Chapter 7
The sprawling mansion was a hive of quiet, lethal activity as Julian carried his frail mother up the sweeping marble staircase. The bright, luminous glow of the first floor gave way to the softer, more muted lighting of the private master wing. The warm golden hues of the wall sconces guided them past gilded mirrors and heavy silk curtains, leading them to the massive oak doors of Julian’s personal suite.
He gently laid Eleanor down on the plush, king-sized bed, pulling the thick, expensive duvet up to her chin. The roaring marble fireplace in the corner of the room immediately began to cast a healing, elegant warmth over her pale skin.
Lena hurried into the adjoining master bathroom, retrieving warm, damp towels and a glass of fresh water. She worked with quiet, sophisticated efficiency, wiping the soot and grime from Eleanor's face and hands, helping her drink small, measured sips.
"Thank you, Lena," Eleanor whispered, her voice raspy but filled with immense gratitude. "You saved my life."
"I just did what was right, ma'am," Lena replied, her softly oval face flushing a delicate pink.
Julian stood near the fireplace, watching the interaction in silence. He had removed his suit jacket and unbuttoned his waistcoat, looking slightly less formal but infinitely more dangerous. The loose strands of dark hair fell over his forehead, and his powerful shoulders leaned casually against the carved marble.
"Will you fetch the doctor immediately, Marcus?" Julian asked his lieutenant, who stood at attention in the doorway.
"He is already on his way up the stairs, Boss," Marcus reported, stepping aside to allow an older man with a black medical bag into the room.
The doctor moved quickly to the bed, beginning a thorough examination of Eleanor. Julian watched for a moment before turning his cold, perceptive eyes back to Marcus.
"Are our borders secured?" Julian asked, stepping out into the hallway to speak privately with his underboss.
"Yes, Mr. Vale," Marcus nodded, his American accent crisp. "The entire estate is locked down. The guests have been cleared. But the Voss family will notice Seraphine is missing by morning. Victor Voss isn't going to wait for an explanation. This means full-scale war."
"Do the Vosses believe they can survive my wrath after harboring the woman who imprisoned my mother?" Julian asked, his deeply observant eyes narrowing into dangerous slits.
"They have numbers, Boss. They control the eastern territories," Marcus warned.
"Are the weapons primed in the armory?" Julian asked, adjusting his wristwatch with a calm, terrifying precision.
"Fully loaded and distributed to the men, sir."
"Will you ensure the perimeter is fortified with heavy artillery before dawn?" Julian asked.
"Consider it done," Marcus bowed his head respectfully and hurried down the hall.
Julian stepped back into the master suite. The doctor was finishing his examination, administering intravenous fluids to Eleanor.
"Will she recover, Doctor?" Julian asked.
"She is severely malnourished and dehydrated, but her vitals are stabilizing," the doctor answered. "With proper rest and nutrition, she will make a full recovery, sir."
Julian nodded, a profound relief washing over his angular face. The doctor packed his bag and quietly exited the room.
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Julian walked over to the bed, looking down at Lena. The beautiful housemaid was still kneeling by the mattress, holding Eleanor's fragile hand.
"Are you aware of the danger you have just invited into your life, Lena?" Julian asked, his deep voice a low, mesmerizing rumble.
