Chapter 17 - Standing Ground
Victoria expected me to stammer, to look embarrassed, or to scurry away like a frightened rabbit. Instead, my calm composure seemed to rattle her far more than any angry retort could have.
"If you're implying that my relationship with Julian is transactional, Victoria, you clearly don't know your brother very well," I said, my voice smooth, quiet, and dripping with absolute confidence. "Julian values competence, integrity, and genuine connection—qualities that I suspect are in very short supply in your immediate social circle."
Victoria's face flushed a deep, unbecoming crimson. Her manicured fingers tightened around her champagne flute so hard her knuckles turned white. "You arrogant little—"
"Is there a problem here, Victoria?"
A deep, commanding voice interrupted from behind me. Julian stepped up beside my shoulder, his blue eyes flashing with an icy intensity that could freeze molten steel. He didn't raise his voice, but the sheer freezing authority in his tone made several nearby guests discreetly look away.
Victoria swallowed hard, forcing a tight, brittle smile as she looked at her brother. "Not at all, Julian. Just... welcoming Ms. Miller to the foundation's inner circle. We were discussing her... marketing strategies."
"Save your breath, Victoria," Julian replied coldly, stepping slightly in front of me as if physically shielding me from her toxicity. "Sandy's strategies are brilliant, and her place by my side is entirely permanent. If I ever hear of you speaking to her with anything less than absolute respect again, your position on the foundation board will be the least of your concerns. Now, if you'll excuse us."
Without waiting for her reply, Julian took my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine, and led me away toward the center of the ballroom.
As we walked away, I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, looking up at him with a mix of gratitude and affection. "You didn't have to defend me, you know. I had her completely handled."
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Julian looked down at me, his stern expression melting into a warm, adoring smile. "I know you did. But a man is allowed to protect the woman he loves."
My heart did a happy, dangerous flip in my chest. The woman he loves. He hadn't used those exact words before, but hearing them slip out so naturally in the glittering ballroom made every single trial, every shattered plan, and every broken heart of my past completely worth it.
