Chapter 255

No.1

Elisa stepped out of the cab and walked into the ultra-exclusive private aviation terminal at JFK.

The air inside smelled of expensive citrus polish and quiet money. A concierge in a sharp uniform immediately recognized her name from the guest list.He bowed his head slightly and escorted her down a quiet, carpeted hallway to a secluded VIP lounge.

The frosted glass doors slid open wvith a soft hiss.

L. Thorne sat on a plush leather sofa. He was nursing a glass of amber scotch. He looked dangerously handsome in a bespoke charcoal suit, completely unbothered by transatlantic jet lag.

"Faye," Thorne greeted her. A smirk played on his lips. "You look exactly like a woman who just destroyed her enemies."

No.2

Elisa dropped her leather bag onto a nearby chair.She crossed her arms tightly over her chest. "Cut the charm, Thorne. Why the sudden rush?"

Thorne set his crystal glass down on the glass coffee table. His expression sobered instantly. "I heard Germaine Chambers intercepted your divorce decree."

Elisa's jaw tightened. A cold knot formed in her stomach. "Word travels fast in your circles. Yes, it's stalled. I'm legally trapped for now."

"That's a problem," Thorne said. He leaned forward,resting his elbows on his knees. "My family is pushing the Thatcher engagement aggressively."

He locked eyes with her. "If August discovers Kayden's existence while you are still legally married,he will claim paternity rights. He will use her to destroy you."

No.3

Elisa felt a cold spike of fear pierce her chest. Her breath caught. The legal reality was terrifying.

"That's why I need to establish a physical presence as her father.Immediately," Thorne stated firmly.

He reached beside him, pulling a thick manila envelope from his leather briefcase. He slid it across the coffee table toward her.

"These are the updated trust fund documents,"Thorne said. "I've legally transferred a substantial asset into Kayden's name."

Elisa stared at the envelope. Her eyes widened in shock. "You didn't have to do that. The paper trail was enough."

No.4

"Paper trails can be debated in court. Money cannot," Thorne replied smoothly. "It solidifies my claim."

Before Elisa could argue, three sharp knocks sounded at the door. A man in a crisp chauffeur's uniform entered the lounge.

"Sir, the car is ready to take you to the hotel for the evening gala," the driver announced respectfully.

Thorne stood up. He casually buttoned his suit jacket. "Thank you, Marcus. Please take my bags to the trunk."

The driver nodded and moved to grab the heavy luggage near the door. Thorne turned back to Elisa.

No.5

"I'll be dealing with Cyprian Thatcher tonight at the gala," Thorne sighed, sounding mildly annoyed. "It's

going to be tedious."

Elisa picked up the heavy envelope. "Just keep Cyprian away from my daughter."

Thorne smiled. It was a genuine, warm expression that completely transformed his normally harsh,calculating features.

"Don't worry," Thorne said casually, his voice carrying clearly across the room. "I am highly motivated to protect the mother of my child."

No.6

Marcus, the driver, didn't break his stride. His hands closed around the luggage handle with the same fluid efficiency as before, as if he'd heard nothing.But as he turned toward the door, his gaze flickered in the reflection of the polished floor for a fraction of a second-a silent confirmation. Thorne knew the message had been received. The rumor would begin its journey through the right channels within the hour.

Elisa's cheeks flushed with a sudden, unexpected heat. She glared at Thorne. She recognized the deliberate phrasing immediately.

Thorne gave her a subtle, unapologetic wink. He was intentionally spreading the rumor to build their

defense.

"You did that on purpose," Elisa hissed.

No.7

"Consider it the first layer of our new defense,"Thorne said. He walked past her toward the exit,ready for war.