Chapter 7 - The Counter-Attack
While Nadia was safe in the woods, the streets of Manhattan became a war zone. Julian Cho had unleashed the full, terrifying might of his syndicate against the Ivanov group.
Every port they controlled was shut down; every warehouse they owned caught fire in the dead of night; every politician they had paid off suddenly received anonymous packages containing evidence that would ruin their careers. Julian was systematically suffocating them, stripping them of their money, their power, and their breath.
By the end of the second week, Marcus entered the library of the safe house, bowing slightly to Julian. "It's done, boss. Ivanov has fled to Europe. His men have surrendered the territory. The city is clean."
Julian nodded once, his expression cold. "Make sure they never return."
He turned to Nadia, who was watching from the window. "You can go home now, Nadia. Your restaurant is safe. Your life is your own again."
Nadia walked over to him, her emerald dress—which he had replaced along with a whole wardrobe of beautiful clothes—swishing around her ankles. "And what about us, Julian? Am I just a civilian you rescued, or is this real?"
Julian stared at her, his scar tightening. "Nadia, I am a man with a target on my back. Loving me means living with guards, checking your car for bombs, and knowing that one day, I might not come home. You deserve a normal life. A husband who can take you to the park without four armed men trailing behind."
May you like
Nadia took his face in her hands, forcing him to look at her. "I spent thirty-two years living a 'normal' life, Julian, and it was a living hell of insults, loneliness, and emotional starvation. You looked at me across a crowded room and saw my worth when my own blood didn't. I don't want a safe, boring life. I want you."
Julian’s eyes softened, a rare, vulnerable emotion breaking through his iron defense. He pulled her into a fierce embrace, burying his face in her thick curls. "Then God help anyone who tries to take you from me," he whispered.
