Chapter 6: The Safe Haven
The black SUV glided smoothly into the private underground parking garage.
Elias led Lily by the hand toward the exclusive private elevator.
The young girl clutched his oversized suit jacket tightly around her shoulders.
She stared in wide-eyed wonder at the polished marble floors.
The elevator doors opened directly into the warm, brightly lit penthouse.
Marcus immediately locked down the entire security perimeter with a few taps on his tablet.
Dr. Aris stepped out of the guest bedroom with a grave expression.
"The toxicology report came back, Mr. Vance," the doctor stated quietly.
"What did she try to give me?" Elias asked, his jaw clenching.
"It was a highly concentrated, synthetic paralytic agent."
"It would have mimicked a sudden, massive heart attack within minutes."
Elias felt a cold shiver run down his spine.
He looked down at Lily, realizing just how closely he had brushed with death.
"Is Seraphina still unconscious?" Elias inquired.
"She will remain heavily sedated until tomorrow morning," Dr. Aris confirmed.
"Thank you, Doctor."
"You may go home and get some rest now."
Dr. Aris nodded respectfully and departed through the private elevator.
Elias turned his attention back to the exhausted child standing in his foyer.
"Marcus, please have the kitchen prepare a hot meal for our brave guest."
"Right away, boss," Marcus replied, offering a reassuring smile to the little girl.
Elias guided Lily to the plush velvet sofa in the massive living room.
"You are completely safe here, Lily," Elias promised her gently.
"No one can get through those doors without my permission."
Lily sank into the soft cushions and let out a long, shaky sigh.
"It is so warm in here," she whispered softly.
Elias handed her a fluffy cashmere blanket from the back of the sofa.
"While you eat, I need to ask you about the man you saw in the alley."
"Can you describe him to me?"
Lily furrowed her small brow in deep concentration.
"He was very tall and wore a heavy dark coat."
"He had a shiny silver scar right across his left cheek."
May you like
Elias and Marcus exchanged a sudden, dark look of recognition.
The man she described was not a stranger to their dangerous corporate world.
