Chapter 3 - THE PROTECTOR
Elena stood in the middle of the massive living room, overwhelmed by the grand velvet sofas, floor-to-ceiling glass, and warm fireplace.
"I... I don't remember any of that," Elena admitted, her voice trembling. "When I was twelve, I had a high fever from a severe infection. I lost almost all my memories prior to that year. My father told me I fell off a bicycle."
"Your father lied to you to protect you," Damian said, walking over to a mahogany bar and pouring a glass of warm mineral water, handing it to her. "Because the men who ambushed my father that night were sent by Arthur Kane."
Elena nearly dropped the glass. "Victoria's father?"
"Arthur Kane wanted control of the Brooklyn shipping terminals," Damian explained, sitting across from her. "My father knew it, but without evidence, he couldn't act. If Arthur had known a young girl survived the shooting and could identify his hitmen, he would have eliminated you and your family."
Elena sat down heavily on the edge of the plush leather armchair. "My father died three years ago from illness. He worked as a mechanic. He struggled every day just to pay our rent. I took this job at Bellamont six months ago because I had no choice."
Damian’s eyes dropped to her gently rounded abdomen.
"And the father of your child?" Damian asked gently.
Elena’s expression hardened, a flash of deep pain crossing her features. "He was a regional manager for a retail firm. The moment I told him I was pregnant, he gave me five thousand dollars, told me to get rid of it, and vanished to Europe. I returned the money and cut all ties."
Damian stood up, stepping over to stand beside her chair. His presence was formidable, yet Elena felt a strange, profound sense of safety she hadn't experienced in years.
"You will never work another shift at this hotel, Elena," Damian declared calmly.
"I need my job," Elena protested, looking up at him. "I have rent to pay. I have a baby coming in four months."
"You don't understand," Damian said, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a heavy platinum signet ring engraved with a soaring dragon—the seal of the Vale family. He placed it on the table beside her glass. "The Vale debt is absolute. As long as I breathe, you and your child will never want for anything again. Tomorrow morning, my legal team will transfer the title of the Bellamont Hotel into your name."
Elena stared at him in disbelief. "Are you out of your mind? I’m a waitress!"
"You were a waitress," Damian corrected her softly. "Now, you are the most protected woman in New York City."
Before Elena could respond, the double doors of the penthouse burst open!
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Marcus, Damian’s chief of security, stepped inside, his face pale and grim.
"Boss," Marcus reported quickly. "We have a problem downstairs. Arthur Kane just left the hotel... and three armed units belonging to the Kane syndicate just pulled up to the perimeter."
