Chapter 1: The True Power Awakes
The pouring rain did nothing to cool the sudden, icy dread that gripped Julian’s chest. The smartphone in his hand, which only seconds ago was recording his wife’s agony, felt incredibly heavy.
"Mr... Mr. Vance?" Julian’s voice cracked, his arrogant smirk instantly melting into a pale mask of terror.
Arthur Vance, the billionaire shipping tycoon and the city’s most ruthless power broker, didn't look at Julian. His piercing eyes were fixed on the contract sticking out of the wet black briefcase. It was a fraudulent asset waiver Julian had tried to force Elena to sign while keeping her trapped.
"I asked you a question, boy," Arthur said, his voice a low, dangerous rumble that cut through the thunder. "Where did you get my daughter's family estate documents?"
Victoria, Julian’s mother, gasped so hard she choked on her own breath, clutching her fur shawl tightly. Daughter. The quiet, submissive orphan girl they had abused, mocked, and thrown out onto the wet pavement like garbage was the sole heiress to the Vance empire. Elena had hidden her lineage to see if Julian loved her for who she was—and tonight, he had shown his true colors.
May you like
Ignoring the trembling husband, Arthur stepped past him and knelt on the wet concrete. His stern face softened into pure, paternal warmth as he gently lifted Elena into his arms. "I'm here, sweetheart. You're safe now."
With a flick of Arthur’s wrist, two towering bodyguards stepped forward, instantly blocking Julian and Victoria from moving a single inch. A private medical van pulled up right behind the luxury sedan, its doors flying open.
