Chapter 1: The Sky Breaks
The first helicopter didn’t land.
It hovered.
Low. Loud. Violent.
Wind tore through the grand hall of Blackthorn Manor as the glass doors at the far end burst open under the force. Curtains snapped like gunfire. The chandelier trembled above us.
Nathan turned toward the sound, confusion flickering across his face for the first time in years.
“What the hell is this?”
I didn’t answer.
Because I already knew.
Black-clad figures flooded the entrance—disciplined, precise, unstoppable. Not police. Not private security.
Something far more dangerous.
Celeste stood up too quickly, her champagne glass slipping from her fingers and shattering against the marble.
“Nathan…” she whispered, fear cracking her perfect composure.
Then came the voice.
Cold. Controlled. Absolute.
“Nathan Ashford. Step away from her. Now.”
Nathan laughed.
Actually laughed.
“You think you can just storm into my house—”
He didn’t finish.
Because one of the men stepped forward and placed a sealed document directly into his chest.
“Federal warrant. Financial crimes, asset seizure, and conspiracy.”
Nathan blinked.
Once.
Twice.
“That’s impossible.”
May you like
“No,” I said quietly, pushing myself to my feet despite the pain ripping through my back.
“It’s inevitable.”
