THE HEART I HIDE

Sam Hartman never liked grand entrances. The mansion was his home, yet he chose to slip inside quietly, his steps muffled against the marble floor. The stillness of the hall was broken only by the sudden click of a pistol.“Who are you, and why are you sneaking into my house?” a deep voice growled.Sam froze, then turned slowly only to break into a grin. “Dad,” he said, throwing his arms around the tall figure. “Stop playing games with Grandpa’s antique pistol.”Richard Hartman, still holding the old revolver, smirked. “One of these days, Samuel, this little habit of yours is going to get you shot.”“And one of these days, pointing that thing at people will get you arrested,” Sam replied, tugging his scarf loose.Richard lowered the weapon with a chuckle. “Why weren’t you at the airport? I sent two cars to pick you up.”“I took a lift from someone,” Sam said lightly.His father’s brow arched. “A girl, no doubt. Who was she?”Sam only smiled. “You’ll hear about it later.”Richard studi

“Where is Rose? We are going to be late for the party!” Diana’s voice rang through the Westwood mansion as she fastened her earrings before the mirror.Rose entered quietly, brushing dust from her hands. “I’m here, Mother.”Diana turned sharply, eyes narrowing. “Look at you. Such muddy work doesn’t suit you at all.”“It’s not muddy work,” Rose defended softly. “I was just coming from the NGO.”Diana gave a knowing huff. “I should have guessed. Still, enough of this. Wear the dress I bought you. It will make a proper impression.”Rose glanced at the gown laid across the bed, her lips pressed tight. “I don’t like it.”“You will wear it,” Diana snapped. “Do not make me angry again.” She ordered the servants to assist Rose and swept from the room, heels clicking against the marble floor.Rose, however, had made her decision. I won’t wear it. Not this time.Moments later, Diana heard shouts from the room and stormed back. The servants stumbled out, holding the torn remains of the expensive

Sam paced the wide living room, tie undone, hair ruffled from pulling his hands through it. His manager sat stiffly on the sofa, clutching a file full of reports that Sam had already refused to read.“This woman is making things impossible for me!” Sam burst out, voice sharp with frustration. “Don’t tell me to calm down, don’t even try. You don’t understand,this project isn’t just another investment. It’s my father’s dream and I’ll be damned if I let anyone ruin that.”The manager opened his mouth, but before a word could slip out, Sam cut him off with a glare.From the hallway, Samantha and Richard had been about to step in. Samantha frowned, worry etched across her face, but Richard placed a steady hand on her arm.“Don’t,” he murmured. “Let him fight his battles. Our boy’s becoming a man.”Samantha’s lips trembled. “And what kind of parents are we if we just stand by while he drowns in pressure? He’s troubled, Richard. He needs us.”Richard smiled faintly, eyes never leaving Sam. “

The roar of the bulldozer’s engine tore through the street like a monster growling. Children screamed, scattering to the corners of the NGO compound. Rose’s heart pounded as dust filled the air. She stood in front of the building, arms spread wide.“Stop this right now!” she yelled, her voice trembling.The thug in the bulldozer smirked, his hand still on the lever. “Lady, move before you get crushed.”Before he could push forward, a shadow moved across the compound with the speed of fire. Sam.“Hey!” His voice boomed as he charged forward, leaping onto the bulldozer. He yanked the thug out by his collar, slamming him to the ground. The man staggered up, swinging a punch, but Sam ducked and countered with a quick, brutal jab to the stomach. The thug fell gasping.The other men,three of them charged forward. Sam’s shirt ripped at the shoulder as one tried to grab him, but his fists were quicker, sharper. A kick to one’s chest. An elbow to another’s jaw. They fell one after the other.Ro