Chapter 3 - Shadows in Philadelphia
While Rowan House offered a fortress of warmth and security for Mara and Sophie, the streets of Philadelphia outside the estate’s iron gates were growing increasingly hostile.
In a dimly lit private cigar lounge downtown, Marcus Vane—a rising syndicate boss who had long coveted the shipping lanes and financial portfolios controlled by Vincent Rowan—slumped into a leather armchair. Across from him sat two of his most ruthless enforcers.
“Rowan thinks he’s untouchable,” Marcus sneered, swirling amber whiskey in a crystal glass. “He sits up in that stone mansion like a king, ignoring the council’s new tax demands. He thinks because he survived the dock wars ten years ago, nobody can touch him.”
“Word on the street is he’s getting soft,” one enforcer muttered. “He’s keeping staff on that estate—families, children running around. Rowan never used to allow civilian clutter near his operations.”
Marcus’s eyes narrowed into cold slits. A wicked, opportunistic smile spread across his face. “Civilians, you say? A single mother and her little girl living right inside Rowan House?”
“Head housekeeper or manager, something like that,” the enforcer replied. “Name’s Mara Ellis.”
Marcus stood up, buttoning his tailored suit jacket with deliberate slowness. “Vincent Rowan believes his walls are impenetrable. He thinks he can hide behind guards and biometrics. But the easiest way to break a man who cares about nothing... is to find the one thing he didn't know he cared about.”
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“You want to grab the kid?”
“Not yet,” Marcus said smoothly, walking toward the heavy velvet curtains of the lounge. “Let’s send a message first. Let Vincent know that his fortress has cracks in the foundation. And make sure Mara Ellis understands that working for a monster has a very high price.”
