Chapter 5
The confession hung heavily in the bright, luminous air of the dining hall. Colette’s silence in the face of Julian's last question was all the confirmation the mafia boss needed. She had intended to shatter his healing leg, plunging him back into agonizing physical therapy, all while she consolidated power within his syndicate as his loyal, caretaking wife.
Julian turned his head slightly toward the heavy mahogany doors, where his personal enforcers stood waiting in the shadows of the corridor.
"Will you escort my former fiancée to the holding rooms in the west wing?" Julian asked, raising his voice just enough to be heard. "And will you ensure she has no access to any communication devices until I arrive to continue this conversation?"
Two massive men in dark suits stepped into the warm golden light of the dining room. Colette let out a primal shriek, thrashing wildly as they grabbed her by the arms of her satin gown. "You can't do this! Julian, please! I love you! I was just scared of losing you to the business! Please!"
Julian did not even blink as she was dragged backward out of the room. "Do you expect me to accept attempted murder as a display of your affection, Colette?"
The heavy doors slammed shut, cutting off her hysterical screams. The room was suddenly very quiet, leaving only the soft crackle of the marble fireplace and the quiet, steady breathing of the three remaining people.
Julian slowly turned around. The cold, terrifying aura of the mafia boss faded slightly, replaced by the weary, grounded demeanor of a man who had just survived a betrayal. He looked down at Nellie, who was still kneeling on the floor, holding Evan securely in her arms. The contrast between Colette's vicious vanity and Nellie's gentle grace had never been more apparent.
Julian reached out with his tattooed hand, offering it to the housemaid.
"Are you entirely unharmed, Nellie?" Julian asked softly, his deep voice carrying a tender, restrained warmth that he reserved only for her.
Nellie looked up, her expressive eyes meeting his. She placed her delicate hand in his large, scarred one, allowing him to help her to her feet. The physical contact sent a quiet jolt of electricity between them, a silent acknowledgment of the feelings they had both carefully hidden for months.
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"I am fine, Mr. Crowne," Nellie whispered, blushing slightly under his intense gaze. "I was just... I was so afraid you were going to fall."
"Did you realize that your sharp eyes likely saved my life tonight?" Julian asked, releasing her hand slowly, though his thumb brushed gently against her knuckles. "Do you know how grateful I am that you were standing by my side?"
