Chapter 8 - The Ballroom Panic
Julian stood confidently at the grand podium in the ballroom, delivering his keynote charity speech to the rapt audience.
His specialized, encrypted smartwatch vibrated fiercely against his wrist with an agonizingly sharp pulse.
He casually glanced down at the screen, and his entire world stopped in a fraction of a second.
The message from Maya explicitly detailed the imminent kidnapping of his beloved son, Leo.
Julian did not hesitate or offer a polite excuse to the wealthy guests eagerly waiting for his next words.
He violently slammed his fist against the hidden panic button located beneath the wooden podium.
Instantly, the massive steel security shutters slammed down violently over every single door and window in the ballroom.
The elegant string quartet abruptly stopped playing as the wealthy guests began to murmur in absolute, terrified confusion.
Nobody is leaving this room until my son is safely accounted for!
Julian jumped off the stage, sprinting fiercely toward the grand staircase where Leo's playroom was located.
Marcus stepped smoothly into Julian's path, holding a suppressed pistol clearly visible beneath his tuxedo jacket.
You always were a little too paranoid for your own good, big brother.
Julian stared at Marcus, his heart breaking completely as the ultimate family betrayal stared him right in the face.
Where is my son, Marcus, and what have you done to the incredibly brave woman trying to save him?
Marcus smiled a terrifying, unhinged smile, raising the weapon slightly toward Julian's chest.
Victoria is already walking Leo down to the private helipad, and your precious nanny is about to be buried alive.
Julian moved with blinding, explosive speed, utilizing the advanced combat training he had secretly maintained for years.
He aggressively swatted the pistol away, driving a brutal, crushing punch directly into Marcus's arrogant jaw.
Marcus collapsed heavily onto the marble floor, completely knocked out cold by the devastating blow.
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Julian grabbed the dropped weapon and ran desperately toward the subterranean basement to save the only woman he trusted.
Before he could reach the heavy basement doors, a massive explosion shook the entire foundation of the mansion.
