Chapter 2 - The Poisoned Circle
"Clear the penthouse. Now," Julian barked into his phone, carrying Elena’s limp body through the private, biometric-locked express elevator.
By the time he reached the top floor, his personal security detail had already evicted Camila, who had been loudly protesting in the hallway. Julian laid Elena gently on the king-sized bed, smoothing the messy hair away from her pale face.
Dr. Aris, Julian’s private physician who traveled with him everywhere, rushed into the suite carrying a medical bag.
"Check her," Julian ordered, pacing the room like a caged panther. "And the baby. If anything happens to either of them, Aris..."
"I understand, sir," the doctor replied calmly, getting to work.
As the doctor took her vitals and set up an IV drip for severe dehydration and malnourishment, Julian walked out to the balcony. The glittering skyline of the city mocked him.
Your investigators found me three months ago. They gave me your message.
Someone had used his name. Someone with enough power and access to Julian’s vast resources had not only hidden his wife but had actively terrorized her into staying away.
His phone buzzed. It was Marcus, his Chief of Security—the man in charge of the investigation into Elena's disappearance.
"Boss," Marcus said, his voice tense. "Camila is demanding to see you. She says she’s calling the press if you don't explain why you just carried a maid into your suite."
Julian’s eyes narrowed. Camila had been introduced to him four months ago by his business partner and closest confidant, Victor. Victor was the one who managed the private investigators. Victor was the one who handled Julian's personal accounts.
"Let her call them," Julian said coldly. "In fact, Marcus, I want you to freeze Camila’s access to the company accounts. And Marcus? Do not tell Victor anything about tonight."
"Understood. Is there a problem with Mr. Victor?"
"I don't know yet," Julian lied. He knew exactly what the problem was. He was surrounded by traitors.
Inside the bedroom, Elena let out a soft moan. Julian hung up the phone and rushed to her side. She blinked against the dim lighting, her eyes darting around the luxurious suite before landing on Julian. Panic immediately set in again. She tried to sit up, pulling the IV line tight.
"Hey, hey, you're safe," Julian said, keeping his distance, holding his hands up in surrender. "You're safe, Elena. I swear it on my life."
"Where am I?" she rasped.
"My suite. You fainted. The doctor says you are severely malnourished, but the baby’s heartbeat is strong."
Elena looked down at her hands, then at the lavish room. "You shouldn't have brought me here. If Victor finds out..."
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Julian felt a cold dread wash over him. "Victor?"
Elena swallowed hard, tears finally spilling over her lashes. "Julian... Victor is the one who showed me the documents. The ones with your signature. The ones ordering my execution so you could marry the heiress of the Rossi empire without splitting your assets."
