Chapter 8 - Safe HavenJulian drove for two hours through the torrential downpour, ensuring he wasn't being followed. He avoided his usual hotels and corporate apartments, opting instead for a secluded beach house in Montauk that he had purchased years ago under a private corporate shell company. Victoria didn't even know it existed.
The house was dark and quiet when they arrived. The roar of the distant Atlantic waves crashed against the cliffside, providing a soothing backdrop to the chaotic storm in Julian's mind.
He carried a sleeping Lily inside, wrapping her in a warm woolen blanket from the sofa. He carefully changed her out of her soiled cotton dress and washed her face with warm water. As he brushed out her blonde braids, he noticed faint blue discoloration around her upper arms—fingerprint bruises.
Julian’s knuckles turned white as he clenched his fists. He took out his smartphone and took high-resolution photographs of every mark, every bruise, documenting the evidence with meticulous care. He knew how the legal system worked; emotional claims meant nothing without cold, undeniable proof.
He pulled up his contacts and dialed a number he hoped he’d never have to use again.
"Marcus," Julian said into the phone, his voice steadying. "I need the best family law attorney in New York, a private security team, and a forensic medical examiner at my Montauk address in two hours."
May you like
On the other end, Marcus, his long-time legal strategist, hesitated. "Julian? What happened? The Chicago deal—"
"Forget the deal," Julian interrupted harshly. "My life just changed."
Related Stories
