Chapter 3: The Sanctuary
Marcus groaned in pain, his arrogance evaporating instantly. "Alright! Alright! Let me go!"
"If I ever see you near her again, or if I hear that any worker in that kitchen suffers under your hands, you won't just lose your job—you'll answer to me personally. Do we understand each other?" Julian asked softly.
Marcus nodded feverishly. Julian released him, and the head chef scrambled back inside through the door, slamming it shut behind him.
Julian turned to Elena, who was leaning against the wall, shaking uncontrollably. "Are you alright?"
"Why... why are you doing this for me?" she asked through silent tears. "You don't even know me. You're one of the wealthiest investors in the city."
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"Because power without protection is just tyranny," Julian said gently, taking off his heavy wool coat and placing it over her shivering shoulders. "Come. My driver is waiting at the end of the street. I am taking you somewhere safe."
Elena hesitated for a moment, looking into his eyes. She saw no deception, only an unexpected warmth beneath his intimidating exterior. She nodded softly and walked alongside him into the cool night air.
