Chapter 34

Levi.

The Ruthford estate was a sprawling 200-acre expanse of luxury on the Hudson Coast. As we passed through the gates, the sight of the grand 19th-century architecture and the lush greenery always stirred something deep within me.

I was born here. This was my world until I was fifteen, when my father passed away and left my mother and me with nothing. We had been forced into the harsh reality of Hell's Kitchen, a far cry from the gilded halls of my childhood.

"The river is just beyond those trees," I remarked, watching Kenya’s fascination. Relief washed over me; I had been anxious about how she would react to my home.

We had sat in a heavy silence since leaving the plane. It pained me to know that my actions had disrupted the fragile peace we once shared. Earlier, when I told her we were going to Irvington, her excitement had been plain to see. I looked forward to showing her every corner of this place.

"How were you able to get the mansion back?" she asked, her voice filled with a mix of wonder and caution.

I froze. The memories of the years I spent clawing my way back to the top threatened to surface. I hesitated, wondering how much of my past I was ready to share.

"You don't have to tell me," she muttered, sensing my withdrawal.

The car stopped, and the staff began unloading our bags. Another SUV pulled up, and Blake stepped out with my security detail. Seeing the tension between Kenya and me, he excused himself to oversee the arrangements inside.

I turned to her. She looked radiant in a simple lace blouse and white jeans. "This estate, like many others here, was lost to liquidation years ago," I said, my voice thick with emotion. "I spent years working to buy it back. To restore what was taken from my family. That’s all that matters now."

It was a sanitized version of the truth. I had gone through hell to earn the millions required to reclaim my legacy.

"Mr. Ruthford, the President is on line one," Blake interrupted. I nodded, grateful for the distraction, and headed toward the house.

Kenya.

"He isn't a bad man, Mrs. Ruthford," Blake said from beside me, startling me.

I turned to him, my anger rising at the formality. "He took control of my life, Blake. How is that not 'bad'?"

"He did what he felt was necessary," Blake replied. "I am bound to support him. Our bond goes deeper than just work."

"How deep?" I asked, curious.

"A life for a life," Blake stated simply, before walking away.

His words chilled the air. I decided to walk toward the river to clear my head. The path was lined with old trees, and the scent of the water was invigorating. I sat on a lone bench, watching the current. The water flowed without inhibition, free and powerful. I envied it. I had been free once, before Levi Ruthford became the force that redirected my life—a man I found myself craving even as I tried to resist him.

"A life for a life," I whispered to the wind.