Chapter 6 - Shadows of the Past
Two months passed.
The Vance estate had transformed completely. The cold, tense atmosphere that had once dominated its grand corridors was gone, replaced by warmth and genuine light.
Ella had adapted to her new role with natural grace. She managed the estate staff with fairness and respect, ensuring that no servant was ever mistreated or overworked. In her free time, she sat with Margaret in the sunroom, reading poetry, sipping tea, and learning the delicate art of running an estate.
And then there was Dominic.
The feared billionaire, known throughout the city as a cold, ruthless businessman, had slowly begun to change. He returned home early from his office, taking his evening meals in the main dining room with his mother and Ella.
He watched Ella silently—the way her eyes lit up when she read, the gentle patience she showed his mother, and the quiet, unwavering integrity she brought into his life.
One rainy Tuesday evening, Ella was organizing the leather-bound books in the master library when she heard quiet footsteps behind her.
She turned to see Dominic standing near the fireplace, holding two cups of hot tea. He stepped forward, handing one to her.
"Thank you, Mr. Vance," Ella said, accepting the cup.
"Dominic," he corrected gently, sitting in one of the large leather armchairs by the fire. "When we are in this room, call me Dominic."
Ella sat down in the chair across from him, taking a small sip. "It still feels like a dream sometimes. Two months ago, I was struggling to buy groceries."
"You earned everything you have here, Ella," Dominic said, his gray eyes watching her intently in the firelight. "In my world, loyalty is rare. True kindness is almost non-existent. You brought both into this house."
Ella looked down at her tea, a faint blush warming her cheeks. "I only did what was right."
"I know," Dominic whispered softly. "That is why you are different."
Before the conversation could continue, the library door opened, and Viktor stepped inside, his expression grim.
"Boss," Viktor reported, his voice tight. "We have a problem. Marcus Kane has mobilized his men. He’s furious about the Ashford family’s liquidation, and he just seized three of our transport convoys in Queens."
Dominic’s expression hardened instantly, the warmth in his eyes vanishing, replaced once more by the terrifying boss of Manhattan.
"Did he leave a message?" Dominic asked coldly.
Viktor handed Dominic a burn phone. "He said he’s coming for the estate. He knows Miss Marsh was the one who exposed the leak, and he wants her delivered to him by midnight."
Ella felt a cold shiver run down her spine, setting her teacup down on the table with a rattle.
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Dominic stood up slowly, setting his own cup aside. He walked over to Ella, standing directly in front of her, leaning down so his face was inches from hers.
"Do not be afraid, Ella," Dominic said, his voice deep, dark, and filled with absolute promise. "No one touches what belongs to me. Ever."
