Chapter 1: The Standoff
Julian did not flinch. He stood like a stone wall between his new family and the furious woman marching toward them. Eleanor’s face was twisted in rage as she pointed a shaking finger at the boy huddled in Sarah’s arms.
"Give him back!" Eleanor shrieked. "I have legal custody! You can't do this!"
"You have nothing," Julian said quietly. He raised a single hand. Instantly, three men in dark suits stepped out from the edges of the ballroom, forming a barrier around Eleanor. Julian’s security team was fast and silent.
Eleanor thrashed as the guards firmly gripped her arms, escorting her out of the ballroom. She screamed threats, her voice echoing off the crystal chandeliers until the heavy mahogany doors slammed shut.
Sarah knelt on the floor, trembling. She pulled Leo back to inspect the horrific dark red stain on his white shirt. She gasped, frantically checking for a wound.
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"Mom, I'm okay," Leo whispered. "It's just wine. She pushed me into a table upstairs before she locked me in."
Relief washed over Sarah. Julian crouched beside them, resting a heavy, reassuring hand on Leo’s shoulder.
