# THE HIDDEN CLAUSE

The judge denied Grant’s emergency motion, citing the overwhelming financial irregularities presented by Vincent’s legal team. But the war was far from over. Grant was given thirty days to prepare for a full custody trial, and in the meantime, a gag order was placed on both parties regarding the corporate espionage.

Back at the estate, the tension was thick enough to choke on. I found Vincent in his private study, pouring two glasses of amber scotch.

"You didn't have to do that," I said, stepping into the dimly lit room. "I could have handled the hearing."

"Grant Harlan is trying to take your daughter to hurt me," Vincent said, handing me a crystal glass. "He knows you are the key to unwinding his hostile takeover. If he takes Lily, you stop working for me. I couldn't let that happen."

I took a slow sip, the liquor burning a pleasant trail down my throat. "Is that the only reason? Protecting your investment?"

Vincent stopped. He looked at me, the hard, ruthless edges of his face softening in the low light. "You know it isn't," he said quietly.

Over the past few weeks, a strange domesticity had settled over us. Vincent, the feared mob boss, had taken to eating breakfast with us. He answered Lily’s endless questions about how buildings were made. He had even ordered a custom, child-sized desk to be placed in his study so Lily could color while we reviewed contracts.

"Kingsley is making a move," Vincent said, changing the subject, though his eyes lingered on my face. "They realize the legal theft isn't going to work anymore because of you. They're going to try something physical. I need you to stay inside the house."