Chapter 4

The Maybach glided silently into the ultra-wealthy enclave of Greenwich, Connecticut.

It passed through two massive, black wrought-iron gates adorned with the Kerr family crest.

Outside the tinted windows, miles of private forest, a pristine golf course, and a shimmering artificial lake rolled by. It was the physical manifestation of ancient, untouchable wealth.

Alondra leaned back against the premium calfskin seat.

Her heart rate remained steady. She looked at the sprawling estate with absolute indifference. There was no wide-eyed awe, no nervous fidgeting.

Ivor watched her through the rearview mirror.

His hands gripped the steering wheel tightly. He was deeply shocked by how calm she was. Most people would be hyperventilating.

The convoy pulled up to a massive stone mansion that looked like a European castle.

Dozens of staff members in crisp uniforms stood in two perfect lines along the front steps.

The car stopped.

Alondra opened her own door before Ivor could reach it. She stepped out onto the gravel, her cheap canvas bag clashing violently with the luxury around her.

The heavy oak doors of the main house flew open.

Sterling Kerr and his wife, Eleonora, rushed out. Sterling was a ruthless financial titan, but right now, he was just a desperate father.

Eleonora saw Alondra and broke down.

Tears streamed down her face. She practically ran down the stone steps, ignoring all social etiquette.

She threw her arms around Alondra, pulling her into a crushing hug.

"My baby," Eleonora sobbed into Alondra's shoulder. "My beautiful girl. We looked for you for so long."

Alondra's muscles instantly locked.

Her combat training made her hate sudden physical contact. But as the raw, unconditional warmth of a mother's tears soaked through her thin dress, her shoulders slowly dropped. She relaxed.

Sterling stood right behind his wife.

His eyes were red. His chest heaved with emotion.

He reached out his large, warm hand and gripped Alondra's shoulder tightly. "No one will ever hurt you again. I swear it on my life."

Before Alondra could respond, a soft, sickeningly sweet voice floated out from the open doors.

"Mother? Father? Is she finally here?"

Chanel Kerr walked out of the house.

She wore a custom white dress that made her look like an innocent angel. Perfect tears pooled in her eyes.

She smiled warmly and reached out her hand toward Alondra. "I am so happy you are home, sister."

Alondra's eyes dropped to Chanel's outstretched hand.

She noticed the slight, rigid tension in the tendons of Chanel's wrist. It was a subconscious defensive posture.

Alondra gave a slow, deliberate blink. The stench of jealousy and hatred rolling off Chanel was almost suffocating.

Alondra didn't take the hand.

She simply gave a short, cold nod.

Chanel's hand hung in the air. A flash of pure venom crossed her eyes, but she instantly replaced it with a look of deep hurt.

She pulled her hand back and lightly touched her collarbone.

"Did I do something wrong?" Chanel whispered, looking at Eleonora with wide, tearful eyes. "Does she hate me?"

Eleonora quickly wiped her own tears.

"No, sweetheart," Eleonora said, rubbing Chanel's arm. "She's just overwhelmed. Give her time."

Chanel immediately linked her arm through Eleonora's.

She pressed herself against the older woman, physically claiming her territory in front of the newcomer.

They moved into the grand living room.

Priceless Renaissance paintings hung on the walls. A maid set a silver tray with premium Ceylon tea on the coffee table.

Chanel immediately reached for the heavy silver teapot.

"Let me serve you, sister," Chanel said brightly.

Chanel didn't aim the boiling liquid directly at Alondra-that would be too obvious. Instead, she feigned a clumsy stumble on the thick Persian rug, tilting the heavy silver teapot just enough so the scalding tea would splash onto Alondra's exposed legs.

Alondra's reflexes fired.

She casually sidestepped, her hand shooting out to catch Chanel's wrist mid-fall. With a sharp, excruciating twist, she forced Chanel's hand backward. The boiling tea splashed violently onto the tray, missing them both, but the sudden torque made Chanel's wrist pop.

Chanel gasped sharply in pain.

She dropped the teapot back onto the tray with a loud clatter. She stared at Alondra, her chest heaving, completely unable to process how fast Alondra had moved.

Alondra calmly lifted the cup to her lips and took a sip.

"Your pouring technique needs work," Alondra said, her voice dripping with mockery.

Sterling's smile faded slightly, his sharp eyes narrowing for a fraction of a second as he watched the unnatural angle of Chanel's wrist. A cold realization settled in his chest; he recognized the underlying malice of the 'accident' instantly. The ruthless titan within him wanted to snap at the deception, but his desperate need to preserve this fragile family reunion forced his jaw shut. He held his tongue, his knuckles turning white against his thighs. Eleonora, however, quickly intervened, her maternal instincts completely missing the lethal undercurrent, attributing the near-disaster to mere nervousness. "Be careful, dear," she said, her voice gentle but firm, subtly warning Chanel as she reached out to steady the silver tray.