Lucas and Owen were asleep in their bedrooms on the second floor of the estate.

They were only five years old.

They had no idea that their lives were being decided in the dark.

I looked at Dr. Shah, who was standing by the door.

He had heard the panic in my voice.

“Is there someone we can call, Mr. Whitmore?” Dr. Shah asked.

“Call the local sheriff,” I said, my voice tight.

“Tell them there is an intruder at the Whitmore estate.”

“I am going there now.”

Dr. Shah nodded and immediately pulled out his own phone.

“I am coming with you,” Claire said, trying to swing her legs over the edge of the bed.

“No,” I said, placing my hand gently on her shoulder.

“You are still recovering.”

“You need to stay here where it is safe.”

“They are my children too, Daniel,” she whispered.

Her eyes swam with tears, but there was a fierce strength in them.

“I cannot lie here while he destroys our only chance to be a family.”

“I will handle Vance,” I promised her.