Chapter 17 - The Phantom ThreatTwo months passed in an era of unprecedented peace. The boys adapted to their new life with astonishing ease, thriving under the dual affection of a mother who adored them and a father who treated them like the center of his universe.
However, peace in Gabriel’s world was always a target for desperate men.
While Senator Vale was awaiting trial in a federal holding facility, his estranged younger brother, Julian Vale—a volatile, disgraced former military contractor—had gone into hiding. Driven by vengeance and the loss of his family’s political fortune, Julian Vale set his sights on the one thing that had brought his brother down: Gabriel’s family.
It was a rainy Thursday afternoon. Gabriel was in Midtown Manhattan finalizing a massive shipping acquisition, while I was at the estate’s newly restored east wing archive, reviewing historical documents for an upcoming exhibition.
The boys were in the playroom on the third floor with Mrs. Gable.
Suddenly, the estate’s perimeter alarms didn't blare—they were cut. The silent security override triggered a localized power surge, dropping the digital security monitors across the second floor.
I stood up from my desk as the lights flickered and died. A chill ran down my spine.
Before I could reach for the house intercom, the heavy mahogany doors of the archive flew open. Two men in dark tactical gear stepped inside, silenced handguns raised.
Behind them walked Julian Vale, his face twisted in a bitter, maniacal sneer.
"Hello, Mrs. Cross," Julian spat, pointing a gun directly at my chest. "Or do you still go by Sterling?"
My blood ran cold, but five years of protecting my children had forged an iron core inside me. I didn't scream. I didn't step back.
"Julian Vale," I said, my voice dead calm. "You just committed suicide by stepping onto this property."
May you like
"Your husband ruined my family!" Julian snarled, his eyes wild. "He took my brother's legacy, my family's wealth, and our name! I'm taking his."
He signaled to his men. "Find the boys. Bring them down here. We’re going to leave Gabriel Cross three small body bags on his front steps."
