Chapter 18 - The Turning Point
Before Victor could lunge forward, the heavy glass doors of the greenhouse burst open with a resounding crash.
"Drop the weapon!" a deep, thunderous voice commanded.
Julian stood in the doorway, flanked by four armed private security officers, his chest heaving with adrenaline. He had woken up to find Clara missing from the bedroom and tracked her phone straight to the greenhouse, his worst nightmares flashing before his eyes.
Victor froze, looking at the armed guards surrounding every exit. Realizing he was hopelessly trapped, he dropped the wrench to the dirt floor and raised his hands slowly in surrender.
"Smart choice," one of the security guards muttered, stepping forward instantly to snap heavy steel zip-ties around Victor’s wrists, shoving him hard against the brick wall.
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Julian sprinted past them, grabbing Clara by the shoulders and pulling her fiercely against his chest. "Are you out of your mind?" he demanded, his voice thick with terror and relief as he checked her over for any injuries. "You could have been killed!"
"I can handle myself, Julian," Clara murmured softly against his shoulder, though she melted into his embrace, deeply touched by the raw fear in his voice. "Though I'm glad you brought backup."
