CHAPTER 7: The Unseen Threat
Despite Julian’s reassurances, the pressure mounted from external forces. Two days later, an aggressive smear campaign hit the morning news. Anonymous sources claimed that Marisa had engaged in fraudulent conduct during her early employment years, fabricating petty theft allegations to ruin her credibility in the court of public opinion.
Julian hired the city’s top crisis management firm and security team to fortify the estate, but the emotional toll was evident. Valentina began having nightmares, waking up in the middle of the night crying for her old, quiet apartment across town.
One evening, Julian sat by Valentina’s bedside in the grand suite. The room was illuminated only by the warm glow of a small nightlight shaped like a star.
"Dad?" Valentina whispered, her small fingers gripping his thumb.
Hearing the word 'Dad' still sent a powerful jolt through Julian’s heart. "I’m right here, sweetheart."
"Why are people outside taking pictures with big lights? Did Mommy do something bad?"
Julian felt a sharp ache in his chest. He smoothed back her dark hair, matching the gentle cadence his own mother used to have.
"No, Valentina. Mommy is the bravest person in the world. People outside just don't understand how special you both are yet. But my job is to make sure nobody ever scares you again. Do you trust me?"
Valentina looked at him thoughtfully, then reached under her pillow, pulling out the gold medallion Julian had returned to her. She pressed it into his hand.
"Hold it so you don't forget to come back," she said sleepily.
May you like
Julian closed his eyes, holding the coin against his heart, making a silent vow that no corporate empire would ever matter more than the little girl falling asleep beside him.
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