Chapter 2 - A Stranger's Kindness
Before Julian’s fingers could close around Claire’s arm, a tall figure stepped into the gap between them.
"I believe the lady said no, Mr. Vance," a deep voice cut through the air.
It was Marcus Sterling, Victoria's older brother and the chief operating officer of the Sterling Hotel Group. Marcus wore a dark charcoal suit and possessed an aura of quiet, unquestioned authority that instantly halted Julian in his tracks. Marcus had always maintained a reserved distance from his sister’s new fiancé, skeptical of how quickly Julian had risen in the financial world.
"Marcus, stay out of this," Julian sneered, though his eyes darted nervously to the surrounding crowd. "This is a private matter. This woman is delusional."
"She wears our employee badge," Marcus replied smoothly, turning his head slightly to glance at Claire’s name tag. "Which means while she is on these premises, her safety is my responsibility. Are you alright, Miss Vance?"
The lobby went entirely still. Marcus had used her real last name—the name printed on her employment file, which Julian had somehow overlooked when he joined the board.
Claire swallowed the lump in her throat, keeping her gaze steady on Julian. "I'm fine, Mr. Sterling. But I have documents that belong to the management office."
Julian’s face went dead white. "Claire, don't do this. Whatever you think you have, you don't understand the full picture. You're out of your depth."
"She seems quite clear-headed to me," Marcus observed coolly. He gestured toward the private executive elevators behind the front desk. "Miss Vance, if you would accompany me to my office, we can clear up any confusion regarding your employment—and whatever information you hold."
Victoria stepped forward, her eyes flashing with fury. "Marcus! You can't be serious! You're taking the side of a maid over my fiancé?"
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"I am taking the side of due diligence, Victoria," Marcus said without looking back. "Something this company should have done before announcing your engagement."
Marcus held the elevator door open for Claire. She stepped inside, the metal doors sliding shut just as Julian made a desperate stride toward them, his face twisted in a silent rage.
