Episode 3 – The Child at the Gate

The stranger disappeared into the darkness.

Inside the Ashford Mansion, the night finally became quiet, but sleep never came easily.

Adrian stood in front of the living room window, watching the guards patrol the estate. His mind kept returning to one question.

Why Kai?

A soft sound behind him broke his thoughts.

Kai had woken up.

"I'm sorry," Kai said, rubbing his eyes. "I didn't mean to fall asleep here."

"You don't have to apologize," Adrian replied.

An awkward silence settled between them.

Neither of them knew how to act around the other. They were married, yet they were still strangers.

Just as Kai was about to speak, Ethan hurried into the room.

"Sir."

Adrian turned.

"What is it?"

"We found something at the front gate."

---

Minutes later, Adrian and Kai walked outside with Ethan.

The cold morning air greeted them as the large iron gates slowly opened.

A small figure sat quietly beside the entrance.

It was a little boy.

He couldn't have been older than six.

His clothes were dusty, and he held a worn-out teddy bear tightly against his chest.

The boy looked up with wide brown eyes.

"Are you Mr. Adrian?" he asked softly.

Adrian frowned.

"I am."

The child smiled with relief.

"I finally found you."

Kai knelt beside him.

"What's your name?"

"Liam."

"Where are your parents?"

The smile slowly disappeared from Liam's face.

"I... don't have anyone anymore."

Kai's heart tightened.

Before he could ask another question, Ethan noticed a small backpack lying beside the boy.

"There might be some identification inside."

He carefully opened it.

There were only a few clothes...

A drawing book...

And a folded envelope.

The front of the envelope had only one sentence written in black ink.

For Adrian Ashford.

Adrian opened it immediately.

Inside was a single sheet of paper.

> Protect the child.

If he dies... your empire dies with him.

No signature.

No explanation.

Only those words.

Ethan's face became serious.

"This is another warning."

Adrian folded the letter.

"No."

His eyes moved toward Liam.

"This is a message."

Kai looked confused.

"What does it mean?"

"I don't know yet."

---

Liam quietly tugged on Kai's sleeve.

"Mister..."

Kai smiled gently.

"Yes?"

"I'm hungry."

Kai couldn't help smiling back.

"Come inside. We'll find you something to eat."

The little boy nodded happily and reached for Kai's hand without hesitation.

Adrian watched the scene in silence.

For the first time since their wedding, the mansion didn't feel completely empty.

But deep inside, he knew something was wrong.

Someone hadn't left Liam at his gate by accident.

Someone wanted the boy inside the Ashford Mansion.

Far away, in the top floor of Kane Industries, Victor Kane stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass of coffee in his hand.

His assistant entered quietly.

"Sir..."

"The child has arrived."

Victor smiled.

"Good."

He placed the cup on his desk.

"Now the real game can begin."

His eyes drifted to a framed photograph.

One face had been carefully scratched away.

The only face left untouched...

Belonged to Kai Laurent.

End of Episode 3 🖤

don't guys Lilith lust is back

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