Chapter 1 - The Shadows of Central Park
The November wind howled through the barren trees above us.
Sebastian stood perfectly still, his expensive wool coat whipping around his knees.
He looked at my three children as if he were seeing ghosts.
His glamorous fiancée, Chloe, grabbed his arm with perfectly manicured fingers.
"Sebastian, tell this woman to leave right now," Chloe demanded.
He ignored her completely.
His gray eyes, the exact same shade as my son Owen's, remained fixed on the stroller.
"My grandfather knew," Sebastian repeated, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper.
I gripped the handles of the stroller so tightly my knuckles turned white.
"It doesn't matter what he knew," I said.
"You signed the divorce papers, Sebastian."
"You told me I meant nothing."
Sebastian took a slow step toward me.
"I was told you were having an affair," he said quietly.
"My grandfather provided photos, bank statements, and hotel receipts."
I felt the blood drain from my face.
"That is a lie," I whispered.
"I know that now," Sebastian said, looking at the innocent faces of his children.
"He fabricated everything because he knew I would never leave you otherwise."
Chloe gasped, finally understanding the gravity of the situation.
"Are you saying these brats are yours?" she shrieked.
Sebastian didn't even look at her.
"The wedding is off, Chloe," he stated with absolute finality.
He reached into his jacket and pulled out a sleek black phone.
Before he could dial, a terrifying sound echoed across the pavement.
Four massive black SUVs hopped the curb and sped onto the pedestrian walkway.
They surrounded us in a tight, inescapable circle.
The doors swung open, and a dozen men in tactical suits poured out.
They weren't looking at Sebastian.
Their eyes were completely fixed on my children.
A man stepped out of the lead vehicle holding a suppressed weapon.
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"Mr. Vale's grandfather sends his regards," the man said.
"He requested we bring the heirs home, with or without their mother."
