Chapter 4 - The Fortress
Julian’s estate was located thirty minutes outside the city, hidden behind towering iron gates and acres of dense forest. It was less of a home and more of a fortress. When the black SUV pulled up to the circular driveway, Clara stared out the window in silent awe. The mansion was sprawling, built of dark stone, with security cameras tracking their every move.
Lily, on the other hand, was not intimidated. She was holding Dante’s hand—the massive, scarred enforcer had surprisingly become her favorite person during the car ride—and pointing at the fountains.
"You will stay in the East Wing," Julian told Clara as they entered the grand foyer. "It has been entirely sectioned off for you and Lily. My men patrol the perimeter, but they will not enter your living quarters. You have a kitchen, a library, and anything else you might need."
Clara leaned heavily on a cane the hospital had provided, her ribs taped tightly under her sweater. "Mr. Vargas... Julian. I can't accept this. I run a bakery. I can't afford to live like this, and I won't be indebted to the mafia."
Julian stopped at the base of the grand staircase and turned to look at her. "There is no debt, Clara. You owe me nothing. Decades ago, you offered a grieving man a cup of tea in the freezing rain. You treated me like a human being when everyone else saw a monster. This is simply the universe returning the favor."
May you like
Clara swallowed hard, searching his eyes for deception and finding only absolute sincerity. "And what happens when the Iron Skulls come looking for us?"
"They won't look here," Julian said coldly. "Because by the time they realize where you are, the Iron Skulls will no longer exist."
