Chapter 4
Chapter 4
Troy Chandler was Jesse’s only grandson, and after graduating college, he’d never amounted to much–a glaring contrast to Julian
When Jesse heard the suggestion, his expression darkened. Marry his grandson off to Julian’s cast–off ex–wife? What was Vida thinking?
“Fine, fine. If you two have already ly made up your min
minds,
then as t voice stem and cold. Julian, I just hope you don’t regret this p>
Regret?
Julian’s eyes flashed with disdain.
the old man here, I keep my nose out of it” Jesse turned to Julian, his
Divorcing someone like Caitlin was the best thing that could’ve happened to him–regret had no place here. Especially now, since he held that brilliant proposal in his hands.
As long as he used that plan to successfully sign with Sylvester Group, the Chandler family would control Silverhawen’s future.
It was late –well past midnight
Caitlin walked alone down the empty street, backpack slung over one shoulder. She pulled her phone from her pocket, about to call a lideshare, when a faint cry for help drifted through the quiet air.
“Help! Somebody, please!
Caitlin’s ears pricked up. She quickl
quickly pinpointed the direction of the voice and broke into a run.
The cries led her to a shadowy alley, where she caught sight of a group of thugs comering a young woman. The girl’s clothes had been tomc pale skin flashed stark and vulnerable under the harsh streetlight.2
“Let her go!” Caitlin’s shout cut through the night p>
The girl looked up immediately. Through the glare, she could just make out a slim figure standing between her and her attackers–a woman in a baseball cap, posture relaxed but ready, her face hidden in shadow. She seemed to appear out of nowhere, a guardian dropped into the darkness.
The girl’s eyes filled with desperate hope. “Please… please help me p>
The thugs turned around. Seeing that their new opponent was just another woman, the tattooed leader’s lips curled into a leering grin. “Well, look what we have here, boys! Looks like it’s our lucky night11
The others laughed, all malice and anticipation.
Caitlin’s voice was cool and steady. “Let her go. Now!
The tattooed man’s gaze grew even uglier. “And if I don’t?“B
He punctuated his threat by groping the terrified girl.X
Caitlin didn’t waste another word. In a flash, she launched herself at the group. She moved fast and hit hard–before the girl could even process what was happening, half the gang was already sprawled groaning on the ground:
Seeing his crew decimated, the tattooed thug pulled a pocket knife and pressed it to the girl’s throat, his eyes wild. “Don’t come any closer or kill her p>
The girl’s terror returned in a crushing wave. She could feel the sharp blade nick her skin–a sting of pain, cold and real.
Caitlin’s senses were still recalibrating after her recent ordeal, and her new body wasn’t exactly athletic. She’d used up almost all her strength just now. As she weighed her next move, a small stone suddenly shot from the far end of the alley, striking the thug’s knee with
a crack
He collapsed with a howl of pain. In that instant, a man swept into the fray–a striking figure in a crisp white shirt, sleeves casually rolled, forearms corded with muscle. He moved with lethal efficiency, dispatching the remaining thugs in a matter of seconds.
Caitlin seized the opportunity, hurrying to the girl’s side. She shrugged off her jacket and draped it over the girl’s shoulders, shielding her exposed skin. Her voice was gentle, assuring “It’s all right. You’re safe now”
Her words were like sunlight in winter–melting away the last of the girl’s fear. The girl clung to her, sobbing in relief. “Thank you… thank you so much. T
If Caitlin hadn’t shown up, tonight would’ve been a nightmare with no end.
With a final thud, the last thug hit the ground. The man in the white shirt fished a handkerchief from his trouser pocket and meticulously wiped his hands, though they were spotless. The moonlight cast a silvery glow across his chiseled features.
He glanced down at Caitlin, eyes sharp and cool, his deep voice edged with a smooth bantone. “Impressive moves.”W
Caitlin met his gaze
For a split second, she was caught in those fathomless eyes, dark and piercing
He was almost unnaturally handsome–aristocratic lines, elegant and cold, with a presence that seemed to chill the very air. His stare was unyielding, like a predator studying its prey, all restrained power and danger.
Yet Caitlin didn’t flinch. She looked right back at him, utterly unafraid, her tone almost casual. “Not bad yourself p>
She wasn’t intimidated?C
Surprise flickered across his face.
The man’s name was Gordon Sylvester