. In less than twenty-four hours, Aldric had dismantled a domestic threat, destroyed an international cartel, and secured his empire with flawless, ruthless efficiency.
He left the corporate tower and drove back to his sprawling estate. The bright, vivid colors of the manicured lawns welcomed him home. The shattered glass in the foyer had been entirely replaced, the blood scrubbed from the marble. The mansion was once again a sanctuary.
Aldric walked up the grand staircase, shedding his suit jacket. He bypassed his study and walked directly to the newly decorated nursery wing.
He opened the door. Thora was sitting on a plush, vibrant pink rug, entirely surrounded by new toys, dolls, and storybooks. The degrading maid's uniform was gone forever, replaced by a soft, comfortable sweater and leggings. The red mark on her cheek had faded to a faint, yellowish bruise.
"Daddy!" Thora cheered, jumping up and running into his arms.
Aldric caught her, burying his face in her soft hair. The terrifying apex predator vanished, replaced entirely by the devoted, loving father.
"I'm home, little bird," Aldric murmured, holding her tight against his chest. "Are you having fun?"
"Yes! Maria read me a story about a princess," Thora beamed, her blue eyes shining with absolute trust.
Aldric smiled, a genuine, warm expression that reached his eyes. He sat down on the rug with her, building a castle out of wooden blocks. He had burned the world to ashes to ensure this moment of peace, and he knew he would do it a thousand times over.
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But as he placed a block on the tower, his encrypted phone vibrated in his pocket. He glanced at the screen. The caller ID was a string of international, untraceable numbers. A new syndicate. A new threat.
Aldric silenced the phone, his eyes hardening with a quiet, lethal promise. The war for his daughter's safety would never truly end, but he was ready for whatever came next.
