Chapter 3 - THE THREAT UNVEILED
The sharp, high-pitched ring of Preston's personal smartphone suddenly shattered the quiet of the nursery, the sound echoing off the walls like a warning.
He carefully laid Mikaelyn and Masonel onto the soft plush cushions of the nursery crib, pulling a warm wool blanket over their shivering bodies.
He reached into his pocket, his knuckles turning a stark, bloodless white as he answered the call, his eyes fixed on the empty doorway.
"I see you found our little display, Preston," Victoria's smooth, high-society voice purred through the receiver, carrying an artificial, sickening sweetness.
"I hope the ropes weren't too abrasive for our precious little heirs."
"If you touch my children again, Victoria," Preston whispered, his voice so quiet it was barely a vibration in the air, yet carrying a terrifying intensity.
"I will personally ensure you spend the rest of your days in a place where the sun never rises."
Victoria let out a sharp, mocking laugh from the other end of the line, completely unbothered by his threat.
"You are in no position to make demands, Preston," she sneered, her tone dropping its theatrical warmth, revealing the raw predator beneath.
"The board of directors is meeting at ten o'clock tomorrow morning to finalize the merger of the Aldridge Group with my brother’s holding company."
"If your signature is not on the biometric transfer deeds by nine, the clinical director of our private medical facility will execute the permanent guardianship waiver."
"We will declare you mentally incompetent due to your 'hysterical grief' over your father's passing, and we will take the twins by force."
"Your father was a fool who believed in honest labor, Preston, and he died because he refused to let us manage his assets."
"Do not make the same mistake."
Preston did not answer her; he slowly lowered the phone from his ear, his face completely pale but entirely steady.
He walked over to the grand mahogany desk in the corner of his study, his fingers tracing the edge of a hidden panel beneath the desk drawer.
He pressed his thumb against the biometric sensor concealed within the wood, a soft, satisfying click echoing through the silent room.
A secret drawer slid open, revealing a thick, blue plastic folder containing the original, uncorrupted financial ledgers of his father’s estate.
Arthur Aldridge had known exactly what kind of greedy, parasitic family Victoria belonged to before he passed away.
He had left Preston a secure, encrypted digital arsenal designed specifically to destroy the Winchester-Vance dynasty if they ever attempted to raise a hand against his grandchildren.
"The game is officially over, Victoria," Preston whispered to the empty room, his eyes reflecting the cold, sharp light of his computer screen.
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"You wanted my father's empire."
"But you are about to receive his final judgment."
