Chapter 9
Julian stood over the unconscious intruder, his chest heaving heavily as adrenaline surged through his veins.
He pulled off the man's ski mask, revealing a harsh, scarred face he recognized from state police bulletins.
"Gavin Drake," Marcus identified, stepping closer with his weapon lowered slightly.
"He's an enforcer for the Boston mob... Arthur's old muscle from the nineties."
Julian turned away from the hitman, rushing to Clara who was trembling on the floor beside the crib.
He pulled her into his arms, wrapping his charcoal suit jacket around her shoulders as she wept uncontrollably.
"Is Leo okay? Is he hurt?" Clara sobbed, burying her face in Julian's chest.
Julian checked the crib; baby Leo was crying loudly, frightened by the chaos, but entirely unharmed.
"He's safe, Clara. You're both safe," Julian reassured her, kissing the top of her head with fierce protectiveness.
Marcus pulled a pair of heavy zip-ties from his pocket, securing Gavin Drake's hands behind his back.
"They aren't just trying to steal the trust money anymore, Julian," Marcus warned, looking up with a grim expression.
"Arthur is trying to eliminate anyone who knows the truth about his fake death."
Julian looked at Clara, his dark eyes burning with an intense, unshakeable vow.
May you like
"We leave for Europe tomorrow morning," Julian stated with absolute authority.
"It's time to end my father's reign once and for all."
