Chapter 4 - The Fortress on Michigan Avenue
Sterling’s eyes narrowed into slitted daggers. He reached for his lapel, intending to draw his weapon, but before he could touch the grip, three heavy black Escalades screeched to a halt along the curb, blocking the street.
Eight armed men in dark suits stepped out of the Escalades—Arthur’s private executive security detail, led by Marcus, a former Special Forces operator.
Marcus stepped up beside Arthur, drawing a suppressed sidearm and leveling it directly at Sterling’s chest.
“Stand down, friend,” Marcus commanded smoothly. “You’re heavily outmatched.”
Sterling looked around at the eight armed guards, then at Arthur standing tall without his wheelchair. Horror crossed Sterling’s face as he realized the miracle that had just occurred.
“You... she healed you,” Sterling gasped, his eyes wide. “The asset healed your spine!”
“She is not an asset. She is a child,” Arthur snapped. “Marcus, escort these gentlemen off my property. If they ever show their faces within a mile of me or these children again, eliminate the threat.”
“Understood, Mr. Vance,” Marcus replied.
Sterling backed away slowly, his eyes locked onto the baby wrapped in the frayed blanket. “This isn't over, Vance! You can’t protect her from what’s coming! Vanguard has resources you can’t even imagine!”
“I have four billion dollars and the best security team in North America,” Arthur replied coldly. “Try me.”
Five minutes later, the children were ushered into the warm, leather-scented interior of Arthur’s bulletproof executive SUV.
The vehicle sped away from the downtown cafe, heading toward Arthur’s private penthouse estate atop the highest tower on Michigan Avenue.
Inside the SUV, Maya and Toby were eating warm roasted chicken drumsticks and rolls with ravenous hunger, while Leo sat quietly, staring out the window at the glittering city lights, still holding Hope securely against his chest.
Arthur sat across from them on the plush leather bench, constantly flexing his legs, testing his ankles, feeling the miraculous sensation of warm blood flowing through his veins.
“Where are we going?” Leo asked softly, his voice heavy with fatigue.
“To my home,” Arthur answered gently. “It’s a fortress. Nobody can touch you there.”
Leo looked down at the infant in his arms. Hope was sleeping peacefully, her tiny rosebud lips parting slightly as she breathed.
“Why are you doing this for us, Mr. Vance?” Leo asked, looking up with big, soulful brown eyes. “You don't know us. You could have just walked away once your legs were healed.”
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Arthur looked out the window at the reflections of the city towers. He thought of his own past—his obsessed pursuit of wealth, the lonely years in his massive mansion, the silence that had surrounded him since his wife passed away six years ago.
“For twelve years,” Arthur said quietly, looking back at Leo, “I sat in that chair believing my life was over. Tonight, this baby gave me my legs back... but you children gave me a reason to use them. You saved her life, Leo. Now it’s my turn to protect yours.”
