Chapter 66: Unseen Shadows

The vineyard seemed quieter than usual the next morning, as if the very earth beneath their feet was holding its breath. The confrontation with DeLuca had shaken everyone, and an uneasy calm settled over the estate. Chloe woke up early, the first light of dawn filtering through the curtains. She placed her hand on her belly, feeling the gentle movements of her unborn child. Today, she promised herself, would be different. Today, they would find a way to move forward. Lucas was already up, sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee, deep in thought. He looked up as she entered, a tired smile playing on his lips. "Morning, love." "Morning," she replied, sitting down next to him. "Any word from the police?" "Not yet," Lucas said, running a hand through his hair. "They said they'd keep an eye on things, but we can't rely on them forever." "We need a plan," Chloe said firmly. "Something to protect us, to keep DeLuca at bay." Lucas nodded. "I've been thinking about that. We