“And don’t overthink while I’m gone,” he added softly.
“Impossible.”
He had smirked. “Good. I prefer you reckless.”
Now —
The silence felt heavier.
Daphne’s small voice cut through it.
“Mama...”
She pointed toward the massive glass wall that overlooked the gardens.
I followed her finger.
My stomach dropped.
Two men stood near the fountain.
Motionless. Unblinking.
They wore dark suits and sunglasses despite the fading daylight. Their posture was rigid — hands clasped in front of them — like statues placed deliberately in the open lawn.
They were far too close.
Security should have intercepted them before they reached this position.
Snipers were stationed on the perimeter ridges.
Motion sensors lined the property.
Drones monitored aerial intrusion.
Every patrol route was timed in fifteen-minute intervals.
So why were these men standing there untouched?
My pulse began to hammer.
Daphne tilted her head up at me.
“Who dat, Mama?”
Her tone was curious — not afraid.
I forced my breathing to slow.
“Just... visitors, sweetheart.”
I forced a smile that felt fragile — like it might shatter if Daphne looked at it too long.
“Keep playing, okay? Mama’s going to check something.”
She nodded obediently, already turning back to her dollhouse.
I crossed the room toward the window, my bare feet silent against the cool marble.
