Chapter 1 — The Men at the Door
The mansion fell silent.
The headlights outside stopped moving.
A moment later, the front doors swung open.
Four men in dark suits entered first, followed by a woman carrying a leather portfolio. None of them looked impressed by the marble floors or the expensive artwork lining the walls. They walked with the quiet confidence of people who had already won.
Adrian frowned.
"Who gave you permission to enter my house?"
The lead man ignored him.
Instead, he looked directly at Evelyn.
"Miss Vale."
He inclined his head respectfully.
"We're here."
Vanessa slowly stood from the sofa, suddenly uncertain.
"What is this?"
Evelyn didn't answer immediately.
She looked at Adrian—the man who had spent years convincing himself she had nowhere to go.
"My father keeps his promises."
The lead attorney opened the portfolio.
"Mr. Adrian Vale, effective immediately, multiple financial institutions have frozen your corporate accounts pending an investigation into suspected fraud, embezzlement, and falsified contracts."
Adrian laughed.
"This is ridiculous."
Then his phone rang.
His chief financial officer.
May you like
He answered.
Thirty seconds later, the color drained from his face.
