Julian guided Ava through the service stairs while Charles's men searched the penthouse. In the dark, the billionaire who seemed incapable of tenderness counted every breath Ava took and kept his body between hers and every opening door.
They escaped into a hotel gala crowded with reporters. To hide from the men following them, Julian pulled Ava into the light and kissed her. The cameras erupted. The kiss should have been another clause in their contract, but his control broke the moment her hands reached his collar.
By sunrise, the photograph covered every financial site in the country. Cross Medical shares rose, and Charles publicly welcomed Ava to the family. Privately, he sent her a recording of Noah begging someone to unlock his hospital room.
The message beneath it contained one demand: Bring me Julian's evidence, or your brother receives the first dose.