A Dance with Danger.
Ella's POV
Julian's arms wrapped around me, his hold tightening.
"Ella, you're making a mistake," he whispered. "Eric Drake can't protect you." I tried to pull away, but Julian's grip strengthened.
"From what?" I asked, my voice firm. "Your mother's secrets," Julian replied. "And Eric's own demons."
I shivered at the menace in his voice.
"Let me go."
Julian's smile twisted.
"Eric thinks he can claim you, but I know the truth."
Suddenly, Eric appeared, his eyes blazing.
"Release her," he growled.
Julian's laughter sent chills down my spine.
"This isn't over."
As Eric pulled me close, I realized. I was trapped in a game of power and deception. Where could I turn?
Eric's arms enveloped me, shielding me from Julian's sinister gaze.
"Are you okay?" Eric asked, his voice low and urgent.
I nodded, still shaken.
"Let's get out of here," Eric said, guiding me away.
As we left the restaurant, Eric's phone buzzed.
"Ryker," he answered.
I watched as Eric's expression darkened.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Ryker's dug up dirt on Julian," Eric replied. "He's connected to Victoria your mother's hospital."
My heart sank.
"What does it mean?"
Eric's jaw clenched.
"It means Julian's involved in your mother's schemes."
We reached the hotel, Eric's grip on my hand tightening.
"I'll keep you safe," he promised.
Eric's suite became our temporary sanctuary.
Ryker arrived, bearing files and determination. "I know him, I yelled. He was the spy in Chicago. I yelled loudly.
"It's you Eric, you sent him to spy me?
No, I can explain. It's not what you think, it's just..... Eric stammered.
I'm so sorry Ella; I just wanted to know where you live. That's all, no negative feelings, no spying.
It's okay, I understand, but my boss wanted him arrested. But I asked him to leave, run away and never to come back.
Eric asked him to sit down and explain what he found. "Julian's been embezzling funds from Victoria's hospital," Ryker revealed. I gasped.
"For what purpose?"
Ryker's expression turned grim. "We're not sure yet."
Eric's eyes locked onto mine.
"We'll find out."
Together, we pored over documents, unraveling the web of deceit.
The next evening, Eric and I attended another charity gala. Victoria stood at the podium, smiling sweetly.
"Time to confront her," Eric whispered. As we approached, Victoria's eyes narrowed.
"Ella, darling. Eric," she said, her voice dripping with malice.
"You think you can expose me?" Victoria sneered.
Eric's gaze turned icy.
"We have proof."
Victoria's smile faltered.
"We'll see about that."
Suddenly, Julian appeared.
"Victoria, we have a problem," he said, his voice urgent.
Victoria's eyes flashed with anger.
"What is it?"
Julian's gaze locked onto Eric. "Eric's digging deeper."
Victoria's face paled.
"Take care of him."
Julian nodded.
"I'll handle it."
Eric's grip on my hand tightened.
"We need to leave."
Now.
Would you like me to continue?
We swiftly exited the gala, Eric's pace urgent.
"Ella, we can't trust anyone," Eric said, his voice low.
"I know," I replied, fear creeping in.
As we reached the hotel, Eric's phone buzzed.
"Ryker," he answered.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Ryker's arranged a safe house," Eric replied.
"We're leaving tonight."
Within hours, we were whisked away to a secluded location.
The safe house was a cozy cottage, nestled in rolling hills.
Eric's eyes never left mine.
"You're safe now," he promised.
Aria and Alex played outside, oblivious to the danger.
As night fell, Eric's arms wrapped around me.
"I won't let anyone hurt you," he whispered.
I felt protected, but doubts lingered.
Could Eric shield us from Victoria's wrath? And Julian's sinister plans?
Days passed, Eric and Ryker working tirelessly.
Unraveling Victoria's web of deceit. Documents, recordings, and witnesses.
The evidence mounted.
But Victoria remained at large.
Eric's determination grew.
"We'll bring her down," he vowed. I believed him.
Together, we'd face the truth.
And fight for justice.
A knock at the door shattered the calm.
Ryker's expression was grim.
"What is it?" Eric asked.
"Julian's been arrested," Ryker replied. "But there's more."
Eric's eyes narrowed.
"What?"
Ryker hesitated.
"Victoria's not the mastermind." My heart skipped a beat.
"Who is?"
Eric demanded.
Ryker's voice dropped to a whisper.
"Your father."
Eric's face paled.
"No."
The room spun around me.
Eric's own father?