Chapter 10
Adrian walked slowly toward the towering glass windows, looking out over the city he ruled. The bright colors of the afternoon were beginning to fade into the warm, golden hues of early evening. He stood in silence for a long time, the weight of the last five years crashing down on his shoulders.
He had mourned Elena. He had hardened his heart, becoming a monster to survive the grief. And all along, she had been alive, raising his daughters in secret, hiding from the very men who sat at his table.
With trembling fingers, Adrian broke the seal on the worn envelope.
He pulled out a single, folded sheet of paper. The handwriting was hurried, written by a hand that was clearly shaking. Adrian unfolded it, his cold, sharp eyes scanning the words.
Adrian,
If you are reading this, it means they found me. It means I am dead. I am so sorry I never told you about the girls, but I had to protect them. The Commission told me that if I stayed, they would kill you to prevent the bloodline from being diluted. I left to save your life.
But the Ashfords were lying. They didn't just want me gone; they wanted me dead. Victoria’s father didn't just pay for my relocation. He sold my location to the one man who hates you more than anyone.
Adrian stopped reading for a second, his breath hitching. He forced his eyes back to the paper.
It wasn't a rival family who came for me today, Adrian. It was your own blood. It was the man you trust the most. He was the one who authorized the hit. Protect our daughters. Burn them all.
I have always loved you.
Elena.
Adrian stared at the letter. The paper trembled in his grip. The words burned into his mind, incinerating the last remaining shreds of his restraint.
"Boss," a voice echoed from the entrance of the ballroom.
Adrian slowly turned around. Standing in the doorway was his uncle, Marcus Hale, the powerful, highly respected underboss of the syndicate. Marcus wore a sympathetic smile, stepping into the room with his hands spread wide.
"Adrian, I just heard what happened," Marcus said, his voice dripping with faux concern. "The Ashfords have lost their minds. Are you alright, my boy? Where are the children?"
Adrian looked at Marcus. He looked at the man who had mentored him, guided him, and consoled him when Elena vanished. He looked at the man who, according to Elena's final words, had just ordered her execution.
Adrian carefully folded the letter and slipped it into his tuxedo pocket. His handsome, movie-star face settled into a mask of pure, absolute, terrifying death.
May you like
"I am perfectly fine, Marcus," Adrian said, his voice a low, measured, dangerous hum. He began to walk slowly across the marble floor toward his uncle. "In fact, I have never seen things more clearly."
The true war for the Hale syndicate was only just beginning.
