Chapter 17 - Chapter 17 - PROTECTOR OR PRISONER
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"How could they release her?" Marcus yelled into the phone. "She tried to drown an infant!"
"Vance’s lawyers claimed the camera footage was obtained illegally and couldn't be authenticated yet," the detective replied nervously. "They dragged her out of custody twenty minutes ago. Mr. Sterling... be careful. Vance has resources beyond the department's reach."
The call went dead.
Below the window, Julian Vance stepped back into his black sedan. The convoy turned around and drove out through the iron gates into the stormy night.
Marcus turned to Elena. The panic in his eyes was palpable. He fell to his knees again, but this time, it wasn't just guilt—it was pure desperation.
"Elena, please," Marcus begged, reaching for her hem. "You read the room. You know what's coming. They want my son. Victoria failed, which means Julian Vance will take matters into his own hands."
Elena looked down at him. "You want me to stay?"
"I am giving you full legal authority," Marcus said rapidly, pulling a document from his pocket. "As the child's primary guardian and head of estate security. I will pay you whatever you ask. Millions. Just don't leave him. He only survived tonight because of you."
Elena looked over at the crib where the tiny infant slept peacefully. She thought of Sarah's hidden letter in her pocket.
If she walked away now, Marcus would be blind to the real danger, and the baby would eventually die.
"I will stay," Elena said coldly. "On three conditions."
Marcus nodded frantically. "Anything."
"First, you sign full emergency guardianship of the baby to me," Elena stated. "Second, your guards answer directly to me. And third... you sleep in the west wing. You do not enter this nursery without my permission."
May you like
Marcus swallowed his pride and bowed his head. "Agreed."
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