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The car screeched into the estate's gates. I didn't wait for it to stop, jumping out and hitting the ground running.

"Sir!" Aisor ran up, his face etched with worry. "You're back. We're tightening security as ordered—"

"Where are Cassie and Anya?" I cut him off, my voice shaking with fear.

"Anya's in her room. Cassie's in her bedroom. They're both safe, sir."

Relief hit me, but it didn't ease the tightness in my chest. Safe for now, but Marco could strike any second.

"Get the private jet ready," I said, striding forward. "We're moving Anya to Montana. Arkady will meet you there and set her up."

"Yes, sir. What about Cassie—"

Our fight still burned in my mind. Uprooting her again might break her, but I had no choice. "I'll get Anya first."

I headed to Anya's room, pausing at the door to take a deep breath. I couldn't let my daughter see my fear, couldn't let her feel the danger of my world. I knocked softly, forcing my voice to sound light. "Anya, it's Daddy."

"Daddy!" The door flew open, and she launched herself into my arms, her small hands wrapping around my neck.

Her innocent smile calmed my racing heart, just a little. At least she was safe—for now.

"Anya, Daddy's taking you to a special place for a few days," I said, crouching to her level, keeping my tone soft. "It's got mountains and lakes, real pretty."

"Like a trip?" Her blue eyes sparkled with excitement.

My chest ached. A trip? This was a desperate move to keep her alive. "Yeah," I said, forcing a smile. "A special trip. Wanna bring any toys?"

"I want my bunny! And my drawing stuff!" She ran to grab her treasures, oblivious to the stakes.

Watching her, guilt hit me hard. Was this the childhood I could give her? One filled with fear and running?

"Daddy, you look tired," Anya said suddenly, coming back and touching my cheek with her tiny hand. "You okay?"

My hand shook for a second. My five-year-old was comforting me while I was about to send her a thousand miles away.

"I'm fine, princess," I said, kissing her forehead. "Daddy just wants to keep you safe forever."

An hour later, the private jet was ready. I carried Anya to the tarmac, her excitement over the plane tearing at my heart. Montana was a safehouse I'd bought five years ago, tucked in remote mountains, surrounded by forests and lakes. Far from Chicago's mob wars, guarded by my most trusted team. The safest place for her.

"Daddy, I don't wanna go alone," Anya said, clutching her bunny, tugging at my sleeve with sad eyes. "Will it be lonely there?"

Her words broke me. She shouldn't have to face this, shouldn't live in fear. But my world guaranteed she'd never have a normal childhood.

I crouched down, brushing her golden curls. "Anya, Daddy'll come see you soon. Aisor'll be there, and there's lots of fun stuff to do."

"Okay…" She nodded, still hesitant, but then her eyes lit up. "Will Cassie come too?"

My heart clenched. Cassie. Would she agree? Or would she push me away again, like I was a stranger? "I'll ask her, princess," I said softly.

As the plane carried Anya into the night sky, I stood on the tarmac, feeling a loneliness I'd never known. I'd sent my daughter away to protect her, but it meant tearing us apart.

Now, only Cassie was left.

I walked to her bedroom, took a deep breath, and knocked. "Cassie, we need to talk."

No answer. I knocked again. "Cassie?"

"Come in," she said, her voice cold, distant, like I was a stranger.