Chapter 3 - THE PROTECTED
Sarah Carter cowered near the sofa, holding a bruised forearm against her ribs. Her face was pale, her lip split and bleeding, as she stared at the tall stranger standing in her living room.
"Who... who are you?" Sarah whispered, her voice trembling with shock. "Did Ethan send you?"
"No, ma'am," Adrian said, stepping back from Ethan’s groaning form on the floor. Marcus stepped in, grabbing Ethan by his collar and dragging him out the shattered front door like a bag of trash.
"Your daughter texted me," Adrian explained gently, gesturing toward the staircase.
Sarah turned her head, seeing Lily slowly walking down the stairs, step by step, her eyes fixed on Adrian.
"Lily!" Sarah gasped, pulling her daughter into a desperate, protective embrace. "Are you hurt? Baby, did he lay a hand on you?"
"I'm okay, Mama," Lily whispered, wrapping her small arms around her mother's neck. She looked over Sarah's shoulder at Adrian. "Are you Rosa?"
Adrian let out a quiet, rare chuckle. "No, sweetheart. My name is Adrian."
Sarah looked up at him, her eyes widening as she suddenly recognized his face from business journals and local news broadcasts.
"You're... you're Adrian Vale," Sarah gasped, her breath catching in her throat. "The shipping magnate. The... the man from the docks."
"I am," Adrian acknowledged.
"Why are you here?" Sarah asked, panic lacing her voice. "Ethan owes money to some dangerous people, but I don't owe anyone anything! Please, don't hurt us!"
Adrian walked over to the armchair, picking up a warm knit blanket that sat on the cushion. He draped it softly over Sarah's shoulders.
"Mrs. Carter," Adrian said softly. "Your daughter sent a message asking for help. In my world, when a child asks for protection, it is granted. You and your daughter are safe."
Before Sarah could respond, Marcus stepped back into the doorway, his radio crackling with static.
"Boss," Marcus reported grimly. "Ethan isn't just a random abusive scumbag. He's the younger brother of Victor Vance—head of the Red Syndicate. Vance just got word that we broke Ethan's arm. He’s rallying three crews to lock down Maple Street."
Sarah gasped, clutching Lily tighter. "Victor Vance... he's a monster! He'll burn this house down with us inside!"
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Adrian turned back to Sarah, extending his hand.
"He won't touch a hair on your heads," Adrian promised calmly. "Pack a bag for yourself and Lily. You're coming to my estate."
