Chapter 6 - The Midnight Vow
At 11:45 PM, in the dimly lit conservatory of the estate, a private judge stood before Julian Vance and Elena Sterling.
Elena wore a simple black dress, her face pale, her eyes fixed on the gold ring Julian was sliding onto her finger. The ring was heavy, cold, and felt like a golden shackle.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife," the judge declared.
Julian signed the final line of the marriage registry just as the grandfather clock in the hall began to chime twelve times. Midnight.
"Congratulations, Mr. and Mrs. Vance," the judge said softly, quickly packing his briefcase and leaving the room.
Julian turned to Elena. For a moment, the icy billionaire looked completely vulnerable. "Thank you, Elena."
"Don't thank me," she said coldly, pulling her hand away from his. "I did this for Leo. The moment this danger passes, I am leaving."
"I understand," Julian replied, his voice tinged with a strange sadness.
Suddenly, the glass doors of the conservatory shattered inward!
Explosive cracks echoed as masked men in tactical gear burst into the room. Smoke grenades were deployed, filling the glasshouse with thick, blinding white fog.
"Elena! Down!" Julian yelled, tackling her to the ground just as a silenced gunshot whistled over their heads, shattering a priceless orchid display.
Elena screamed as chaos erupted. "Leo! They're going after Leo!"
Julian pulled a concealed pistol from his jacket—a side of him Elena had never seen before. "Stay behind me!"
Through the thick smoke, a heavy footstep approached. A man stepped out, holding a detonator in his hand. But it wasn't Marcus.
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It was Mr. Harrison, the family butler—the man who Elena thought was her only ally.
"Good evening, Mr. Vance," Harrison said, his voice cold and devoid of his usual polite warmth. "Or should I say... good night."
