Chapter 1: The Extraction
Chapter 1: The Extraction
The bus had only traveled three blocks when my phone buzzed. It was a text from my father.
Get off at the next stop. We are here.
I pulled the yellow cord, the bell chiming through the quiet bus. As the doors hissed open, I carefully stepped down onto the pavement, clutching Toby to my chest. Every movement was a searing reminder of the major surgery I had just endured, but the adrenaline masking the pain was stronger.
Three matte-black SUVs were parked in a staggered formation at the curb, their hazard lights flashing.
Before I could even take a breath, the doors opened. Four men in immaculate dark suits stepped out, forming a protective perimeter around me. Marcus, my father’s head of security, approached with a gentle, respectful nod.
“Miss Robertson,” he said softly, his eyes dropping to the bundle in my arms. “Let’s get you and the young master home.”
He didn't wait for a response. He gently guided me into the plush, temperature-controlled cabin of the lead SUV. Waiting in the backseat was a private nurse, armed with a soft blanket and a warm bottle.
As the convoy seamlessly merged into traffic, I leaned my head against the cool leather. My phone vibrated in my pocket. A text from Jasper.
May you like
Forgot to leave the credit card. Use your own money for groceries. Mom wants steak tonight.
I stared at the screen. A slow, ice-cold smile spread across my face. I didn't reply. I just turned my phone off, watching the city blur by as I headed back to the empire I had walked away from.
