Rise of the Formidable Ex-wife (Lucia and Alex) novel Chapter 163

Chapter 163

The house felt different after Marco’s threats. Every shadow seemed darker, every unexpected sound made them jump, and the children moved through their daily routines with a tension that hadn’t been there before. Lucia watched Monica flinch at the sound of a car door slamming outside, saw Lucas constantly checking the windows, noticed Ria hovering close to doorways as if preparing to rum

Alexander sat at his desk in the study, staring at architectural plans spread across the mahogany surface. The blueprints showed a fortress disguised as a home. His estate across the city. it was bigger than their current mansion, more secure, and most importantly, better protected.

“The children can’t live like this.” Lucia spoke quietly from the doorway, having watched him study the same papers for the third time that morning.

Alexander looked up, seeing the worry etched in every line of her face. “They shouldn’t have to. No child should have to be afraid in their own home.”

Lucia entered the study and closed the door behind her. Through the windows, she could see Peterson and three other security guards patrolling the grounds, their presence a constant reminder of the danger that now surrounded their family.

“You’re thinking about Riverside Manor.” She recognized the blueprints.

“I’ve been thinking about it since last night.” Alexander admitted. “It’s secure enough that Marco can’t easily access it. The security system is military–grade. And it’s big enough that the children won’t feel trapped.”

Lucia moved to stand beside his chair, looking down at the plans. The mountain estate was massive. Thirty rooms, indoor swimming pool, tennis court, library, art studio, and enough grounds that the children could run and play without being confined to a small area.

“They’ll have to leave their schools.” She pointed out.

“There’s an excellent private academy near the estate. Small classes, personalized attention. Lena’s been there before and loved it.”

Lucia traced her finger along the blueprint, following the outline of what would be Monica’s art studio if they moved. Large windows facing north for perfect natural light, built–in storage for supplies, space for multiple easels.

“It would mean starting over again.” Her words came soft.

“But they’d be starting over safely.” Alexander replied. “Lucia/Marco made specific threats last night. He said he would hurt the people I love. I can’t take that chance with our children.”

The word ‘our‘ still made Lucia’s heart skip a beat. Alexander had embraced all four children as completely as if they shared

his DNA.

“Have you talked to Lena about this?”

“Not yet. I wanted to discuss it with you first.” Alexander stood and moved to the window, watching their children play in the garden below. “But I think she’ll understand. She knows how unpredictable Marco can be when he’s desperate.”

Lucia joined him at the window. Lena was teaching Monica a new dance move while Ria and Lucas sat on a bench nearby, laughing at their sisters‘ attempts at coordination. The scene was peaceful, normal, but Lucia could see the security guards positioned strategically around the perimeter.

“When would we go?”

“This weekend. I want them settled before Marco has time to plan whatever he’s thinking about doing.”

That afternoon, Alexander and Lucia gathered all four children in the living room. The formal atmosphere immediately put the children on alert. Family meetings usually meant important news, and after yesterday’s events, they were braced for more upheaval

“Are we in trouble?” Monica asked immediately, her voice small with worry.

“No, sweetheart.” Lucia assured her, settling onto the couch beside her youngest daughter. “But we do need to talk about what happened yesterday.”

Ria shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “Is it about our father showing up here?”

“Partly.” Alexander chose his words carefully. “Your biological father made some statements last night that concern us. We think it would be best if we moved somewhere safer for a while.”

“Moved?” Lucas sat up straighter. “Like, leave this house?”

“Temporarily.” Lucia spoke quickly. “Alexander has another home across the city. It’s beautiful, and it’s more secure.”

Chapter 163

Lena’s eyes lit up with recognition. “Riverside Manor? We’re going to Riverside Manor?”

You know it? Ria asked.

It’s amazing.” Lena’s excitement bubbled over. “It’s like a castle in the city. There’s a beautiful garden, and the biggest library you’ve ever seen.”

Monica looked between her parents anxiously. “But what about our friends? Our schools?”

“There’s a wonderful school near the estate.” Alexander explained. “Small classes, excellent teachers. And your friends can visit whenever you want.”

“For how long?” Lucas asked the practical question they were all thinking.

Alexander and Lucia exchanged glances. The truth was, they didn’t know. It depended on Marco, on how far he was willing to take his threats, on whether he would eventually accept reality and move on.

