Morning came too quickly. Jacob had spent the entire night dealing with police reports, coordinating with Leo to remove the unconscious intruders, and arranging repairs for the extensive damage to the house. By the time dawn broke over Seron, he had maybe ninety minutes of sleep. Anna had retreated to the bedroom around three in the morning, emotionally exhausted from the attack and the revelations that followed. Jacob gave her space, understanding that she needed time to process everything she had learned about him. Now, at nine o'clock sharp, three expensive cars pulled into the driveway. The Tate family had arrived exactly when they said they would. Jacob watched from the temporarily boarded-up front window as Kelvin Tate emerged from the lead vehicle, followed by Elizabeth and Aria. A second car disgorged Anna's brother Marcus and two cousins Jacob had never met. The third vehicle held Ben Tate, the family patriarch, who stepped out with the bearing of a man accustomed to author

Every member of the Tate family leaned forward slightly, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and hope. They wanted something from Jacob—some arrangement that would restore their control over Anna while maintaining their dignity. "What kind of deal?" Ben asked cautiously. Jacob looked at each family member in turn before speaking. "My deal is simple. You will apologize to Anna. All of you. Right here, right now." The room went completely silent. Elizabeth's mouth dropped open in shock. Aria looked genuinely confused, as if the concept of apologizing to Anna had never occurred to her. "Apologize for what?" Kelvin asked defensively. "For fifteen years of cruelty," Jacob said quietly, his voice carrying more menace in its calm tone than any shout could have. "For calling her a monster. For treating her like a burden. For being ashamed of her existence. For selling her to the first man willing to take her." He moved to stand protectively behind Anna, his hands resting lightly on

Jacob stared at the photograph in Ben Tate's weathered hand. The boy in the image looked back at him across fifteen years—younger, more innocent, still believing the world was safe and family was forever. That boy had died in the fire along with everyone he loved. "Where did you get that?" Jacob asked quietly. "I have been collecting information about Seron's powerful families for forty years," Ben replied. "The Krigg family was one of the most influential before their destruction. When they were eliminated, I kept records. Just in case the official story was not the complete truth." He walked closer, holding the photograph beside Jacob's face, comparing features. "The resemblance is undeniable. Same bone structure, same eyes, same determined expression. You have grown into a dangerous man, but you are definitely that boy." Jacob remained silent, neither confirming nor denying the accusation. "Why are you not answering?" Elizabeth demanded. "Either you are Jacob Krigg or you are n

"You are not coming, and that is final," Jacob said firmly, turning back to the desk and the blueprints spread across it. "We will discuss this later," Anna replied, her tone making it clear she considered the matter far from settled. She left the study, closing the door with deliberate control that was somehow more ominous than a slam. Leo waited until her footsteps faded before speaking. "She is not going to let this go, sir." "I know," Jacob admitted, rubbing his temples. "But taking her into a potential combat situation is out of the question. If something went wrong—" "If something goes wrong, she becomes a target whether she is there or not," Leo pointed out. "The Keatons will retaliate against both of you regardless. At least if she is with us, we can control her protection directly." "Whose side are you on?" Jacob demanded. "The side of practical reality," Leo replied. "Anna has valid points about knowing the estate and the social circles. And sir, with respect, she is go

The Keaton estate glowed like a jewel in the darkness, every window blazing with light as Seron's elite gathered for the exclusive exhibition. Luxury cars lined the circular driveway, disgorging passengers in expensive evening wear who disappeared through the grand entrance. Jacob adjusted his tie and checked his concealed earpiece one final time. "Communications check. Leo, are you in position?" "Affirmative," Leo's voice came through clearly. "All monitoring stations are active. I have eyes on security feeds and can guide you through the estate once you are inside." "Roseline?" Jacob asked. "Northeast corner, ready to breach if needed," Roseline replied. "Though I still think you should have brought Anna. She wanted to participate." "Anna is safely at home with enhanced security," Jacob said firmly. He had left her with six armed guards and explicit instructions not to leave the house under any circumstances. She had not been happy about it, but she had agreed after he promised