Chapter 6 - Entering the Citadel
The black Aston Martin pulled smoothly through the heavy iron gates of the Pinnacle Tower, gliding into the private underground parking garage reserved exclusively for the penthouse suite.
Hazel and Iris pressed their faces against the tinted glass windows, their eyes wide with wonder as they stared at the rows of exotic sports cars parked beneath the glowing neon lights.
"Is this where you live?" Iris asked, her voice hushed in genuine awe.
"This is home for now," Griffin said, glancing back through the rearview mirror with a warm, reassuring smile. He had rented an entire medical transportation team to ensure Sloan was safely moved from the hospital without any strain, though he had ultimately insisted on carrying her from the car himself despite her protests.
Now, standing in the private elevator that rose directly into the penthouse, Griffin held Sloan gently by the waist while she leaned against him for support. Her head still felt slightly fuzzy, but the sheer scale of her surroundings was enough to wake up all her senses.
The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing a sprawling, open-concept penthouse that looked like something straight out of an architectural digest. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls offered a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Seattle waterfront and the distant, snow-capped peak of Mount Rainier. Polished hardwood floors, minimalist designer furniture, and warm ambient lighting gave the massive space an unexpectedly inviting feel.
"Whoa..." Hazel whispered, stepping out of the elevator and spinning around slowly with her arms outstretched. "It's like a spaceship!"
Iris walked straight toward the massive glass window, pressing her hands against the cold pane as she stared down at the tiny cars crawling along the streets hundreds of feet below. "Mom, look! You can see the whole city!"
Sloan stood in the center of the living room, feeling slightly out of place in her simple knit sweater and jeans, surrounded by luxury that made her little Fremont duplex look like a tool shed.
Griffin walked up behind her, wrapping his strong arms gently around her shoulders, resting his chin lightly against her hair. "Relax, Sloan. This place has been empty for ten years waiting for you. It's time to make it a real home."
"Griffin, it's... it's overwhelming," Sloan murmured, leaning back against his chest, finally letting herself surrender to the comfort of his strength. "I'm just an ordinary architect struggling to pay rent. Your world is... it's another planet."
"My world is wherever you and the girls are," Griffin corrected softly, turning her around so she was facing him. He looked down into her amber-brown eyes with an intensity that made her breath catch. "You're not alone anymore, Sloan. You don't have to carry every burden by yourself. Let me help you. Let us be a family."
Before Sloan could answer, a soft, polite cough echoed from the hallway.
A tall, impeccably dressed older man with silver-rimmed glasses and a crisp black suit stepped forward, holding a silver tray with a warm cup of herbal tea.
"Welcome home, Ms. Callaway. Welcome, young ladies," the man said with a respectful bow. "My name is Arthur. I am Mr. Drake's estate manager. I've already had the master guest suites prepared on the lower level for the twins, and the primary suite has been readied for you and Mr. Drake."
Sloan’s cheeks flushed a bright pink at the mention of sharing a suite. "Oh, Arthur, thank you, but—"
"There are no 'buts,' Sloan," Griffin interrupted with a playful smirk. "Arthur is exceptionally efficient. You'll learn very quickly that arguing with him is even harder than arguing with me."
Arthur offered a polite, knowing smile. "Indeed, sir. Dinner will be served in an hour. Something light and nourishing, as per Dr. Harrison's strict instructions."
Hazel and Iris immediately ran over to Arthur, completely enchanted by the distinguished gentleman. "Can we explore the kitchen, Mr. Arthur?" Iris asked brightly.
May you like
"Of course, young ladies. Right this way," Arthur replied, leading the twins toward the sprawling chef's kitchen, leaving Griffin and Sloan alone in the quiet center of the sunlit living room.
Griffin looked down at Sloan, his expression softening into something deeply tender. "See? They're already adjusting. Now, it's your turn. Come on, let's get you lying down on the sofa."
