Paul's expression darkens. "Then we're running out of time. Vivianne, please. I'll get you out tomorrow. I swear it. But tonight, I need to know where the pendant is."
The choice crystallizes before me. Sharp. Impossible.
Trust Paul and betray my family.
Or protect my family's secrets and lose the only chance at freedom I have.
"And if I don't tell you?" My voice shakes.
His expression softens. Just a fraction. "Then I'll still save you, ma chérie. No matter what. But this may be our only chance to recover the Swan."
"I know where it is." The words come out slowly. "From when Father took me to the vault."
Paul goes very still. "He showed you?"
"Not intentionally." I sink onto the edge of my bed. My legs won't hold me anymore. "He was panicked. After your exhibit.After he saw the paintings, I followed him when he checked to see if the pendant was still safe."
"Where is it?"
I close my eyes. The journey unfolds in my mind. The hidden door. The secret corridors. The vault filled with stolen art and impossible treasures.
"It's here. In the house. Hidden behind the wine cellar." The words feel like betrayal leaving my lips. "Multiple locks. Retinal scans. Hidden doors. It's not just a vault—it's a fortress."
Paul kneels before me. Takes my hands in his. "Vivianne. I know this is difficult. But that necklace?—"
"Is my family's legacy. I know." I look up, meet his eyes. "My father said those exact words. It's our legacy. And now you're asking me to help you steal it."
"I'm asking you to help me return what was stolen." He squeezes my hands. "Your family built their legacy on theft, ma chérie. On keeping something that was never theirs."
The truth of it sits heavy in my chest. All those conversations with Father about hard choices. About doing what's necessary. About family coming first.
How much of our wealth—our entire lives—is built on lies?
"My father—" I start, but Paul interrupts.
"Your father is playing a dangerous game. Sentinel, the Swan, whatever secrets it holds—it's bigger than family pride. Bigger than legacy." His voice drops. "The Swan isn't what you've been told. It's a key. One that could bring destruction."
My pulse quickens. "What do you mean?"
“His grip on my hands tightens. "Power like that, in the wrong hands, could tip the balance of nations."
"You're saying my father?—"
"I'm saying he's willing to sacrifice everything. Your family. Your future. You." The words land like blows. "I know you don'twant to believe that. But look at what's happening. He's not protecting you. He's using you."
Tears sting my eyes. Because he's right. I know he's right.
Father's obsession with the wedding. With Prescott. With producing an heir.
The increased security. The paranoia. The constant surveillance.
None of it is about protecting me. It's about protecting his secrets.
Paul cups my face. His thumb brushes away a tear. "I need you to trust me."
"You're asking me to betray my family." My voice breaks.
"I'm asking you to save them. Even if they don't see it that way."
