Chapter 5 - The Shadow BrotherThe betrayal within the Ashford family cut deeper than any rival war.
Julian Ashford—Dominic’s younger half-brother—had lived in the shadows of the syndicate for years, managing the family’s legal real estate holdings while nursing a bitter, toxic resentment over Dominic’s absolute authority.
Within an hour of Dr. Vance’s confession, Marcus and his strike team raided Julian’s penthouse in Downtown Boston. But Julian had already fled, taking fifty million dollars in laundered bonds and vanishing into the night.
"He won't leave the country," Dominic declared, standing in his grand study, staring at a digital map of New York and New England displayed on his wall screens. "Julian is arrogant. He thinks he can hide in our family's old safehouse in Maine until he can gather enough loyal captains to challenge my throne."
Vivien sat on the leather sofa near the fire, wearing a warm cashmere sweater, sipping warm tea. Her bump was still tiny, barely noticeable, but her hand rested over it constantly now—a subconscious protective reflex.
"He tried to kill them, didn't he?" Vivien asked softly, her voice laced with deep, maternal anger. "Before they were even born."
Dominic turned around to face her. The cold, lethal killer who had executed enemies without blinking looked at her with a profound, quiet solemnity.
"Julian tried to destroy my future," Dominic said, walking over to sit beside her. He reached out, his hand resting over hers on her stomach. "He thought by killing my children, he could break me. But he only guaranteed his own complete destruction."
"Dominic," Vivien said softly, looking into his storm-gray eyes. "I don't want a life of endless running. I don't want our children growing up in a war zone, watching their backs every second."
Dominic looked down at their joined hands. For the first time since she had met him, she saw a flicker of conflict in the untouchable mafia sovereign.
"My father built this empire with blood," Dominic revealed, his voice low and heavy. "I inherited a crown made of iron and corpses. I thought it was the only life I was built for. But when I saw your face on that ultrasound screen... when I felt those three heartbeats... I realized I don't want my sons or daughters inheriting a cemetery."
He leaned closer, pressing his forehead gently against hers.
"I am going to end Julian," Dominic promised softly. "And then I am going to tear down the syndicate's illegal operations, legitimize our holdings, and build a world where you and our children can walk in the light without guards."
Vivien looked at him—at the man who had terrified her, protected her, and claimed her whole life in a matter of weeks—and realized her heart had surrendered to him long ago.
"Then take me with you to Maine," Vivien said firmly.
May you like
Dominic frowned instantly. "Absolutely not. It's too dangerous."
"Julian thinks I'm a helpless victim," Vivien argued, her eyes flashing with a sharp, unexpected fierce spirit. "He thinks I'm your weakness. Let him think that. Use me as the trap."
