Chapter 6

"I guess this means you're keeping the money," Chloe said softly, trying to hide her smile.

"Chloe!" Mum scolded, swatting her arm lightly.

"What? I just wanted to be sure."

I sighed, turning to both of them. "Yes, I'm keeping everything. But what are we going to do about... him?" I asked, gesturing toward the lifeless body on the floor, the pool of blood spreading beneath it.

"Not to worry. I'll handle it," Cole replied, his dark eyes fixed on mine. "But I must warn you, Astrid—more like him will come for you. If you're accepting the inheritance, you must also be prepared to accept the dangers that come with it."

My breath hitched, but I forced myself to nod. "I'm prepared," I said, trying to make myself believe it. Mr. Caldwell had trusted me with everything he had. If he believed I could handle it, then maybe I could.

Cole inclined his head slightly, his tone firm yet reverent. "Very well, Miss Caldwell. It is now my duty to protect you—now and always—to the best of my abilities." He placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly, his gesture carrying an old-world chivalry that seemed almost out of place in the modern chaos surrounding us.

I glanced at Chloe and Mum. Chloe rolled her eyes, while Mum gave me a tentative, unsure smile.

"Alright, Mr. Bodyguard, now what?" Chloe asked, crossing her arms and glaring at him.

"Now, I am obligated to protect the heiress," Cole said, his gaze unwavering as it remained fixed on me. After a brief pause, he added, almost grudgingly, "And her family." He turned to face Chloe, who raised an eyebrow at him.

Before anyone could respond, the sound of heavy boots echoed through the house. Almost a dozen men, all dressed in black, filed into the small room, their presence both startling and intimidating. Mum let out a quiet gasp, and Chloe took a step closer to me.

"Clean this up," Cole instructed them, his tone authoritative but calm. "The rest of you, prepare to escort Miss Caldwell and her family to their new home."

"New home?" I asked, confused.

"Yes," Cole replied simply. "You are expected to stay at the Caldwell estate. You now own it. Remember."

"This way, please," he added, gesturing toward the door.

"We know how to leave our own house," Chloe muttered with a roll of her eyes. "Aren't you going to let us pack our things, at least?"

"That won't be necessary," Cole said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I nodded, understanding he was right. "Let's just go for now. We can come back later if we need anything," I said softly, turning to Mum and Chloe.

Mum hesitated but eventually nodded. Chloe let out an exasperated sigh but followed as Cole led us out of the house, his team of men falling into formation around us like a shield.

The night air was cool and sharp against my skin, and as we stepped outside, I couldn't help but glance back at the house I'd called home for so many years. It felt unreal to leave it behind so suddenly, but I reminded myself that everything was different now.

I wasn't just Astrid Bennett anymore.

I was Astrid Bennett Caldwell.

As we stepped outside, our small driveway was lined up with black luxury cars, their sleek surfaces gleaming under the dim glow of the porch light. The sight was both intimidating and surreal, a far cry from the old sedan that had been parked there just hours ago.

Cole stepped forward, his presence commanding as he gestured for me to follow him. "This way, Miss Caldwell," he said firmly, leading me to the first car in the line.

Chloe and Mum moved to join me, but Cole stopped them with a raised hand. "She must travel alone. This is how it will always be. It's safer."

"Safer?" Chloe scoffed, crossing her arms. "She's not the President. Can't we all just go together?"

Cole's gaze remained unwavering. "No," he said, his tone final.

I frowned wanting to protest, to insist that we should stay together, but Mr. Caldwell's words echoed in my mind. *Trust Cole. He knows what he's doing.*

I swallowed my frustration and nodded. "It's fine," I said, though my voice wavered slightly. "We'll all still meet at the estate."

Mum looked uneasy, but she nodded reluctantly. Chloe, however, glared at Cole with open disdain.

"Fine," she muttered, stepping back. "But if anything happens to her—"

"It won't," Cole interrupted, his tone as sharp as a blade.

Without another word, he opened the car door for me. I slid into the plush leather seat, the faint scent of new car mingling with the lingering tension in the air. The door closed with a soft thud, and moments later, the car pulled out of the driveway, leaving Mum and Chloe behind.

As we drove through the quiet streets, the reality of my new life began to sink in. This wasn't just about inheriting wealth—it was about inheriting a world of rules, dangers, and sacrifices.

I glanced at Cole, who sat rigidly in the seat beside me, his eyes scanning the surroundings through the tinted windows. "Is this really necessary?" I asked quietly.

"Absolutely," he replied without looking at me. "Your safety is my top priority now, Miss Caldwell. Nothing else matters."

I nodded, leaning back against the seat as the car sped through the night. This was my new reality. And I had to accept it.

I turned to look at Cole again. His jaw was sharp, his cheekbones high, and his dark eyes were alert. There was something different about him—he was handsome in a way that was both intimidating and dreamy. Even sitting there, he exuded an aura of control and authority, as if nothing could catch him off guard.

He must have felt me staring because his eyes met mine. I froze, caught off guard, then quickly looked away, my cheeks warming.

"You need rest," he said, his voice calm.

"I'm fine," I replied, focusing on the window and the blur of city lights outside.

"You've had a long day," he added. "And It's only going to get harder."

"Thanks for the encouragement," I muttered, crossing my arms.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a flicker of a smirk. "I'm just being honest. You'll need to be ready for anything."

"Like what?" I asked, turning back to him.

His smirk disappeared. "Enemies, betrayal, danger. Things you've never had to deal with before. This world isn't easy, and now you're in it."

I swallowed, his words sinking in. "And you're here to protect me from all that?"

"That's my job," he said simply. His tone was serious, and his eyes seemed to promise that he meant it.

I looked away, unsure of what to say. Could I even trust him?

I sighed.

Well, the Caldwell estate was getting closer. There was no turning back now.