Chapter 6 - The Father's Promise
Victor walked up the grand staircase with a heavy heart.
He gently pushed open the heavy oak door to Leo's bedroom.
The morning light was streaming softly through the tall windows.
Leo was sitting on the edge of his large bed, swinging his small legs nervously.
When he saw his father, his big hazel eyes lit up with cautious hope.
Victor crossed the room and knelt directly in front of him.
"Good morning, buddy," Victor said softly.
"Are you staying home today?" Leo asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
The innocent, simple question struck Victor like a physical blow.
He realized how accustomed his son had become to his constant absence.
"I have to go to the office for a little while to fix something," Victor explained gently.
"But I promise you, I will be home in time for dinner."
"And I will never go on a long trip without you again."
Leo hesitated for a second before throwing his small arms tightly around Victor's neck.
Victor closed his eyes, burying his face in his son's shoulder.
He held onto the boy, solidifying his cold resolve to destroy anyone who threatened his family.
After a long moment, Victor stood up and turned to Clara.
She was watching quietly from the hallway, standing like a guardian.
"Keep the perimeter security system completely armed," Victor instructed her.
"Do not open the main gates for anyone without calling me first."
"Understood, Mr. Sterling," Clara replied with absolute certainty.
Victor walked out of the mansion and slid into the back of his waiting black SUV.
The drive into the downtown financial district felt remarkably short.
He stepped out onto the busy pavement in front of the towering glass Sterling Enterprises building.
Two large, stone-faced corporate security guards immediately flanked him.
The busy lobby fell completely silent as Victor marched toward the private executive elevator.
His posture was rigid, and his jaw was locked tight.
He was no longer just a businessman protecting a massive financial empire.
He was a father protecting his bloodline.
The chrome elevator doors slid open on the top executive floor.
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Thomas Vance was pacing furiously in the hallway.
He was standing right in front of Victor's locked corner office, shouting into his cell phone.
