I wanted to raise Lila in a place where we did not have to hide behind stone walls and armed guards.

I would dismantle all of this.

I would give the federal prosecutors Caleb, the network, and the accounts.

I would trade the empire for a quiet life.

“He went through the gardens,” Marcus said, looking out the open window into the rain.

“He won’t get far,” I said. “I locked the main gates from my phone before we entered.”

I pulled out my phone to check the perimeter cameras.

The screen lit up with a flashing red warning.

A motion sensor in the historic carriage house had just been tripped.

“Stay here with Nora,” I told Marcus. “Ensure the rest of the property is secure.”

“Adrian, let me go with you,” Marcus said.

“No,” I said. “This ends between Caleb and me.”

I walked back down the stairs, the silence of the mansion pressing against my ears.

I stepped out of the cellar entrance and into the pouring rain.

The cold water soaked through my shirt instantly, but I barely felt it.