Chapter 3: THE UNSEEN THREAT
Life at the villa seemed to stabilize, but Victor’s instincts were screaming. Security protocols were upgraded, and Malcolm remained a constant, protective shadow, his limp a daily reminder of the price of the past. Sophie still visited, her presence acting as a grounding force for the entire household. She had a habit of wandering near the cypress trees, a sanctuary she felt belonged to her.
One afternoon, Sophie came running to the back patio, her face pale. She didn't speak; she just pulled at Victor’s sleeve, pointing toward the edge of the property where the dense forest met the manicured lawns.
Victor stood, his hand resting instinctively on his phone. He walked to the edge, his security team flanking him silently. There, hidden in the brush, was a discarded burner phone and a set of high-resolution binoculars.
"They’re watching, aren't they?" Sophie whispered, her voice barely audible.
Victor felt the cold chill of reality. This wasn't a random act of betrayal by a disgruntled wife; this was a coordinated campaign. He didn't rush. He didn't scream. He simply signaled his team to secure the perimeter. He looked at the device, a sense of predatory focus overtaking him. He had spent his life building an empire, and he knew how to defend it. But for the first time, he wasn't defending the empire; he was defending his family.
He turned to Sophie, his expression softening despite the rising tension. "Go inside, Sophie. Stay with Rosa. Don't go near the trees for a while."
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"Are you going to be okay?" she asked, her eyes reflecting a wisdom far beyond her nine years.
"I’m going to make sure they regret ever coming near this house," Victor replied. The calm in his voice was terrifying, and for the first time, Sophie didn't fear the danger; she trusted the man standing in front of it.
