The knock came at noon.
Not loud. Not urgent.
Just three calm taps on the front door.
Everyone froze.
Victor lifted a finger slowly, signaling silence. Arden felt his pulse kick hard, every instinct screaming that this was wrong. No one was supposed to know this place.
Victor checked the small security feed on his phone, jaw tightening.
"It's one man," he murmured. "Unarmed. Well dressed."
Ife swallowed. "That's worse, isn't it?"
"Yes," Victor said grimly. "Much worse."
Arden stepped forward. "I'll handle it."
Victor grabbed his arm. "You don't open doors to predators."
The knock came again—patient, almost polite.
Then a voice followed.
"Arden," the man called calmly. "It's rude to hide when family travels this far."
Ife's breath caught.
Julian.
Victor cursed under his breath. "He found you faster than expected."
Arden straightened, something cold and steady settling in his chest. "He wants to be seen."
"Which means he wants control," Victor replied.
Arden reached for the door anyway. "Then let's see what he thinks he owns."
Julian Blackwood stood on the porch like he belonged there.
He was older than Arden remembered—early forties maybe—but carried himself with the easy confidence of someone who had never lost a fight that mattered. His smile was warm. His eyes were not.
"Nephew," Julian said, spreading his hands. "You look thinner."
Arden didn't return the smile. "You're trespassing."
Julian laughed softly. "On your father's continent? Please."
His gaze slid past Arden—to Ife.
Ah.
So that was it.
"And you must be her," Julian said pleasantly. "I expected someone… quieter."
Ife stepped forward before Arden could stop her. "And I expected someone less cowardly."
Julian's smile sharpened. "I like her."
Victor appeared at Arden's side. "You've said your piece. Leave."
Julian glanced at Victor. "Still cleaning up other people's messes, I see."
Victor's jaw tightened.
Julian turned back to Arden. "Your father thinks cutting you off will teach you obedience."
Arden didn't blink. "It taught me clarity."
"Good," Julian said. "Then this will be simple."
He pulled an envelope from his coat and held it out.
Inside were photos.
Ife at the bus stop.
Ife in the café.
Ife laughing, unaware.
Arden felt something dark coil in his stomach.
"This is your warning," Julian said calmly. "Come home. Publicly. Submit. Or I stop being patient."
Ife met Julian's gaze without flinching. "You don't scare me."
Julian tilted his head. "You should be careful with bravery. It invites lessons."
Victor stepped forward. "Get off this property."
Julian tucked his hands into his pockets. "Three days, Arden. Choose wisely."
Then he turned and walked away—unhurried, satisfied.
The door slammed shut behind them.
Silence exploded.
Ife's hands were shaking now. "He had pictures of me."
Arden pulled her into his arms instantly. "I won't let him touch you."
Victor looked away.
That was when Ife noticed it.
The guilt.
"You knew he was close," she said slowly, eyes narrowing at Victor. "Didn't you?"
Victor exhaled heavily. "Yes."
Arden stiffened. "What?"
"I've been tracking Julian for months," Victor admitted. "But I didn't tell you how close he already was."
Ife stepped back. "You used me as bait."
"No," Victor said quickly. "I used visibility. There's a difference."
"There isn't," Arden snapped. "Not when it's her life."
Victor met his eyes. "Julian only acts when he thinks he's winning. I needed him to show his hand."
"And if she'd been hurt?" Arden demanded.
Victor's voice cracked just slightly. "Then I would've failed."
The room felt suddenly smaller.
"You don't get to gamble with my life," Ife said quietly.
Victor nodded. "You're right."
That admission stunned them both.
That night, Arden sat on the floor beside the bed, elbows on his knees.
"This is my fault," he said. "Every step closer to me puts you deeper in danger."
Ife knelt in front of him and took his face in her hands. "Listen to me. I am not collateral."
He closed his eyes. "I'm scared."
"So am I," she said softly. "But I'm still here."
He opened his eyes. "Julian gave me three days."
She smiled faintly. "Then we don't waste them."
He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly.
Outside, a car passed slowly down the road.
And somewhere, Julian Blackwood smiled—because the first move had been made.