Chapter 6 - The Shadows Return
While Mara’s life seemed to transform into a fairy tale, the dark shadows of Gabriel’s past were far from extinguished.
Late one night, while Mara slept peacefully in the master bedroom, Gabriel sat in his basement security bunker with Marco and his head of intelligence.
On the wall monitor were surveillance photos of a luxury yacht docked near Miami.
“Julian Vance,” Marco reported grimly. “Your uncle. He was behind the leak that allowed Preston Hargrove’s lawyers to file a counter-suit today claiming the asset transfer to Mara was executed under duress.”
Gabriel poured two fingers of scotch, his face dark as a thundercloud. “Julian wants the controlling shares.”
“He knows Mara holds the fifty-one percent trust now,” Marco added. “He’s claiming in court that Mara is an opportunist who manipulated you while you were under emotional distress following your brother’s death.”
Gabriel set his glass down hard enough to crack the bottom. “Is Julian in Chicago?”
“He arrived two hours ago. He’s staying at the Drake Hotel. He’s requested an emergency board meeting tomorrow morning at ten to challenge your authority as CEO.”
Gabriel stood up, walking toward the weapons safe built into the stone wall.
“Julian thinks I’m a businessman who plays by legal rules,” Gabriel said quietly, checking the magazine of his custom firearm. “He forgot who cleared the streets of Milan three years ago.”
“Boss,” Marco warned gently. “Mara is six months pregnant. If you start a corporate war in the streets now—”
“I’m not starting a war, Marco,” Gabriel interrupted, his gray eyes flashing with cold fire. “I’m ending one.”
Suddenly, the security alarm on the upper floor beeped softly.
Gabriel immediately pulled his weapon, sprinting up the concealed stairs toward the main living area.
He burst into the grand library, weapon raised.
Mara was standing near the fireplace, wearing a silk robe, holding a small silver tray with two cups of tea.
Standing across from her near the French doors was a tall, silver-haired man wearing an expensive cashmere coat.
Julian Vance.
“Put the gun away, nephew,” Julian said with a smooth, snake-like smile. “I merely came to welcome your new lady to the family.”
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Gabriel stepped directly between Julian and Mara, pointing the firearm straight at his uncle’s forehead.
“You have three seconds to get off my property, Julian,” Gabriel commanded, his voice shaking the crystal wall sconces. “Or I will put a bullet through your eyes in front of my ancestors' portraits.”
