Chapter 1
The cold water of the indoor fountain soaked through the fine wool of Julian’s tuxedo, clinging heavily to his skin as he dragged himself across the polished marble floor. The sharp scent of burnt candle wax mixed with the metallic tang of chlorinated water filled his lungs. Just moments ago, a violent shove had sent him flying backward into the decorative basin, shattering the floating candles and sending a chaotic spray over the expensive designer gowns of the elite guests.
Elena stood directly above him, her chest heaving beneath her black sleeveless dress. Her dark hair fell in sharp waves around her face, framing eyes that burned with pure rage.
"You kicked my mother," Elena hissed, her voice trembling with a fury that cut through the murmurs of the stunned ballroom.
Julian coughed, wiping a stream of cold water from his slicked-back dark hair. He pushed himself up onto one knee, ignoring the icy chill biting into his ribs.
"I did what had to be done," Julian replied, his voice dangerously calm despite the dripping water and the ruined suit.
"You coward!" Elena shouted, stepping closer as the surrounding crowd fell into an uneasy silence. "She is an old woman! You humiliated her in front of everyone!"
"She dropped the chalice on purpose, Elena," Julian said, his dark eyes locking onto hers with a chilling steadiness. "You know it. I know it. And your mother knows it best of all."
"Lies! Absolute lies!" Elena’s voice cracked, her face flushing a deep, angry crimson. "You are just trying to cover up your own clumsiness and malice!"
"Ask her yourself," Julian whispered, glancing past her shoulder.
Elena whirled around, only to freeze as Beatrice, her mother, stepped forward in a shimmering dark green sequined gown, flanked by two burly private guards whose expressions were as hard as granite.
"Enough of this pathetic theater," Beatrice said coldly, her voice carrying an absolute authority that commanded immediate obedience. She looked down at Julian with a mixture of disdain and chilling calculation. Then, she turned her cold gaze to her daughter.
"Kneel and apologize," Elena demanded, turning back to Julian with renewed venom. "Right now, or you will never leave this estate alive."
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Julian slowly stood to his full height, dripping wet and towering over her. Without a word, he took a deliberate step forward, planting his heavy shoe directly in her path.
"Make me," Julian whispered.
