Chapter 8: The Price of Legacy**
Julian hit the gravel hard, rolling to absorb the impact. Pain shot up his ankle, but adrenaline obliterated the sensation. He was on his feet in a second, charging toward the vehicle.
Walter panicked. He shoved Lily into the backseat and lunged toward the driver’s seat.
Julian reached the car just as the engine roared. He grabbed the driver's door handle, wrenching it open with raw fury. Walter lashed out with a heavy metal wrench, catching Julian across the shoulder.
Julian grunted, refusing to let go. He dragged Walter out of the vehicle and threw him onto the gravel driveway, pinning him down with a knee to the chest.
"You took my sister's peace," Julian growled, his voice vibrating with feral rage. "You will not touch her child."
Sirens wailed in the distance. The local police, summoned by the automated perimeter tripwire Julian had independently installed years prior, raced up the long driveway, their red and blue lights washing over the grand estate.
Julian ripped the keys from the ignition, reached into the backseat, and pulled Lily into his arms. The little girl wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, burying her face into his torn tuxedo shirt.
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"I got you," Julian whispered, rocking her as the police cruisers surrounded the car. "I'm right here."
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