ELDEN HOLLOW
Outside the window, the city lights began to flicker on—silent witnesses to the war about to unfold.
The first light of dawn filtered softly through the linen curtains, casting a gentle glow over the spacious nursery.
Lewis stirred in the large bed, careful not to wake the small figure curled beside him. Leo's chest rose and fell in slow, peaceful breaths, his tiny fingers twitching in dreams.
"Morning, champ," Lewis whispered, brushing a stray curl from Leo's forehead.
Leo's eyes blinked open, still heavy with sleep but sparkling as he spotted Lewis.
"Dada," Leo murmured, reaching out with a chubby hand.
Lewis lifted him easily, planting a soft kiss on his cheek. "Time to get up, buddy.
The kitchen at Elden Hollow was quiet except for the soft sizzle of eggs cooking in the pan.
Lewis stood at the stove, his sleeves rolled up, focused but relaxed. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the scent of warm toast.
From his spot in the high chair, Leo watched intently, little hands tapping the tray as if keeping rhythm with the kitchen sounds.
"Almost ready, champ," Lewis said softly, flipping the eggs with practiced ease.
Leo babbled happily, "Dada… mo' mo'…" his eyes wide with anticipation.
Lewis smiled, plating the eggs alongside a small bowl of fruit puree. He carefully placed the food in front of Leo, who clapped his pudgy hands in delight.
Lewis whispered eat champ , bringing the spoon to Leo's mouth.
Leo opened wide, giggling as the first bite touched his tongue. "Mmm… cwute cwute."
Lewis chuckled, wiping a smear of puree from Leo's cheek. "You're getting messy."
Lewis carefully lifted Leo from his high chair, settling the little boy into his arms.
"Time to get ready, champ," Lewis said with a gentle smile.
In the nursery, Lewis dressed Leo in a tiny jacket and matching shoes, fussing over every button with tender patience.
"Ready to take on the day?" Lewis asked, brushing a stray curl from Leo's forehead.
Leo's bright eyes met his, and he responded with an enthusiastic, "Go! Go!"
Outside, the sleek black car waited quietly beneath the early sun. Lewis buckled Leo into his car seat with practiced ease, then settled into the driver's seat.
As they pulled away from Elden Hollow, Lewis glanced back at Leo's sleepy smile and felt a swell of protectiveness.
"Don't worry, buddy," he murmured softly. "Today's going to be a good day."
Together, they sped toward the city—the glass towers rising like promises in the morning light—ready to face whatever the day would bring.
Evan mansion :
The sleek black car pulled up in front of the Evan family estate, its polished surface reflecting the late afternoon sun. Bella stepped out with purposeful strides, her black suit impeccable, eyes cold and steady. The mansion loomed ahead, a grand symbol of wealth that now felt more like a battlefield.
Inside, the air was thick with whispered fears and quiet plotting. Bella's arrival had been expected but not welcomed.
Arina, her stepmother's daughter, appeared first—smiling with a practiced sweetness that didn't reach her eyes.
"Well, if it isn't the country mouse come back to the city," Arina's voice was syrupy with mockery.
Bella's gaze didn't waver. "I'm not here to exchange pleasantries."
Behind Arina, Alina, the stepmother, stepped forward, her posture regal but her eyes sharp. "You think you can just waltz back and claim what's ours?"
Bella's lips curled into a thin smile. "No, I will claim it. The museum, the shares—everything my mother built."
The room stiffened. Arina's smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of fear.
Alina's voice dropped to a hiss. "You don't know what you're messing with."
Bella's eyes gleamed with quiet fury. "I know exactly what I'm doing."
The conversation crackled with tension, a clash of wills set against years of betrayal and greed.