Chapter 2 - The Protector
Elena’s pulse skyrocketed as Silas Vance casually sipped his coffee.
Silas was Julian’s most hated rival in the city.
He owned real estate, media conglomerates, and half the private equity firms in Manhattan.
He had approached Elena the day her divorce was finalized.
He had offered her protection, elite medical care, and a fortress of privacy.
She had accepted because she was terrified and alone.
But she had never asked him what he wanted in return.
“What did you put on the birth certificate, Silas?” she asked.
“The truth,” he replied simply.
“Which is what?”
Before Silas could answer, a loud commotion erupted in the hallway.
A heavy fist pounded against the reinforced door of the suite.
“Elena, open this door!” Julian roared from the other side.
The baby stirred, letting out a soft, distressed whimper.
Elena shushed the infant, feeling a cold wave of panic wash over her.
“He left his own wedding,” she realized aloud.
“His pride is much stronger than his affection for Chloe,” Silas noted.
The door rattled violently as Julian tried to force the handle.
“If you don't open this door, I will have the hospital board fire every nurse on this floor!” Julian threatened.
Silas slowly stood up from the chair.
He smoothed the lapels of his expensive suit.
He walked to the door and pulled it open in one fluid motion.
Julian stumbled forward, his face flushed red with rage.
He was wearing his tailored wedding tuxedo, complete with a white rose boutonniere.
Julian froze when he saw the towering figure of his greatest enemy standing in the room.
“Vance,” Julian spat, his eyes darting to Elena and the baby. “What the hell are you doing here?”
“I am protecting my investments, Sterling,” Silas answered calmly.
“That is my ex-wife.”
“She is a private citizen.”
“That baby could be mine.”
“He is not.”
Julian sneered and took a step toward the bed.
“I demand a DNA test immediately.”
Silas stepped directly into Julian’s path, blocking him entirely.
“You have zero legal rights in this building, Julian.”
“I am a primary donor to Mount Sinai!”
Silas offered a cold, predatory smile.
“That is very generous of you.”
“But I own the building.”
Julian stared at Silas in absolute shock.
“Security is waiting in the elevator to escort you back to your furious bride,” Silas continued.
Julian glared at Elena with pure, unadulterated venom.
“This isn't over, Elena.”
“I will drag you through family court until you have nothing left.”
Julian turned on his heel and stormed out of the room.
Elena let out a sob of relief.
But her relief vanished when Silas turned back to look at her.
“He is right, Elena,” Silas warned softly.
May you like
“He will test the baby's DNA.”
“And when he does, everything you think you know is going to shatter.”
