Chapter 6 - The Unraveling
Panic erupted instantly in the opulent lobby.
""You can't do this!"" Brett shouted, his polished composure shattering completely as two security guards grabbed him firmly by the elbows. ""This is an outrage! Who do you think you are—?""
""Take him out through the loading dock,"" Julian interrupted, dismissing Brett with a flick of his wrist as if swatting away a persistent gnat. ""And make sure he understands that if he comes within five miles of Mrs. Moretti—or Mrs. Howerin, for however much longer that paperwork takes to process—the Cranston investor won't be the only one visiting his office tomorrow morning.""
Althia and Stellin rushed forward, their faces flushed with righteous indignation and sheer terror. ""Julian—Mr. Moretti!"" Althia stammered, wringing her diamond-ringed hands. ""There must be some dreadful mistake! We've known your family for years, we contribute to the committee—surely this hysterical delivery girl isn't—""
Julian didn't even look at them. He kept his steady, unwavering gaze fixed on Josie, who stood frozen in her delivery jacket, the blood from her palm staining her fingers.
""Get out of my hotel,"" Julian said softly to Althia and Stellin. ""Before I start auditing your real estate holdings as well.""
The warning was absolute. Within sixty seconds, the high-society family had gathered their dignity and fled through the revolving glass doors into the cold Providence night, leaving behind half-empty champagne flutes and a stunned audience of elite wedding guests who suddenly found their phones intensely interesting.
Julian turned to Josie. The raw intensity in his dark eyes softened just a fraction, replaced by a quiet, steady resolve.
""Your truck is parked in bay four by the loading dock, correct?"" he asked.
May you like
Josie swallowed hard, finally finding her voice. ""Yes.""
""Then let's go finish your shift,"" Julian said, offering her his arm with formal, old-world gallantry. ""After that, we're going to sit down with a glass of scotch, a team of forensic accountants, and the steel box you found on the top shelf.""
