Chapter 11: The Threat

Silence filled the living room after Dominic read the message aloud.

"Return Robert Hart's evidence... or Emily dies."

Emily's mother covered her mouth in horror.

"What is happening?" she asked with trembling hands.

"Who would threaten my daughter?"

Emily hugged her tightly.

"Mom, I promise I'll explain everything."

"But first, we need to make sure you're safe."

Dominic handed the black envelope to the police officer.

"Send this to forensics immediately."

"Check for fingerprints, DNA, and handwriting samples."

"We'll start right away," the officer replied.

Marcus quietly searched the house.

Just like Emily's apartment, every drawer had been emptied.

Nothing valuable was missing.

Whoever broke in had been searching for one thing only.

Evidence.

"Dominic," Marcus called from the study.

"You should see this."

They entered the room.

One bookshelf had been pulled away from the wall.

Behind it was a small hidden compartment.

It was empty.

"Looks like someone knew about this place," Marcus observed.

Emily's mother frowned.

"Robert built that compartment years ago."

"He kept important documents there."

"Did he ever tell anyone about it?" Dominic asked.

"Only family," she answered.

"Me... Richard... and Emily."

Everyone became silent.

Richard Hart.

The same man who appeared beside Victor Kane in Robert's photographs.

Dominic exchanged a meaningful glance with Marcus.

The suspicion against Richard was growing stronger.

"Mrs. Hart," Dominic said gently.

"Until this investigation ends, I want you to stay somewhere secure."

"Where?"

"At my estate."

"You'll have full security twenty-four hours a day."

"That's too much trouble," she protested.

"Your safety isn't trouble," Dominic replied firmly.

Emily smiled gratefully.

"Please, Mom."

"You'll be safer there."

After a moment, her mother nodded.

"Alright."

By evening, both women had moved into Dominic's heavily guarded estate outside the city.

Private security officers patrolled every entrance.

The property was protected by cameras and electronic gates.

"This place looks like a fortress," Emily said.

"That's exactly why I bought it," Dominic answered.

"No one gets inside without my permission."

Later that night, Marcus arrived with new information.

"Our investigators tracked the black SUV."

"And?" Dominic asked.

"It was abandoned near the industrial district."

"Completely wiped clean."

"No fingerprints."

"No registration."

"Professional," Dominic muttered.

"Very."

Marcus placed another folder on the table.

"But we did identify one of the men from the bank."

"His name is Adrian Cole."

"Former military."

"Now works as private security for Kane Global Industries."

"Victor Kane," Emily whispered.

"He's definitely involved."

"Looks that way," Marcus agreed.

"But proving it is another matter."

Dominic stood and walked toward the fireplace.

"We'll need stronger evidence before confronting him."

"Fortunately, Robert Hart left us plenty."

The next morning, Emily insisted on returning to work.

"Absolutely not," Dominic said.

"You're staying here."

"Dominic," Emily replied patiently.

"If I hide every time someone threatens me, they'll already have won."

"Besides, I can't disappear from Steele Empire forever."

He looked at her for several seconds.

"You'll have security with you at all times."

"Agreed."

"And you won't go anywhere alone."

"Agreed."

"If anything feels suspicious, you tell me immediately."

"I promise."

When they arrived at Steele Empire, employees immediately noticed the increased security.

"What's going on?" whispered one worker.

"Why are there bodyguards?"

"Something serious must have happened."

Emily ignored the curious looks and focused on work.

Around lunchtime, the receptionist called her.

"Miss Hart, you have a visitor."

"Who is it?"

"He says he's your uncle."

Emily froze.

"Richard Hart."

Dominic immediately looked up from his office.

"Don't let him leave," he instructed quietly.

"Send him to the conference room."

A few moments later, Richard Hart entered.

He appeared friendly, wearing an expensive suit and carrying a warm smile.

"Emily!" he exclaimed.

"It's been years."

"Uncle Richard," Emily replied cautiously.

"I heard about the break-in," he said.

"I came to make sure you and your mother are alright."

"That's very thoughtful," Dominic said as he entered the room.

"I'm Dominic Steele."

Richard extended his hand.

"I've heard a lot about you."

"Likewise," Dominic replied, shaking it firmly.

For a brief second, neither man released the other's hand.

Each silently studied the other.

Each knew more than he revealed.

Richard finally smiled.

"I'm just relieved Emily is safe."

"Family should always protect each other."

Dominic answered calmly.

"I couldn't agree more."

But behind his composed expression, one thought remained clear.

If Richard Hart was truly working with Victor Kane...

Then the enemy had just walked directly into Steele Empire.