Chapter 7: Shadows of the Past

The following morning brought an air of unease to the Anderson mansion. Despite the warm sunlight streaming through the tall windows, an oppressive tension hung over the household. Rose was up early, her thoughts a whirlwind as she prepared herself for the day. She couldn't shake the memory of Elena's visit or the underlying threat that it posed to Zeke and Jasper's lives.

As she made her way downstairs, she found Zeke in the dining room, sitting alone at the table with a steaming cup of coffee in front of him. He wasn't wearing his usual sharp business attire. Instead, he wore a simple button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up, paired with jeans, which made him look surprisingly approachable. Yet his usual composed demeanor was replaced by something far more vulnerable.

"Good morning," Rose greeted softly, taking a seat across from him.

Zeke lifted his gaze to meet hers, his tired eyes revealing just how little sleep he had gotten. "Morning," he muttered, his voice hoarse.

Rose studied him for a moment before speaking. "You've been up all night, haven't you?"

He offered her a faint smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Couldn't sleep. Too much to think about."

Before Rose could respond, a burst of energy swept into the room as Jasper ran in, holding a large sketchpad in his hands. His wide smile and excited energy were a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere.

"Dad! Rose! Look at this!" Jasper exclaimed, climbing onto a chair and placing the sketchpad on the table.

Zeke leaned forward, his expression softening as he looked at the colorful drawing. It depicted a house surrounded by trees, with three stick figures labeled "Dad," "Jasper," and "Rose" standing in the front yard.

"This is amazing, buddy," Zeke said, his tone lighter. "Is this supposed to be our house?"

Jasper nodded eagerly. "Yeah! And that's us in the yard. I even drew flowers and a dog!"

Rose smiled, her heart warming at Jasper's effort. "It's beautiful, Jasper. You're really talented."

Jasper beamed, clearly pleased with the praise. "Thanks! Maybe I'll draw something for you next, Rose!"

"I'd love that," she replied, ruffling his hair affectionately.

The moment of calm didn't last long, though. The sound of the doorbell ringing echoed through the house, pulling everyone's attention. Zeke's relaxed expression hardened instantly, and he stood up from his seat.

"I'll get it," he said curtly, walking toward the front door.

Rose followed him, her curiosity piqued.

---

An Unwelcome Guest

When Zeke opened the door, he visibly stiffened. Standing on the doorstep was a man in a tailored black suit, exuding an air of arrogance. His sharp features and piercing blue eyes gave him an intimidating presence, and the smirk on his face was anything but friendly.

"Victor," Zeke said, his tone cold and unwelcoming.

"Zeke," the man replied smoothly, his smirk widening. "It's been too long."

"Not long enough," Zeke muttered under his breath.

Victor's gaze shifted to Rose, who stood behind Zeke. His smirk took on an unsettling edge as he gave her an appraising look.

"And who's this?" Victor asked, his voice dripping with false charm. "Your new... employee?"

Before Rose could respond, Zeke stepped in front of her protectively. "She's none of your business," he snapped. "Why are you here, Victor?"

Victor chuckled, clearly enjoying Zeke's hostility. "Straight to the point, as always. I'm here to talk business."

"I have nothing to discuss with you," Zeke said firmly.

"Oh, I think you'll want to hear this," Victor said, his smirk never wavering. "It's about Elena."

Zeke's expression darkened, and he stepped aside reluctantly. "Make it quick."

Victor walked into the living room as if he owned the place, his sharp gaze taking in every detail of the mansion. Rose followed cautiously, her instincts warning her that this man was trouble.

---

Victor's Offer

Seated on the leather sofa, Victor crossed his legs and clasped his hands together, exuding an air of confidence.

"I heard about Elena's little visit," he began casually. "You know she's not one to make idle threats."

"What's your point?" Zeke asked, standing rigidly across from him.

Victor leaned back, his smirk growing. "I'm offering my help. I have connections, resources... ways to make problems like Elena disappear."

Rose felt a chill run down her spine at Victor's words. There was something about his demeanor that screamed danger.

"And what would you want in return?" Zeke asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

"Oh, nothing too extravagant," Victor said smoothly. "Just a small partnership. You let me use a few of your assets for my... ventures, and I'll make sure Elena is out of your hair for good."

Zeke's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides. "I don't make deals with people like you."

Victor's smirk faltered for the first time, replaced by a cold, calculating expression. "Think carefully, Zeke. You can't protect Jasper on your own. Not from someone like Elena."

"I'll manage," Zeke said firmly. "Now get out."

Victor stood, adjusting his suit jacket. "Suit yourself. But don't come crying to me when things fall apart."

With that, he walked to the door, pausing only to give Rose one last unsettling smile. "It was a pleasure meeting you, Rose. I hope we see each other again."

As the door closed behind him, Rose turned to Zeke, her concern evident. "Who was that?"

"An old associate," Zeke replied, his voice tight. "One I should've cut ties with a long time ago."

---

A Family Moment

The rest of the day passed in a blur. Rose took Jasper to the park to give Zeke some time to cool off. They played on the swings, fed the ducks, and even had ice cream from a nearby stand.

"Rose?" Jasper said suddenly as they sat on a bench overlooking the lake.

"Yes?"

"Do you think my mom will take me away?"

The question caught Rose off guard, and she turned to him, her heart aching at the fear in his voice. "Your dad loves you very much, Jasper. He'll do everything he can to keep you safe."

Jasper looked down at his hands, fidgeting nervously. "I don't want to leave. I like it here with you and Dad."

Rose placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "You're not going anywhere, okay? I promise."

When they returned to the mansion, Zeke was waiting for them in the living room. He smiled faintly as Jasper ran to him, holding up another drawing he had made at the park.

"Look, Dad! It's us at the park!"

Zeke chuckled, ruffling Jasper's hair. "It's perfect, buddy."

Rose watched the interaction, a sense of warmth and hope filling her chest. Despite everything, they were still a family.

---

Strength in Unity

That evening, after Jasper had gone to bed, Rose found Zeke in his study. He was sitting at his desk, staring blankly at a stack of papers.

"Mind if I join you?" she asked, stepping inside.

Zeke glanced up and nodded. "Sure."

Rose sat across from him, studying his face. The weight of the day's events was evident, but there was also a quiet determination in his eyes.

"We'll figure this out," she said softly. "Together."

Zeke hesitated before responding. "You really believe that?"

"I do," Rose said firmly. "Because you're not alone in this."

For a moment, Zeke said nothing. Then, to her surprise, he reached across the desk and took her hand. "Thank you, Rose. For everything."

The simple gesture spoke volumes, and Rose felt a surge of warmth. They weren't just allies in this fight—they were family.