“We’re not sure yet.” Lucia spoke honestly. “But I promise you, we’ll only stay as long as necessary to keep everyone safe.”

The room fell quiet as the children processed this information. Lucia could see the wheels turning in their heads. Another move, another disruption, another reminder that their biological father was still capable of hurting them even when he wasn‘ t physically present.

“Is he really that dangerous?” Ria asked quietly. “I mean, I know he was angry yesterday, but would he actually hurt us?”

Alexander leaned forward, his expression serious but gentle. “Ria, I don’t know what your father is capable of anymore. But I do know that I won’t take chances with your safety. Any of you.”

“He called me a traitor.” Ria whispered, tears starting in her eyes. “His own daughter, and he called me a traitor.”

Lucia moved to kneel in front of Ria’s chair, taking her hands. “You are not a traitor. You are a brave young woman who chose to protect her siblings and herself. Your father is in pain right now, and he’s lashing out at everyone around him.”

“But what if he tries to hurt you or Dad?” Monica asked, voicing the fear they all carried. “What if he goes after you instead of us?”

“Then he’ll discover that I’m not as easy a target as he thinks.” Alexander’s words came grim. “But our main concern is keeping all of you safe.”

Lena stood up suddenly, moving to hug Alexander around the waist. “I think moving to Riverside Manor is a good idea. It feels like home there too.”

“Really?” Monica looked at her stepsister with hope.

“Really. There’s a huge art studio with windows all around. And there are beautiful gardens where we can walk. And the kitchen is big enough for all of us to cook together.”

Slowly, the other children began to warm to the idea. Lucas asked about internet connectivity for his senior high school applications. Ria wanted to know if there was space for her design projects. Monica wondered if she could bring her easel and art supplies.

“We can bring whatever you want.” Lucia assured them. “This isn’t about punishment or taking things away from you. It’s about keeping our family together and safe.”

“When would we go?” Lucas asked.

“This weekend.” Alexander spoke firmly. “I know it’s short notice, but…”

“I think it’s exciting.” Lena interrupted. “Like an adventure.”

“Some adventure.” Ria muttered, but there was no real complaint in her voice.

Monica raised her hand tentatively, as if she were in school. “Can I ask something?”

“Always.” Lucia’s response came immediate.

“If we move to this new place, will we still be a family? Like, the same family we are now?”

The question broke Lucia’s heart. After everything they had been through, Monica was still afraid that changes meant abandonment.

“Sweetheart.” Lucia’s voice came gentle. “We will always be a family. No matter where we live, no matter what happens, no matter what anyone else says or does. Nothing can change that.”

“Forever and always?” Monica asked, using their family motto.

“Forever and always.” All five other family members spoke in unison.

Alexander clapped his hands together. “So, are we doing this? Are we ready for the Riverside Manor adventure?”

Chapter 163

One by one, the children nodded their agreement. Even Lucas, who had been the most reluctant, managed a small smile. Alight then” Lucia felt a mixture of relief and sadness. Relief that her children would be safer, sadness that Marco’s actions were forcing them to uproot their lives once again.

“Can we start packing tonight?” Lena asked excitedly.

“We can start making lists. Alexander agreed. “And tomorrow we’ll begin getting everything ready.”

As the children scattered to their rooms to begin planning what they would take, Lucia remained in the living room with Alexander.

“They’re being so brave about this.” Her observation came quiet.

“They trust us to keep them safe.” Alexander replied. “That’s all we can do. Be worthy of that trust.”

Outside, the security guards continued their patrol, and Lucia knew that for the next few days, their lives would be a whirlwind of packing, planning, and preparation.

But as she listened to the excited chatter of her children echoing down from upstairs, she felt a spark of hope.

Marco Hart thought he could terrorize them into submission.

Instead, he was giving them a chance to start fresh in a place where they could truly be free.

The secure estate would be more than just a refuge.

It would be their fortress, their sanctuary, their new beginning.

And no matter how long it took, they would build a life there that Marco Hart could never touch.

But even as Lucia allowed herself this moment of optimism, a cold fear settled in her stomach.

Moving to a new house wouldn’t make Marco disappear.

It wouldn’t erase his threats or diminish his rage.

It would only buy them time.

And time was something they desperately needed to figure out what Marco would do next.

Because somewhere in the city, Marco was planning his next move.

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