Chapter 1 - The Cold Welcome
Sunlight poured through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows of the lakefront penthouse, casting a golden glow across polished marble floors and glittering crystal chandeliers. Beyond the glass, the icy blue waters of Lake Michigan stretched into the horizon.
In the center of the vast, opulent room sat Sebastian Lombardi. Early 30s, dangerously muscular with dark hair and intricate tattoos covering his broad chest, he sat shirtless in a sleek black wheelchair. A dark towel draped over his lap, partially covering thick white medical bandages wrapped tightly around his knees and shins. In his hand, he swirled amber liquor over ice, his dark eyes brimming with cold cynicism. Armed bodyguards stood silently along the walls like statues.
The double doors creaked open. Clare Bennett stepped hesitantly into the room, holding her medical bag tightly against her embellished light blue dress. Beside her, eight-year-old Oliver walked quietly in his light blue suit jacket and white pants, clutching a worn plush teddy bear to his chest.
Sebastian took a slow sip, his mocking gaze locking onto Clare.
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"Gabriel found another miracle worker?" Sebastian asked, his voice dripping with icy contempt.
👉 Why did Clare risk bringing her young son directly into the lair of Chicago’s most dangerous underworld boss?
