Chapter 6 - The Sanctuary of StonesFour hundred miles away, hidden deep within the rolling, mist-shrouded hills of the Hudson Valley, stood a sprawling stone estate surrounded by wrought-iron gates and ancient oak trees.
It was known simply as The Citadel.
Inside the sunlit master drawing room, the air smelled of burning lavender, aged paper, and sweet tea.
Elena sat by a large bay window, wrapped in a plush cream cashmere shawl. Her bare feet rested on a velvet ottoman, and her hands gently cradled the swollen curve of her abdomen. She looked out over the sprawling green lawns, watching the autumn wind ripple through the grass.
A soft knock sounded at the door.
"Come in," Elena said calmly.
An elderly man with silver hair and sharp, intelligent eyes stepped inside, holding a leather-bound folder. It was Nicholas, her father’s former consigliere and the man who had safely escorted her out of Manhattan.
"The asset freeze is holding, Miss Elena," Nicholas reported with a respectful bow of his head. "Valentino’s primary logistics routes in Europe have been seized by the Vanguard council. He is completely cut off from syndicate funding."
Elena didn't turn away from the window. "And his legal team?"
"Panicking," Nicholas smiled faintly. "They filed an emergency injunction to contest the divorce, but under the ancient bylaws of the Vanguard, infidelity and conspiracy to abandon an heir nullifies all marital asset protections. He is facing financial ruin."
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Elena nodded slowly. Her hand stroked her stomach.
"Let him panic," she whispered. "He thought he could trade me away like an old contract. He’s about to learn what happens when you break the foundation of a real empire."
