Chapter 8 - The Threat at the Gate
Two days later, the storm had fully passed, leaving Lake Forest bathed in crisp, cool autumn air.
Adrian’s hearing was rapidly improving. The ringing in his ears had faded to a distant whisper, and his natural clarity was returning with every passing hour.
In the rear gardens of the estate, Lily was playing near the grand fountain, sailing her small wooden boat across the clear water while Nora sat on a stone bench, watching her with a peaceful, relaxed smile.
Adrian walked out onto the stone patio, holding two warm cups of coffee. He walked down the lawn and handed one to Nora.
"Thank you, Mr. Mercer," Nora said, looking up. "She hasn't laughed like this since her father passed away."
"She belongs here, Nora," Adrian said, looking at the little girl who was currently splashing water at a butterfly. "I’ve instructed my legal team to set up a full education trust for Lily. Whatever school she wants to attend, whatever medical care she needs for the rest of her life—it’s taken care of."
Nora stared at him, her eyes brimming with tears. "Mr. Mercer... I don't know how I can ever repay you."
"You already repaid me," Adrian said softly. "You gave me back my life."
Suddenly, Marcus’s voice cracked through Adrian’s earpiece.
"Boss! Security alert on the North Gate! A heavy SUV just rammed the perimeter fence!"
Before Adrian could react, the sharp sound of gunfire echoed from the dense pine trees bordering the estate!
BANG-BANG-BANG!
Nora screamed, throwing herself off the bench.
Adrian moved instantly. He tackled Nora to the ground, shielding her with his body, while shouting across the lawn: "Lily! Get down!"
Through the trees, three armed men in black tactical gear burst onto the lawn, heading straight toward the fountain! They were Kovacs Syndicate mercenaries—sent to eliminate the witnesses before Vanessa’s trial could begin!
Lily was frozen near the edge of the fountain, her tiny hands clutching her battered stuffed rabbit, her eyes wide with terror as she saw the armed men sprinting toward her.
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"Marcus!" Adrian roared into his comms. "North lawn! Now!"
Adrian didn't wait for security. He scrambled to his feet, grabbed a heavy bronze statue of a falcon from the garden pedestal, and sprinted straight toward the lead gunman!
