Chapter 4 - The Protective Touch
Victoria reached out her manicured hand, intending to grab Mia's arm and pull her away from Julian's leg.
Before her fingers could touch the girl, Julian moved with swift, absolute authority.
He stepped in front of Mia, blocking Victoria with his arm, and slowly crouched down onto one knee right on the marble floor—unbothered by the spilled champagne or sharp glass shards around him.
He placed his large, warm hand gently on Mia’s back, shielding her from the glares of the crowd.
Julian looked into Mia's eyes, seeing his own jawline, his own brow, and his own gaze reflected in the child's innocent face.
"We need to talk now," Julian said, his voice dropping into a calm, intensely emotional whisper as he locked eyes with Naomi across the hall.
"Julian!" Victoria snapped, her voice shrill with indignation. "Security is already on their way! My father invested fifty million dollars into your foundation! You will not embarrass the Vance family over a forgotten fling!"
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Richard Vance, Victoria's powerful father and the senior trustee of the hospital board, stepped forward, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Step away from that woman, Julian, or your funding is canceled before midnight."
👉 What dark secret had Richard Vance kept from Julian for six long years?
