Chapter 2 - The Oath at DaybreakSix-foot-two and broad-shouldered, Elias Baron turned toward the open doorway where two of his top lieutenants were waiting in the shadows of the hallway. They had their weapons drawn, expecting their boss to order the execution of a suspected mole.
"Put those away," Elias commanded flatly. His voice carried an absolute, terrifying authority that made both men freeze and immediately holster their sidearms.
"Boss?" the lead lieutenant, Marco, asked in confusion. "The warehouse leaks—"
"Were not her," Elias cut him off cold. "Call intelligence. I want a complete audit of Julian's accounts by seven o'clock. The real traitor used her access card while she was cleaning the main study."
Elias turned back to Adeline, who was holding her trembling brother against her side. The Don of Boston slowly dropped onto one knee on the cold, cracked linoleum floor, coming level with sixteen-year-old Evan.
"What is wrong with his wrist?" Elias asked gently.
"It... it got infected three weeks ago," Evan mumbled, shy and intimidated by the powerful man filling their tiny kitchen. "We couldn't afford the private clinic, so Adeline tried to clean it herself."
Elias looked up at Adeline, taking in the dark circles under her eyes, her thin frame, and the subtle way she shifted her weight to spare her injured leg.
"Pack your things," Elias ordered softly.
May you like
"Mr. Baron, no," Adeline protested, backing away slightly. "I don't want your charity. I work for my pay—"
"This isn't charity, Adeline," Elias interrupted, standing up fluidly and looking into her eyes with an unshakeable promise. "Your brother gave his life so I could breathe. Everything I own, every dollar in my vaults, and every guard under my command belongs to his memory. You and Evan are moving to the estate today."
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