Chapter 16 - The Shield
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By nightfall, Dela, Nell, and Teddy were relocated to Augustine Vandermir’s private, heavily fortified estate in Lake Forest—a massive stone manor surrounded by thirty acres of gated woodland and round-the-clock private security.
Inside the grand living room, a roaring fireplace warmed the space. Nell was fast asleep in a plush bedroom upstairs, safe and comfortable.
Dela sat near the hearth, wrapping a soft cashmere blanket around her shoulders.
Gus walked into the room, carrying two glasses of warm cider. He handed one to her and sat down on the leather sofa opposite her.
"Victor Sinclair's syndicate connections have been completely dismantled," Gus informed her quietly. "Federal agents raided Marco Reyes's hideout an hour ago. All financial accounts tied to Sinclair Maritime have been frozen."
Dela took a small sip of cider, looking at the flickering flames. "I spent two years feeling like I was walking on thin ice, waiting for the floor to fall out from beneath my feet."
"The ice is gone, Dela," Gus said, his voice soft and resonant. "You're standing on solid ground now."
She looked at him, taking in his powerful frame, his calm authority, and the deep kindness hidden beneath his formidable exterior.
"You built an entire shield around me before you even knew me," Dela whispered. "Why?"
Gus looked into the fire, a faint, thoughtful smile touching his lips. "Because the first time I saw you polishing crystal in that empty dining room at five in the morning, I saw a woman who possessed more strength, nobility, and grace than anyone who ever bought a ticket to the top floor of my tower."
He turned his dark eyes back to hers.
"I didn't just want to protect you, Delilah," Gus confessed softly. "I wanted to give you a home where you never have to hide again."
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Dela felt a warm flutter in her chest—not just the movement of her growing baby, but a deep, long-forgotten feeling of peace and rising affection.
She reached out her hand, resting her fingers over his strong wrist. "Thank you, Gus."
