The apartment was entirely silent save for the muffled rhythm of the snow hitting the glass and the soft, steady breathing of the little girl asleep on the sofa.

The holiday shopping district was a chaotic river of bright lights, festive music, and last-minute shoppers bundled in thick winter coats. But inside the children's department of downtown Seattle's most exclusive department store, the world felt warm and bright to Sophie.

For the first time in her life, she wasn't wearing hand-me-downs or thin, threadbare coats donated by strangers. Victor walked beside her holding her small hand, letting her point at winter boots, colorful sweaters, and wool coats in shades of pink and crimson.

"Do you like this one?" Victor asked, holding up a soft white parka lined with faux fur.

Sophie touched the fabric reverently, her eyes wide. "It's so soft."

"It's yours," Victor said, handing it to the store assistant to box up.

As they walked toward the checkout counter, carrying bags filled with clothes, books, and a brand-new doll to keep Lily company, Victor felt a strange sensation crawling up the back of his neck—the distinct, unsettling feeling of being watched.

He glanced back over his shoulder.

In the crowded aisle near the escalators, half-hidden behind a rack of winter coats, stood a man in a dark trench coat and a grey wool cap. The man was staring directly at them with cold, calculating intensity.

Victor froze. He knew every corporate rival, every hostile board member, and every thug associated with Amanda’s legal team. This man was none of them.

The stranger’s eyes were fixed entirely on Sophie.

"Victor?" Sophie asked, tugging gently on his sleeve, noticing his sudden tension. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, sweetheart," Victor forced a calm smile, stepping slightly to block the man from her line of sight. When he looked back toward the coat rack a second later, the man had vanished into the crowd.