The Salvatore Estate stood in perfect silence beneath glittering crystal chandeliers.
Sunlight poured through the towering windows.
The marble foyer reflected every step.
To outsiders, it was a mansion built on wealth and power.
Inside...
A frightened young woman knelt on the polished floor.
Sophia, dressed in a flowing white gown, wrapped both arms around her pregnant belly as tears streamed down her face.
She wasn't protecting herself.
She was protecting the little life growing inside her.
Standing over her was her husband, Adrian.
His expensive suit and confident smile hid the cruelty in his words.
He looked down at her with complete contempt.
"You're nothing without me."
Sophia shook her head, refusing to let go of her stomach.
Through uncontrollable sobs, she cried,
"I'm protecting my son!"
Her voice echoed through the enormous foyer.
But Adrian showed no sympathy.
He believed she was completely alone.
He believed no one was coming.
Then...
A thunderous boom echoed through the mansion.
The massive double doors burst open.
Every servant and guest turned toward the entrance.
An older man wearing a long dark coat stepped inside with several bodyguards following close behind.
His footsteps echoed across the marble floor.
No one dared speak.
The atmosphere inside the mansion changed instantly.
The man wasn't angry.
He was calm.
And somehow...
That frightened everyone even more.