Chapter 3 - Crashing the Gates
The iron gates of the Parc Monceau estate were flanked by two private security guards in black tactical gear. Inside the manicured courtyard, strings of fairy lights illuminated expensive sports cars, while laughter and jazz drifted through the French windows.
A heavy black convoy pulled up to the curb. Before the guards could even reach for their radios, Pierce’s personal security detail swarmed the perimeter, disarming them in seconds with military precision.
Pierce stepped out into the chill evening air, offering an arm to Claire. She wore a tailored wool coat and held Leo close under a cashmere blanket. Her posture had shifted; the trembling street beggar was receding, replaced by the daughter of a titan.
Pierce kicked open the double mahogany doors without breaking stride.
The laughter inside the grand salon ceased instantly. Guests in silk gowns and bespoke tuxedos turned around in shock. At the center of the room stood Evelyn Vance, draped in Claire’s heirloom diamond necklace, holding a crystal glass high. Beside her stood Derek, beaming proudly in a velvet dinner jacket.
""What is the meaning of this intrusion?"" Evelyn shrieked, glaring at the guards before her eyes caught Claire. ""You? How dare you bring that filthy gutter rat into my home!""
""It isn't your home, Evelyn,"" Claire said, her voice echoing clearly across the high ceilings.
Derek stepped forward, an arrogant smirk curling his lips. ""Call the police! This woman is an unstable trespasser who abandoned her child in the metro!""
Pierce stepped out from the shadow of the foyer into the chandelier light.
Derek’s smirk evaporated. Evelyn dropped her champagne glass, the crystal shattering across the white Carrara marble.
""Good evening, Derek,"" Pierce said quietly. ""I believe you have something that belongs to my family.""
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Derek reached into his jacket pocket, his knuckles turning white as he revealed a notarized deed. ""You're too late, old man. The deed is officially stamped. You touch me, and you're assaulting a sovereign property owner.""
Pierce smiled thinly. ""Look down at your phone.""
