Chapter 1: The Shattered Facade
Julian did not wait for Victoria’s excuses. The sight of the silver dog bowl on the pristine marble floor burned an indelible mark into his soul. Clasping Serafina tightly against his chest, he could feel her tiny frame trembling, her silent tears soaking through his navy blue suit.
"Julian, wait! It’s not what it looks like—she was throwing a tantrum!" Victoria stammered, her hands shaking as her glamorous, jewel-encrusted facade began to crack. Her voice, usually so cold and calculated, pitched higher with rising panic.
Julian stood up, shielding Serafina completely from Victoria’s sight. His eyes, usually warm and gentle, were now devoid of any warmth. They were dead, icy, and fixed on the woman he had foolishly trusted.
"Do not speak her name," Julian whispered, his voice dangerously low, vibrating with a rage that made Victoria step back. "You are done, Victoria. Your money, your status, your place in this house—it ends tonight."
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Without another word, Julian turned his back on his wife. He carried Serafina down the long, suffocating corridor, ignoring Victoria's frantic cries echoing behind them. He walked straight out into the cool night air, roaring for his chauffeur. As the luxury sedan pulled away from the penthouse, Serafina finally let out a choked sob, gripping her father’s lapels.
"You're safe now, my sweet girl," Julian murmured into her blonde braids, vowing to heaven that he would make Victoria pay for every single tear.
