BENEATH THE GLASS TOWER

Three men entered the courtroom. The two flanking the doorway were massive, their hands resting noticeably inside their tailored jackets. But the man walking down the center aisle commanded the air in the room.

Marcus Kane shared Christian’s sharp jawline and dark hair, but while Christian wore his power with quiet, lethal restraint, Marcus dripped with venomous arrogance. He was leaner, his eyes brighter and colder, like shattered glass under ice.

""Touching ceremony, brother,"" Marcus drawled, his leather shoes clicking loudly on the polished floor. ""Really brings a tear to the eye. You always did love picking up my discarded trash.""

Christian stepped instantly in front of Clara, shielding her completely behind his broad back. His entire posture shifted into an apex predator preparing to strike. ""You're trespassing on closed municipal grounds, Marcus. Walk out before I have my security bury you.""

Marcus stopped ten feet away, ignoring Christian entirely and craning his neck to look at Clara, a sickening smirk curving his lips. ""Hello, Clara. You look lovely. Motherhood suits you. Though I must say, running away from my penthouse to scrub toilets in my brother's tower shows a distinct lack of ambition.""

""Stay away from her,"" Clara’s voice shook, but she forced herself to speak from behind Christian's shoulder. ""And stay away from Lily.""

""Lily?"" Marcus laughed, a dry, grating sound. ""Is that what you named my daughter? That's adorable. Unfortunately for you, I have an emergency court order granting me immediate custody for medical verification."" He snapped his fingers, and his lawyer stepped through the doors, waving a white document. ""Step aside, Christian. The child comes with me.""

Christian didn't move an inch. He slowly unbuttoned his suit jacket, slipping his hands casually into his trouser pockets.

""Check the time stamp on your order, Marcus,"" Christian said, his tone razor sharp. ""Your petition was granted at twelve-fifteen. Our marriage, along with my legal adoption and recognition of Lily as my legitimate heir, was certified at twelve-oh-two.""