Eleanor gently closed her eyes, allowing the silence of the study to settle around her like a comforting shroud. Outside, the world continued on, unaware of the storm brewing within her mind. Since her return to the Kingdom, her focus had been singular… building her company. Heimdall Technologies was still in its infancy here, unlike the thriving tech conglomerate she had established in North America. She had envisioned a quiet, low-key launch in the Kingdom, avoiding unnecessary attention. Too much limelight in the beginning was never good for business. These annoying bugs didn't let her be at peace.
After her bloodline awakening, she had remained in the ancestral land until Freya was born. During that time, she gained access to ancient books and received teachings from elders who had long withdrawn from the mortal world and now resided within the ancestral grounds. There, she immersed herself in business philosophy, strategic thinking, and the subtle intricacies of power. Later, she traveled across the globe and spent over a year learning directly from Fiona, a legend in the business world. Those lessons were etched into her very soul.
Finally, when she felt prepared to challenge the Kingdom's market, she returned home. She had no intention of engaging with the Whitmore family yet. Her plan was to settle Heimdall Technologies, release their breakthrough product, and establish an unshakable foothold. Then she would move against her enemies… on her terms. But her plans were derailed.
The Whitmores acted first. Their desperation was evident. They knew she had returned, and perhaps they sensed what she had discovered. Their moves forced her hand. She could no longer afford to wait. Especially not when the risk extended beyond her… to Freya.
Eleanor's jaw tightened. Her daughter's existence had to remain a secret from the Whitmores. No matter what.
She straightened her back and spoke with resolve, "Shadow Guards, gather here."
Within seconds, six dark figures emerged from the shadows, silent as the night. Their presence was as natural as the air around her. Eleanor had always been aware of their protection, but now, it was time to truly lead them.
"I need to retrieve something… discreetly," she said, scanning their masked faces. "Which one of you is best in stealth?"
One figure stepped forward without hesitation. "That would be me," a female voice said with quiet confidence.
Eleanor nodded. "Before we go further, I owe you something. I've never formally introduced myself to you all. You've been guarding me since I returned, and I was too immersed in work to do what I should have done long ago."
She paused. "My name is Eleanor Elizabeth Raynor. Future leader of the Raynor Clan. Please show your face and let me know your name."
The guards removed their masks at her command, revealing the faces behind the shadows. One by one, they introduced themselves.
"I'm Sebastian Blanc," said the first, a tall man with a chiseled jaw. "I am the leader of this team. My specialty is hand-to-hand combat."
"Ophelia Blanc," said the stealth expert. Her sharp eyes missed nothing. "Specialized in infiltration and assassination."
"I'm Raphael Blanc. Small firearms expert," said the next, casually resting a hand on his concealed weapon.
"Alaric Blanc," came the voice of a lean man. "Long-range shooting and sniping."
"Elias Blanc," said another with a calm demeanor. "My strength lies in swordsmanship."
"And I'm Isadora Blanc," said the final member. "Tracking and close combat."
Eleanor's eyes lingered on each of them with respect. "Thank you for keeping me and my family safe. Without Clan Blanc, the Raynor legacy would never have reached these heights. As an Elizabeth, my life will always carry more risk. Your jobs are dangerous without question."
She took a deep breath. "From this moment, in addition to the payment you receive from the Clan, you will also be paid ten thousand pounds per month directly from me. This is not charity… it's recognition. If something happens to you, your families will be compensated from my personal funds. What I ask in return is simple: absolute loyalty and total secrecy. Especially concerning my personal matters. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes, my lady," they said in perfect unison.
"Good. Then your mission begins now." She handed a folded paper to Sebastian. "Go to this address. Monitor every individual on the premises, especially the household staff. I want you to find out the moles there. I will arrive in one hour. When my car enters the compound, activate the signal jammer and cut their internet."
Sebastian nodded. "Understood."
Eleanor turned to Ophelia. "You stay. You have a separate mission."
The rest of the guards placed their right hands over their hearts and bowed. With a shift of air and no sound, they vanished into the shadows.
Only Ophelia remained.
Eleanor approached her. "This task is personal and confidential. You are not to speak of it to anyone… ever."
Ophelia nodded once.
"I need three strands of hair. From William Whitmore, Jeanne Baker, and Jennifer Whitmore. Make sure the roots are intact. Use gloves and seal them in sterile bags immediately. Can you do that?"
"Yes, my lady."
"I'll send you the address and their photos. Go tonight. No mistakes."
Ophelia said her mobile number, and Eleanor typed a message. A few seconds later, her phone buzzed as the message arrived. She bowed slightly and exited the room.
Eleanor turned her attention to her family. She walked to Freya's room and found her daughter giggling while Ethan was playing a dragon game on the computer. The sight warmed her heart, if only for a moment.
"I'll be heading out for a while," she said, standing at the doorway.
Ethan looked up and smiled. "Alright. Freya and I will be here."
She left them with a soft smile and descended to the ground floor. The guard captain was waiting.
"I'm leaving for a private meeting. No convoy. Send your best driver with a civilian car. Shadow Guards will cover me."
"Yes, Lady Eleanor."
She informed the butler that Freya and Ethan were to have dinner without waiting for her if she was late. Then she stepped into a black sedan that pulled up at the side entrance.
Forty minutes later, they arrived at a quiet, upscale courtyard. A uniformed guard at the gate approached.
"Name and appointment?" he asked.
Eleanor called a number and handed over her phone. The guard spoke briefly to the person on the other end, nodded, and opened the gate.
The car drove through and stopped before a modest yet elegant villa. Standing at the entrance was a tall, silver-haired man in gold-rimmed glasses.
"Uncle Grant!" Eleanor exclaimed and rushed to embrace him.
"We missed you, child. It's been years. Your aunt will be happy to see you," Elliot Grant replied with warmth.
"I'll see Aunt later. We need to talk…privately," she said, serious once again.
Understanding her tone, he led her to his study. Once inside, she shut the door firmly.
"Sebastian," she said calmly.
To Mr. Grant's shock, a figure emerged silently from the corner. His presence was terrifying… like a phantom.
"There are three infiltrators," Sebastian reported. "One guard at the gate. One in the kitchen. The last is Mr. Grant's secretary."
Eleanor's voice was cold. "I want to know who sent them. Interrogate, then eliminate them. Make sure their bodies vanish."
Elliot Grant stood frozen, staring at the emotionless face of the young woman he had once rocked to sleep. She was no longer the lively girl he knew, no longer the helpless child left behind by her friend Esmeralda.