Chapter 4 - The ProtectorThe penthouse suite on the top floor of the Sovereign Tower was a sanctuary of warm wood, soft cream marble, and floor-to-ceiling glass offering a panoramic view of the storm over Lake Michigan.
Dr. Vance had just finished the bedside ultrasound examination.
"The baby's heart rate is perfectly strong, Miss Sovereign," Dr. Vance smiled warmly, wiping the clear gel from my round stomach. "She is a resilient little girl. However, I strongly advise complete rest for the next forty-eight hours. No stress, no corporate meetings."
"Thank you, Doctor," I said, pulling my silk robe around my waist as I sat up on the edge of the large bed.
As the doctor exited the master suite, the heavy double doors opened, and Julian Montgomery stepped inside.
He was six-foot-three, built like a fortress, wearing a tailored charcoal suit with his tie slightly loosened. His sharp jawline, striking dark eyes, and absolute air of untamed power filled the bedroom instantly. He carried a large wool blanket in his hands and a faint scent of rain and expensive cedar.
He stopped two feet away from me, his intense gaze scanning every inch of my face, looking for any trace of pain or lingering fear.
"You look exhausted, Cass," Julian said softly, his deep voice carrying a rare, raw emotion.
"I feel like I just woke up from a three-year nightmare, Julian," I admitted, offering him a faint, tired smile.
Julian walked over, sitting slowly on the edge of the bed beside me. Without saying a word, he wrapped the warm wool blanket over my shoulders, his large, warm hands lingering gently against my arms.
"I told you three years ago he didn't deserve you," Julian murmured, his thumb gently catching a stray lock of hair behind my ear.
"I know," I sighed, looking down at my hands in my lap. "I was stubborn. I wanted to believe he loved me for who I was, not for my money or my title. I thought hiding my identity would give me a normal life."
"There is nothing normal about a lioness trying to live in a cage built by sheep," Julian said fiercely, taking my small hand into his massive, warm palm, interlocking his fingers with mine. "Brendan Morrison and his mother are trash. They never saw your brilliance, your kindness, or your strength. But I did, Cassidy. I always did."
My heart hammered against my ribs as I looked up into his dark, honest eyes. For years, Julian had been my silent guardian in the business world—always backing my corporate ventures, always standing in the shadows when I married Brendan, never crossing the line out of respect for my choices.
"Julian..." I whispered, my voice trembling slightly.
"I am not going anywhere, Cass," Julian promised, leaning down until his lips gently brushed my forehead with a reverence that brought fresh, warm tears to my eyes. "From this second on, no one touches you or your daughter again. You have the entire power of Montgomery Tech standing behind you."
May you like
Before I could answer, Arthur knocked softly on the open door frame, holding a red folder.
"Pardon the interruption, Miss Sovereign, Mr. Montgomery," Arthur said quietly. "Brendan Morrison’s legal counsel is on line one. He is offering a full plea bargain in exchange for a private meeting with you."
Related Stories
