Chapter 6 - THE HAVEN AT HUDSON
By 2:00 AM, the SUV pulled through a massive set of wrought-iron gates guarded by armed personnel, entering the private grounds of Estate Vale in upstate New York.
The estate sat on a high cliff overlooking the Hudson River—a sprawling stone manor surrounded by dense forest, completely fortified against outside interference.
Damian walked Elena up the grand oak staircase into a master suite featuring a roaring fireplace, a king-sized bed, and panoramic views of the river under the moonlight.
A middle-aged woman in a crisp uniform bowed respectfully. "Good evening, Mr. Vale. I am Mrs. Gable. The room has been prepared, and Dr. Mercer is waiting in the study."
"Thank you, Mrs. Gable," Damian said. "Bring some warm soup and tea for Miss Hart."
Dr. Mercer, a kind, white-haired physician, examined Elena thoroughly, checking her blood pressure, heartbeat, and conducting an ultrasound using a portable machine.
"The baby is completely healthy, Miss Hart," Dr. Mercer smiled, showing her the monitor screen where the tiny heartbeat fluttered steady and strong. "A strong young boy. But you need rest and complete freedom from stress."
"Thank you, Doctor," Elena smiled through tired eyes.
After the doctor left, Damian stepped back into the room. He had changed out of his suit into a dark cashmere sweater and trousers. He looked less like a fearsome mafia boss and more like a man weighed down by heavy responsibilities.
He sat on the edge of the bed. "You should sleep."
"Damian," Elena said softly, sitting up against the pillows. "Why did Arthur Kane hate your father so much?"
Damian looked into the glowing embers of the fireplace.
"Arthur Kane didn't just want power," Damian said softly. "Twenty years ago, my father discovered that Arthur was running an illegal human trafficking ring through the Brooklyn docks. My father put a stop to it, destroyed Arthur's warehouses, and freed dozens of victims."
Elena's eyes widened. "Your father was a good man."
"He was a man who lived in the shadows, but fought for the light," Damian said. "Arthur never forgave him. When Arthur realized you were the girl who kept me alive, he knew you were the final piece of evidence that could link him to the ambush fourteen years ago."
Elena looked down at her hands. "So as long as I am alive, Arthur Kane will never be safe."
"Correct," Damian said, standing up and tucking the heavy duvet around her shoulders. "Which means I am going to end Arthur Kane before this week is over."
He walked toward the door.
"Damian?" Elena called out softly.
He stopped, looking back over his shoulder. "Yes?"
May you like
"Thank you," she whispered. "For keeping your father's promise."
Damian looked at her for a long moment, his dark eyes softening completely. "I'm not keeping this promise for my father anymore, Elena. I'm keeping it for me."
