Chapter 2

Five years of running could not outrun the past when it came calling with a death notice.

Nora wiped paint from her hands and stepped back from the canvas in her small sunny studio. The quiet coastal town of Maple Ridge had been her safe haven. Today that safety felt like it was cracking.

"Mom, look what I drew," called her five-year-old daughter Lily, running over with a colorful picture.

Nora knelt down and smiled. "That's beautiful, sweetheart. Is that our little house?"

Lily nodded proudly. "And that's me and Max playing outside. You are in the middle because you keep us safe."

Her twin brother Max came barreling in right behind her. "Mom, when is lunch? I'm starving."

Nora ruffled his messy brown hair. "Soon, buddy. Give me ten minutes."

The phone rang from the kitchen counter. Nora's stomach dropped when she saw the unknown city number. She picked it up anyway.

"Hello, this is Nora."

A professional voice spoke quickly on the other end. "Miss Kane, this is Richard Harlan from Harlan and Associates. I am sorry to inform you that Donovan Kane passed away three days ago. The will reading is scheduled for tomorrow morning. Your presence is required as you are named as a beneficiary."

Nora froze. "Donovan is dead? How?"

The lawyer cleared his throat. "It appears to have been an accident, but the family wants this handled quickly. Can you be in the city by morning?"

She glanced at her children playing nearby. "I have kids. I cannot just drop everything."

"You should come," the lawyer said, his tone lowering. "The estate is substantial. Half of it is yours according to the documents. But there are conditions. It would be best to discuss this in person."

Nora paced the small kitchen. "Half? After all these years? I left that family for a reason."

"Miss Kane, this could secure your children's future. Think about it. The Kane empire is worth billions. I will send the address and flight details if needed."

She ended the call and stared out the window. Lily tugged at her shirt. "Mom, who was that? You look scared."

Nora forced a smile and crouched down again. "It was just some old family business, honey. Nothing for you to worry about."

Max crossed his arms. "Are we going on a trip? I want to see big buildings."

"Maybe," Nora said carefully. "Mom might need to go to the city for one day. Aunt Clara could watch you."

The kids groaned in unison.

"No," Lily said firmly. "We want to stay with you."

Nora pulled them both into a hug. "I know. But this is important. I need to get some money so we can keep our house and maybe even get that new bike you wanted, Max."

Max's eyes lit up. "A red one?"

"Yes, a red one," Nora promised. "But you both have to behave for Aunt Clara."

Later that evening after the kids were asleep, Nora called her neighbor Clara.

"Hey, it's Nora. I need a huge favor."

Clara's warm voice came through. "What happened? You sound stressed."

"Donovan Kane died. They say I get half the inheritance. I have to go back tomorrow."

Clara whistled. "The rich stepdad? Girl, that is huge. But are you sure it is safe? You told me stories about those stepbrothers."

Nora sighed and leaned against the counter. "I know the risks. Blake and Drew are probably still running things. But the kids need stability. This money could change everything for us."

"Just be careful," Clara warned. "Do not let them pull you back in. Call me every few hours."

"I will. Thanks for watching the kids."

The next morning Nora kissed Lily and Max goodbye and got into her old car. The drive to the city took several hours. She kept checking the rearview mirror.

About halfway there, a black SUV appeared behind her. It stayed exactly two car lengths back no matter how she changed speed.

Nora gripped the wheel tighter. "Come on, just a coincidence," she muttered.

She picked up her phone and called the lawyer again. "Mr. Harlan, this is Nora. I am on my way but I think someone is following me."

The lawyer sounded surprised. "Are you sure? The family has many enemies. Drive safely and get here as fast as you can. I will have security waiting."

"Security? What exactly am I walking into?" Nora asked, glancing back again. The black car was still there.

"Things have changed since you left. Blake and Drew took full control after their father stepped back. They are very powerful now."

Nora's heart raced. "They know I am coming?"

"Yes. I had to notify all beneficiaries. They will be at the reading."

She swore under her breath. "Great. Just perfect."

"Stay calm, Miss Kane. We are almost there."

The black car followed her all the way into the city. It only peeled off when she reached the tall glass building that housed the law firm. Nora parked quickly and hurried inside, her hands shaking.

Mr. Harlan met her in the lobby. He was a short man in a gray suit with nervous eyes.

"Miss Kane, thank you for coming on short notice. Please follow me."

In his office Nora sat down across from his desk. "Tell me everything. No sugarcoating."

The lawyer shuffled papers. "Donovan left clear instructions. You receive fifty percent of the Kane Global shares and assets. However, the other fifty percent is jointly held by Blake and Drew Kane. They have been running the company for the last four years."

Nora leaned forward. "So they control everything?"

"Essentially yes. The board answers to them. They have grown the empire into something much larger. And more dangerous."

She rubbed her temples. "I just want my share so I can leave again. Can we sign papers today?"

Mr. Harlan shook his head. "It is not that simple. There are clauses. You must attend a formal meeting. The twins have already been informed of your arrival. In fact, they are on their way here right now."

Nora stood up fast. "What? I need to leave."

The lawyer raised his hands. "It is too late. Their security is already in the building. Please sit down. We can handle this professionally."

Her pulse pounded in her ears. "You do not understand. Those two are the reason I ran five years ago."

Before Mr. Harlan could reply, the office door opened. Two tall, powerful men stepped inside. Blake entered first, his presence filling the room. Drew followed with a dangerous smirk.

Blake's eyes locked on Nora immediately. "Hello, little wolf. Long time no see."

Drew closed the door behind them. "We heard you were back. Ready to come home?"

Nora backed up a step. "This is not my home. I am here for the money, then I am gone."

Blake smiled slowly. "We will see about that."

The air grew thick with tension as the twins moved closer. Nora realized the past had finally caught up, and this time there might be no running away.