Chapter 9 - REBUILDING FROM ASHES|
A month later, the construction tape finally came down at Elena’s Flowers.
The shop was unrecognizable. The cheap wooden frame had been replaced with reinforced steel, the display windows were now bulletproof glass, and a state-of-the-art security system sat quietly above the front entrance.
Elena walked through the front door using a wooden cane, her face still showing faint yellow bruises. Behind her stood Vincent, carrying three heavy boxes of imported porcelain vases.
"I told you I didn't need bulletproof glass, Vincent," Elena said, rubbing her temples as she surveyed the hyper-secure flower shop. "I run a business selling daisies, not weapons-grade plutonium."
"In this neighborhood, bulletproof glass is practical," Vincent replied calmly, setting the boxes down on the counter.
Sophie ran past them, giggling as she dragged a giant stuffed bear into her mother’s new back office.
"You're completely insane," Elena muttered, though the corner of her lips twitched slightly into a reluctant smile. She looked around the bright, pristine shop. "How am I ever going to repay all this?"
"You're not," Vincent said firmly. "Focus on healing."
Before Elena could argue, the front bell chimed. A sleek, sharp-looking woman in a charcoal power suit walked in, carrying a leather briefcase.
"Vincent," the woman nodded formally. "Ms. Martinez, my name is Sofia Mendez. I am Mr. Torino's chief legal counsel."
Elena’s smile instantly vanished. "Legal counsel? Why is a lawyer here?"
Sofia opened her briefcase, pulling out a thick stack of legal documents.
"Because the district attorney is filing formal charges against Razer Rodriguez, Carlos Vega, and Miguel Santos," Sofia said crisply. "And we need your testimony to ensure they go away for the rest of their natural lives."
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Elena pale went white. "Testify against Razer? He’ll kill us!"
Vincent stepped into her line of sight, his voice steady as an anchor. "He won't touch a hair on your head. I give you my word."
