Chapter 7 - The Hostile Move
I screamed as Marcus confidently aimed his weapon at the man I loved. Adrian pushed me violently backward onto the mattress, shielding my body with his own. "Victoria paid you off," Adrian stated, his voice completely devoid of fear. "She offered me ten million dollars and a private island," Marcus laughed coldly. "All I have to do is make sure the golden boy doesn't make it to the altar tomorrow." Marcus stepped further into the bedroom, completely confident in his betrayal. He clearly expected Adrian to beg for his life or try to negotiate a higher price. Instead, Adrian slowly smiled, a dark and terrifying expression that sent chills down my spine. "Did Victoria tell you to check the ammunition in the penthouse armory?" Adrian asked calmly. Marcus frowned, looking down at his weapon in sudden, panicked confusion. Adrian lunged forward with explosive speed, grabbing the barrel of the gun and twisting it sharply. The weapon fired with a loud click, but absolutely no bullet exited the chamber. Adrian delivered a brutal, punishing strike to Marcus's jaw, instantly knocking the traitor unconscious. I stared in absolute awe as Adrian calmly adjusted the cuffs of his expensive shirt. "I swapped the firing pins on the security detail's weapons last night," Adrian explained smoothly. "I knew Victoria had a mole, I just needed him to reveal himself before the wedding." He pulled out his phone and ordered his loyal private contractors to clear the compromised guards from the building. Within an hour, the penthouse was entirely secured by men utterly loyal only to Adrian. He returned to the bedroom, pouring us both a glass of expensive scotch to steady our nerves. "You were going to tell me a secret before we were interrupted," I reminded him softly. Adrian sighed, running a hand through his dark, perfectly styled hair. "Five years ago, David pitched a fraudulent investment to my father," Adrian began. "I investigated David and discovered he was a gambling addict who was abusing his young wife." My heart skipped a beat, remembering the dark, painful years before David faked his death. "I anonymously paid off your apartment lease and sent the job offer from Blackwell & Reed," Adrian confessed. "I wanted to give you a way out, completely independent of his toxic control." Tears filled my eyes as I realized the cold, intimidating billionaire had actually been my silent guardian angel. He had secretly protected me long before Mia ever asked him to be her daddy. I reached out and pulled him into a deep, passionate kiss, pouring all my gratitude and love into the moment. Suddenly, the massive television in the living room flickered to life on its own. The screen displayed a live video feed of Mia playing in her fortified bedroom. A gloved hand reached into the frame and slowly rested a sharp knife against my daughter's neck.
