Chapter 17
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Julian leaned heavily against the closed front door, taking a deep, stabilizing breath. He could hear Lily humming happily in the kitchen, completely unaware of the toxic storm that had just been delivered to their doorstep. He quickly shoved the thick legal envelope into the top drawer of the entryway console table, locking it out of sight. He forced a warm, convincing smile onto his face before walking back into the kitchen.
"Who was at the door, Dad?" Lily asked, not looking up from her drawing.
"Just a courier dropping off some boring corporate paperwork," Julian lied smoothly, kissing the top of her head as he walked past to place the baby in the highchair.
"You're using your boardroom voice," Lily observed astutely, finally looking up. Her sharp, intelligent eyes scanned his face, immediately noticing the subtle tension in his jaw and the slight tightness around his eyes. "Are you stressed about work today?"
"Just a big meeting, that's all," Julian deflected, busying himself with preparing the baby's oatmeal. "Nothing you need to worry your brilliant mind about. Are your bags packed for school?"
Lily nodded slowly, though she didn't look entirely convinced. She possessed an uncanny ability to read the emotional climate of a room, a survival skill she had developed during the dark days of Victoria's manipulation. She knew her father was hiding something, but she also knew he was doing it to protect her.
After breakfast, Julian loaded the kids into his SUV to begin the morning school run. The suburban streets were quiet and familiar, lined with massive oak trees shedding their autumn leaves. But as they turned onto the main boulevard, Lily noticed something unusual out of her passenger window.
"Dad," Lily said quietly, keeping her eyes fixed on the side mirror.
"Yes, sweetie?"
May you like
"There's a black car," Lily murmured, pointing discreetly. "It was parked at the end of our street when we left. And it's still behind us. It made all the same turns."
Julian’s blood ran cold. He glanced at his rearview mirror, confirming her observation. A sleek, black sedan with heavily tinted windows was trailing exactly three car lengths behind them. Victoria wasn't just launching a legal assault; she had hired someone to watch them.
