The Adrian estate loomed like a palace of secrets under the silver haze of dusk. Every window glowed with warm light, a deceptive comfort to anyone who didn't know the truth—the Adrians weren't just wealthy, they were powerful, and power bred paranoia.
Zayden strode through the grand halls, every step echoing with defiance. The photograph of Riley and the mystery man was tucked inside his jacket, and his mind churned with questions he could no longer ignore. He had to get to his father before anyone else could spin their own story.
In the dining hall, his father sat at the head of the long table, sipping aged whiskey from a crystal glass. The room fell silent when Zayden entered.
"Zayden," Mr. Adrian said, calm but cautious. "You've been... busy."
Zayden tossed the photo on the table.
His father raised an eyebrow, but didn't touch it. "Where did you get this?"
"You already know," Zayden said coldly. "What I want to know is why Riley Morgan's mother was standing next to one of your men ten years ago."
There was a pause, then a sigh—measured, tired, and far too calculated.
"Some truths," his father said slowly, "are better buried."
"Not this one."
Mr. Adrian leaned back in his chair, finally picking up the photo. "Her mother—Samantha Morgan—was a liaison. We used her to get to someone else. She disappeared when things got complicated."
"So Riley's just... collateral damage?"
His father's gaze turned sharp. "No. Riley is a variable. One that should have never reappeared."
Zayden's hands clenched into fists. "She's not a threat."
"She's a distraction. One we can't afford." His voice dropped into a warning growl. "You're the future of this family, Zayden. You can't throw it away for a girl with a bloodline you don't even understand."
"I already did," Zayden snapped. "And I'll do it again."
The tension in the room snapped tight, silence pulsing with unspoken threats.
Then, his father gave a cold smile. "Then you leave me no choice."
Zayden stepped forward, matching his father's gaze with unwavering defiance. "If you come for her, I will burn this family to the ground."
His father didn't flinch. "Then prepare to make a choice—your empire, or your girl."
And just like that, war was declared.
Back at Crestwood…
Riley sat by her window, the photograph of her younger self gripped tightly in her hand. The edges were worn now, her fingers trembling from the storm inside her. She didn't know who to trust, what to believe. But one thing was clear—she was at the center of something much bigger than just a love story.
And the more she remembered, the more terrified she became.
Something inside her whispered: They've been watching you your whole life