Chapter 17
"Paris?" Mavis gasped, her eyes widening in pure astonishment. "Roland, I don't know if I'm ready for that. The critics, the buyers... they know me as the maid who ruined Camellia's exhibition."
"They know you as the victim of a massive fraud," Roland corrected smoothly, his American accent crisp and authoritative. "My public relations team has controlled the narrative entirely. Camellia is currently facing multiple federal lawsuits for extortion and wire fraud. She is a disgraced pariah. You are the prodigy who survived."
Mavis looked down at the wooden palette resting on the table. The sudden thrust into the global spotlight was terrifying, but the absolute, unwavering confidence Roland projected was incredibly grounding.
"Will you come with me?" Mavis asked, looking back up into his cold, intimidating eyes.
Roland’s expression softened. "I will not leave your side, Mavis. The Ashcroft syndicate has extensive holdings in Europe. I will personally ensure your security."
Mavis nodded slowly, a fierce, unbreakable resolve settling over her. She would not hide anymore. She would claim the life that had been stolen from her.
Two weeks later, Mavis and Roland boarded his private jet. The flight to Paris was a blur of luxury and quiet intimacy. Mavis spent hours sketching the clouds, while Roland reviewed encrypted security briefings on a sleek tablet, ever the vigilant warlord protecting his queen.
May you like
When they landed in Paris, the paparazzi were already swarming the tarmac, eager to catch a glimpse of the elusive artist and her terrifying, billionaire benefactor. Roland’s elite security detail formed an impenetrable wall, escorting them safely to a heavily armored, luxury SUV.
As they drove through the beautiful, historic streets of the city, Mavis looked out the window, her heart hammering with excitement. She had traded a damp basement for the world stage, and the man sitting beside her had made it all possible.
