Chapter 24
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Despite Maya’s decisive victory over the proxy vote, Elias Thorne was not a man who surrendered easily. When his legal avenues began to crumble under the weight of Maya’s aggressive counter-litigation, he resorted to the petty, invasive tactics of a desperate man.
He hired private investigators to follow Noah, and black SUVs began parking conspicuously at the end of our street. It was a crude attempt at psychological intimidation, a silent message that they were always watching.
That evening, I was reading a book in the living room while Clara played with her wooden blocks on the floor. She paused, holding a wooden tower, and looked toward the large bay window.
"Grandma," Clara asked, her brow furrowed in innocent confusion. "Why is that black car always sleeping on our street?"
My heart skipped a beat, but I forced my expression to remain entirely calm and pleasant. I would not allow Elias Thorne to steal her peace of mind.
"Sometimes cars break down, sweetheart," I lied gently. "And they have to wait a long time for a tow truck."
Maya walked into the room, having heard the question. She did not look panicked, but a fierce, protective fire ignited in her eyes. She knelt down beside Clara.
"Clara, do you remember what we talked about when someone makes you uncomfortable?" Maya asked softly.
"Say no and tell a grown-up," Clara recited perfectly, placing her wooden tower on the castle wall.
"Exactly," Maya smiled, kissing her daughter’s forehead. "You are completely safe. Noah and I are going to make sure that car gets towed away very soon."
Maya stood up and walked into the kitchen, pulling her phone from her pocket. Noah followed her, his posture tight with controlled anger.
"I am not playing this game anymore," Maya whispered furiously to Noah. "I will not let him bring his shadow to my daughter's window."
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"I’ll handle the perimeter," Noah promised, his voice low and steady. "I’ll hire a private security firm to box them in and run their plates. We won't engage, but we will make it incredibly uncomfortable for them to sit there."
"Do it," Maya commanded. "And Mom," she turned to me, "we need to find out exactly who is backing Elias. He is a front man. We need to cut the head off the snake."
