The study remained silent long after Daniel Vance left.
Alexander didn't move for several seconds. His gaze stayed fixed on the closed door, his mind already racing through possibilities.
Elena watched him carefully.
"You believe him," she said quietly.
Alexander exhaled slowly. "Daniel doesn't waste time on empty warnings."
Elena folded her arms, trying to steady herself. "But why would he help us?"
Alexander turned toward the window, the dark city stretching endlessly beyond the glass.
"Because even within a family, there are lines people refuse to cross."
Elena looked down at her stomach unconsciously.
"And Marcus has crossed those lines?"
Alexander didn't answer immediately.
Finally, he said, "Marcus has always believed power is the only thing that matters."
Elena frowned. "And Daniel doesn't?"
Alexander shook his head slightly. "Daniel prefers control. Marcus prefers destruction."
The distinction made Elena uneasy.
A knock sounded on the door before it slowly opened again. The estate assistant stepped inside.
"Mr. Hale."
Alexander turned. "Yes?"
"I've just received a message from the security team."
Alexander's expression sharpened instantly.
"What kind of message?"
The assistant hesitated before speaking.
"They've noticed unfamiliar vehicles passing the estate gate several times tonight."
Elena's heart skipped.
"Passing?" she asked.
"They didn't stop," the assistant explained. "But they slowed down each time."
Alexander's gaze hardened.
"Have security increase patrols," he ordered immediately. "And double the gate monitoring."
"Yes, sir."
The assistant left quickly.
The room felt colder.
Elena looked at Alexander. "You think Marcus sent them?"
Alexander walked toward the desk, his expression thoughtful.
"Marcus likes intimidation," he said. "He likes people to feel watched."
Elena swallowed.
"Well… it's working."
Alexander walked back to her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Listen to me."
She looked up.
"No one is getting near you," he said firmly.
"You can't guarantee that."
Alexander's eyes darkened.
"I can guarantee that anyone who tries will regret it."
Elena studied his face. Beneath the calm exterior, she could see the tension building again.
The battle they had just survived was already fading into the background.
Another one was coming.
And this one felt more personal.
"Maybe Daniel was telling the truth," she said quietly.
Alexander nodded once.
"He was."
Elena frowned slightly. "You're certain?"
Alexander walked back to the window again.
"Marcus doesn't lose gracefully," he said. "He retaliates."
The soft buzz of a phone broke the silence.
Alexander pulled his phone from his pocket.
Unknown number.
He answered without hesitation.
"Yes?"
A low voice spoke from the other end.
"Mr. Hale."
Alexander's expression changed immediately.
"Who is this?"
"You don't know me," the voice replied calmly. "But I work with people who know Marcus Vance."
Alexander's gaze sharpened.
"And why are you calling me?"
"Because Marcus just hired protection."
Alexander frowned. "Protection?"
The voice chuckled quietly.
"That's what he calls them."
Elena watched Alexander's expression grow colder.
"What are they really?" Alexander asked.
There was a brief pause.
Then the man answered.
"Professionals who solve problems permanently."
Elena felt her stomach twist.
Alexander's voice turned dangerously calm.
"And what problem does Marcus want solved?"
Another pause followed.
Then the answer came.
"You."
The line went dead.
Alexander lowered the phone slowly.
Elena stepped closer.
"What did he say?"
Alexander looked at her, his expression harder than she had ever seen before.
"Marcus just escalated the war."
Elena's heart pounded.
"How bad?"
Alexander's eyes moved toward the dark garden outside.
"Bad enough that tonight…"
He paused.
"…we stop pretending this is just about a company."
A long silence filled the room.
Elena understood what he meant.
Marcus Vance wasn't fighting for Hale Enterprises anymore.
He was fighting to destroy Alexander Hale.
And now—
Their family had become part of the battlefield.