The mansion buzzed with an air of caution. After the warning note, Benjamin had doubled the security around the property. Men patrolled the grounds with watchful eyes, and the usual calm inside the mansion had been replaced by tense whispers and hurried movements.
Clara sat in her bedroom, staring out the window. She noticed the guards stationed below and the faint flicker of their flashlights as they moved through the shadows. It was unsettling, a reminder that danger lurked just beyond their walls.
Benjamin entered the room quietly, his footsteps almost silent. He approached Clara, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"You've been quiet," he said, his voice low.
Clara turned to him, her eyes searching his face. "Because I know something's wrong, Benjamin. You can tell me."
He hesitated, his jaw tightening. "It's nothing you need to worry about."
Clara frowned. "You always say that. But I can see it in your eyes—you're hiding something."
Benjamin sighed and crouched beside her, taking her hands in his. "Clara, I don't want you to be afraid. Someone's trying to send a message, but it's just noise. I'll handle it."
"You always think you have to handle everything alone," Clara said softly. "But I'm here, Benjamin. Let me be part of this."
His expression softened, and he kissed her hands. "You are part of this—of me. That's why I can't let you get involved. Promise me you'll stay out of it."
Reluctantly, Clara nodded. "Fine. But you better come back to me, no matter what happens."
---
Elsewhere in the city, Adrian sat in a dimly lit room, a map of the city spread out before him. His men gathered around, awaiting orders.
"Benjamin has fortified his mansion," one of the men reported. "Breaking in will be impossible."
Adrian smirked, leaning back in his chair. "We don't need to break in. We just need to create enough chaos to lure him out. And I know exactly how to do that."
He gestured to the map, pointing to a bustling market area near Clara's flower shop. "Hit this area. Make it messy, make it loud. Benjamin won't be able to ignore it."
"And Clara?" another man asked.
Adrian's smile widened. "She'll be our leverage when the time comes. For now, let's focus on making Benjamin come to us."
---
Back at the mansion, Benjamin's phone buzzed. He picked it up, his face darkening as he listened to the voice on the other end.
"Boss, there's been an attack near Clara's shop. No casualties, but the message is clear—it's Adrian's men."
Benjamin clenched his fist. "Keep me updated. And make sure the shop is secure."
He hung up and turned to Marcus, who had entered the room. "Adrian's making his move. We need to hit back before he gets too bold."
Marcus nodded. "What's the plan?"
Benjamin's eyes narrowed. "We take the fight to him. But first, I need to make sure Clara is safe."