Chapter 17 - THE UNCLE FROM THE SHADOWS
We met him at his hotel suite two days later.
Julian Harrington looked like an older, harder version of Adrian. Same jaw. Same eyes. But colder. Calculating. He sat in a high-backed chair, sipping tea, watching us enter with a faint, knowing smile.
“Nephew,” he said smoothly. “And the new bride. Excellent. You honored the bargain. I am pleased.”
Adrian did not sit. He stood before the man, shoulders squared.
“You threatened my son.”
“I ensured the legacy.” Julian set his cup down. “Your grandfather struck a bargain to save this family from ruin. A blood oath. You married the girl. You secured the line. And now… I take my place as steward. Until Leo comes of age.”
“You manipulated Clara. Paid her to poison him. To frame Grace. You nearly killed your own great-nephew.”
Julian waved a hand dismissively. “Clara was unstable. She took things too far. I only meant to pressure you. To push you toward the marriage. I never intended harm to come to the boy.”
“Liar,” I said.
Julian turned his gaze to me. His eyes lingered, unimpressed.
“You are more sharp-witted than Clara described. But do not mistake your position. You are here to bear heirs and keep the covenant. You have no power. No voice. Do not overstep.”
Adrian stepped forward. “She is my wife. She is equal in every way. And you will speak to her with respect.”
Julian laughed. “So protective. It will break your heart when you learn the truth. You think this ends with me? I am merely the first step. The covenant demands more than a single marriage. It demands loyalty. Obedience. And when Leo is older… he will be bound to it too. As will his children. Forever.”
Adrian leaned across the table. “Then we break the covenant.”
Julian’s smile vanished. “You cannot break what your ancestors swore in blood. Try… and you will lose everything. Leo included.”
“We already lost everything once,” I said quietly. “And we survived. You hold a piece of paper, Julian. But you do not hold our hearts. You do not hold our courage.”
Julian stood slowly. His expression shifted. Cold. Threatening.
“Go home. Play the happy family. But remember who holds the pen that writes your future. Cross me… and Clara’s fate will look gentle compared to what follows.”
We walked out of the suite in silence. Down the hallway. Into the elevator. Only when the doors hissed shut did Adrian speak.
“He believes he has us trapped,” he said. “But he made one mistake.”
May you like
“What mistake?”
“He showed his hand. He told us exactly what he wants. And exactly what he fears.” Adrian squeezed my hand. “He fears the covenant being broken. Which means there must be a way to break it.”
