Chapter 4 - The Estate at Gold CoastAt 1:30 AM, the three armored Maybachs glided through the massive iron security gates of the Vescari Estate perched on the crest of Gold Coast, Long Island.
The estate was an immense, stone fortress surrounded by high brick walls, ancient oak trees, infrared security cameras, and broad-shouldered men in dark suits carrying suppressed automatic weapons.
When the convoy stopped outside the grand mahogany front doors, Julian stepped out first, extending his broad hand to help Emma down.
Emma held the silver silk gown over one arm and her worn canvas tote bag over the other, looking up at the soaring stone arches glowing under the warm exterior lamps.
"Welcome to my real home, Emma," Julian murmured, guiding her up the marble steps.
Inside, the grand foyer was warm, firelit, and filled with the scent of cedarwood, fresh lilies, and old leather. A sweeping double staircase rose to the upper suites, while a roaring stone fireplace warmed the central hall.
Julian’s chief housekeeper, Mrs. Gable—a warm, silver-haired woman—stepped forward with a tray of hot tea and warm towels.
"Mr. Vescari!" Mrs. Gable gasped, taking in the glass dust on Julian's coat. "Are you hurt?!"
"I am fine, Mrs. Gable," Julian answered smoothly, stripping off his heavy wool overcoat, handing it to a butler. "Prepare the east wing master suite for Miss Reyes. Ensure she has whatever she needs."
Mrs. Gable looked at Emma, taking in her dark, damp hair, her worn boots, and the exquisite silver silk gown carried over her arm. A gentle, knowing smile touched the housekeeper's lips.
"Right away, Don Julian," Mrs. Gable bowed respectfully. "Follow me, Miss Reyes."
Emma stopped on the lower stair, turning her head to look back at Julian.
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He stood near the fireplace, unbuttoning his collar, his dark storm-gray eyes watching her with a quiet, intense devotion that made her pulse take a wild, dangerous leap against her ribs.
"Get some sleep, Emma," Julian spoke softly into the quiet hall. "Tomorrow... we rewrite Manhattan."
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