Chapter 9 - A Safe Haven
Maya sat on the edge of the massive, king-sized bed, staring blankly at the incredibly luxurious surroundings. After the police took her formal statement at the hotel, Julian hadn't allowed her to take the subway back to her small, rundown apartment in Queens. Instead, Vance had driven her to the Sterling Vanguard's private corporate suites—a fortress of luxury occupying the top floor of a secure skyscraper.
The suite was larger than her entire apartment building. It featured panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, white marble floors, and security cameras covering every single entrance.
The heavy oak door clicked open, and Julian walked in, having finally discarded his tuxedo jacket and tie. He looked exhausted, but his posture remained impeccably straight.
"I had the kitchen send up some hot food," Julian said, gesturing to a silver cart wheeled in by a silent staff member. "You haven't eaten anything since the gala."
"Mr. Sterling, you really don't have to do this," Maya said nervously, standing up and smoothing down the borrowed silk pajamas his staff had provided. "I can just go home. I gave my statement to the police. The video is on their servers."
"Maya, you are the sole witness to an attempted assassination involving a multi-billion-dollar corporation," Julian stated firmly, pulling out a chair at the dining table for her. "The people Marcus and Victoria bought that neurotoxin from are incredibly dangerous. You are not going back to Queens until I know every single loose end is tied up. You will stay here, under Vance's protection."
Maya hesitated, looking at the elaborate spread of roasted chicken and vegetables. "I have a life, Mr. Sterling. I have rent to pay. I have my father to take care of."
May you like
Julian sat across from her, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. "You don't need to worry about rent ever again. Consider your financial burdens completely handled. As for your father, Vance will arrange for his safe transportation to a secure medical facility of your choosing tomorrow morning. You saved my life, Maya. Taking care of yours is the absolute least I can do."
Maya stared at him, tears welling in her eyes once again. For the first time in her life, she felt truly safe.
