Chapter 4 - THE GILDED PROTECTOR
He climbed the concrete steps,
his movements slow and deliberate.
A tactical guard followed closely,
holding a massive black umbrella over him.
Alexander Vance didn't say a word as he reached me.
He reached out,
his fingers steady and warm.
Gently,
he wrapped his heavy,
incredibly warm cashmere overcoat around my shivering frame.
The weight of it was immediate,
chasing away the bite of the winter wind.
The intoxicating scent of sandalwood,
immense wealth,
and absolute power enveloped me like a shield.
I looked up at him,
my vision blurred by the rain and my own confusion.
He didn't look at me with pity,
he looked at me with a fierce,
unwavering protectiveness.
Only then did he slowly turn his head toward the trapped Mercedes.
Richard was frantically trying to open his door,
but the armored bumper of the SUV held it shut.
He was pounding on the glass,
his mouth moving in silent,
pathetic pleas.
Alexander’s voice cut through the howling storm like a seismic rumble.
If you ever look in her direction again,
he said,
each word a heavy stone dropped into a deep well.
I will not waste my time ruining you in a courtroom,
he continued,
his eyes never leaving the shivering man in the car.
Richard’s arrogant face went completely white,
the color draining away until he looked like a ghost.
He frantically scrambled backward into his plush leather seat,
trying to distance himself from the voice.
W-what is this?
he stammered,
the sound faintly audible through the glass.
Who the hell are you?
he cried,
his hands shaking.
Clara's a nobody!
he screamed,
his voice high and desperate.
She grew up in foster care,
she doesn't have anyone protecting her!
The billionaire didn't blink,
not even once.
I will simply erase you from the earth,
May you like
Alexander replied,
his tone as calm as a frozen lake.
