In the East wing of the mansion, Collins stood in Mrs. Cole's study, his hands folded tightly.
"We couldn't finish it," his voice was shaky and carried fear. "Donald came, and he destroyed everything. Grace is alive, and he brought her to the mansion."
The room was calm. Only the cracking sound of the fireplace was heard.
Mrs. Cole sat by the fireplace, backing Collins. She swirled the glass of red wine in her hand. Her face remained calm, but her eyes burned with anger.
"Then finish it properly," she finally said. "Kill them all, leave no traces, no witnesses." She continued as she turned to look at Collins.
"Kill every last one of those filthy men. I know my son, he will start digging, and he won't stop until he finds who ordered the attack. We cannot leave a trail, do you understand?" she asked.
"Yes, ma'am." He said sharply. "And Grace?"
Mrs. Cole's lips curved, then she let out her smile.
"Leave her to me. But for now, we have to kill whatever Donald feels for her. It is time he stops chasing shadows and settles down."
She said as she lifted the cup to her lips. "It is time he got married. Find out everything you know about Nicole Williams."
Her gaze shifted back to the flames.
"Yes, ma'am." Collins said as he left the study.
Back in Donald's room, Grace cried herself to sleep. She curled under the blanket. Donald sat on the couch across her, a glass of untouched whiskey in his hands.
He stared at Grace as he played everything that happened in his head.
He should feel relieved that she was alive, but instead, he felt torn.
She hated him, and she had every reason to. Yet, he couldn't get her out of his mind. Donald leaned back, staring at the ceiling. For the first time in years, Donald felt powerless. Not in business or politics but in his heart.
As the night deepened, he realized that he didn't only need Grace. He had fallen in love with her, and that scared him. He had fallen for someone who swore to destroy his family legacy.
He wanted her, but couldn't let her destroy what his father had built.
He wasn't sure if he could ever let her go.
At the east wing, Mrs. Cole picked up her phone and smiled.
"Nicole," she said softly. "You need to return. We have to discuss"
On the other end of the line, a familiar voice answered.
"I'll do just that, ma'am"