Chapter 6 - The Broken Timer
Down in the subterranean safe suite—a reinforced, windowless room beneath the mansion equipped with emergency communications and comfortable living quarters—Mara clutched Sophie tightly against her chest.
Two armed security guards stood outside the heavy steel door, their tactical rifles held at low ready.
“Mommy, why are we down here?” Sophie asked, her eyes wide with fear as she clutched her stuffed lion. “Is it another storm?”
“No, sweetie, just... a security check,” Mara lied smoothly, though her own heart was hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.
Just then, the heavy steel door swung open.
Vincent walked in. He had discarded his suit jacket, wearing a dark tactical turtleneck, his holster strapped firmly beneath his left arm. He looked dangerous, focused, and entirely lethal—yet the moment his eyes landed on Sophie, his expression softened instantly.
He knelt down in front of them.
“Sophie,” Vincent said calmly. “I need you to stay down here with Mr. Prescott for a little while. Your mother and I have to go upstairs.”
“Are you in trouble, Mr. Rowan?” Sophie asked, tilting her head.
“No,” Vincent smiled faintly, a rare, reassuring expression. “Nobody gets in trouble in this house while I’m here. Do you trust me?”
Sophie nodded solemnly. “Yes. You gave me five minutes.”
Vincent stood up, looking at Mara. She stood beside him, her face pale but resolute.
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“You’re not staying down here, Mara,” Vincent stated. “Marcus Vane’s men are probing our outer perimeter. I need you with me in the main control room where I can protect you.”
“I’m not afraid, Mr. Rowan,” Mara said, stepping closer to him, her eyes flashing with a fierce, protective courage that matched his own. “Let’s end this.”
