Chapter 21 - A Fragile AllianceThat evening, after Vanessa locked herself in her room in shame, Julian called Elena into his private library. The room smelled of old leather, mahogany, and rain.
"Sit down, Elena," Julian said softly, pouring two fingers of amber whiskey into a glass, though he didn't drink.
Elena sat gracefully across from him. "You know she won't give up, Mr. Vance. Women like Vanessa don't leave quietly when fifty million dollars and a empire are on the line."
Julian looked at her intently, noticing for the first time the sharp intelligence and fierce loyalty in the nanny's eyes. She wasn't just a caregiver; she was a guardian.
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"Why are you doing this, Elena?" Julian asked, leaning forward. "Most people would have taken a severance check and run after what happened to Lily."
Elena met his gaze without trembling. "Because I know what it's like to be a defenseless child in a house full of monsters. And I promised Lily she would never bleed again."
