Chapter 6 - THE WOMAN WHO REFUSED TO DISAPPEAR
Elena met attorney Rebecca Shaw two days later.
Rebecca had arranged an independent family-law consultation with a specialist named Dana Brooks.
Dana explained that Elena had options.
She could document Daniel's threats.
Seek appropriate protective orders.
Establish legal custody arrangements after the birth.
And work with law enforcement regarding the suspected trafficking operation.
Elena listened carefully.
Then asked:
“What if he says I'm unfit?”
Dana looked at her.
“Has he threatened that?”
“Yes.”
“Then we'll preserve the evidence.”
“He has money.”
“So do many people who lose custody disputes.”
Elena almost smiled.
Dana continued.
“The court's focus is the child's welfare. Your financial circumstances alone don't make you an unfit mother.”
Elena looked down.
For months, Daniel had told her the opposite.
He had convinced her that money meant ownership.
That influence meant truth.
That nobody would believe a woman who had fled with three hundred dollars.
Now someone was explaining the law without threatening her.
She began crying.
Dana waited.
***
Alessandro gave Elena access to the estate's old training arena.
Not to work.
To spend time around the horses if she wanted.
Claire supervised her visits.
Elena never entered an enclosure alone with Midnight again.
She knew the first encounter had been dangerous.
Luck and patience had helped her survive it.
That did not make it safe to repeat.
Instead, she sat outside his stall and spoke softly while Claire worked with him.
Over the following weeks, Midnight's wounds healed.
His fear diminished.
He began accepting routine care again.
Alessandro watched from a distance.
One afternoon, Elena noticed.
“You can come closer.”
He approached.
Midnight lifted his head.
Alessandro stopped.
“He doesn't trust me.”
“Not yet.”
“I've owned him for four years.”
“That doesn't mean he owes you trust.”
Alessandro looked at her.
She smiled faintly.
“Sorry.”
“Don't apologize.”
He studied the horse.
“How do I earn it?”
Elena considered.
“Start by being predictable.”
“That's difficult in my business.”
“Then maybe your business needs to change.”
Alessandro laughed.
It was the first time she had heard him laugh.
The sound surprised her.
Warm.
Human.
Almost boyish.
She looked at him.
“What?”
“Nothing.”
He smiled.
“You look surprised.”
“I didn't know you could do that.”
“Laugh?”
“Yes.”
“It's rare.”
“Clearly.”
***
That evening, Alessandro received a call from Matteo.
“Cousin.”
Alessandro's expression hardened.
“Where are you?”
“Does it matter?”
“You arranged an unauthorized shipment.”
“Business.”
“You injured Midnight.”
Silence.
Then Matteo laughed.
“Don't be sentimental.”
Alessandro gripped the telephone.
“Where is Daniel Mercer?”
Matteo paused.
“Why?”
“Answer.”
“You're asking the wrong questions.”
Alessandro felt cold.
Matteo continued.
“You should be asking why a pregnant woman from Montana is working in your house.”
Alessandro went still.
Matteo laughed softly.
“Oh, cousin.”
Then he said:
“Did you really think she found you by accident?”
The call ended.
Alessandro stared at the phone.
For the first time, he wondered whether Elena's arrival had been part of a plan.
May you like
And whether the woman he was beginning to care about had unknowingly walked into a trap designed for both of them.
---
