Chapter 3 - The Crash of Crystal and Thorns
Julian’s chest heaved as veins bulged along his muscular neck and temples.
The humiliation in front of Chicago’s highest society shattered whatever restraint he possessed.
With an enraged snarl, Julian lunged forward, swinging his clenched right fist directly toward Evelyn's face.
Evelyn had anticipated the reckless charge and pivoted sharply on her left heel.
She sidestepped his incoming blow with cold, fluid athleticism, letting his fist slice harmlessly through empty air.
As Julian overextended his momentum past her shoulder, Evelyn drove a forceful defensive kick directly into his lower leg.
Her heel connected sharply against his shin with brutal impact.
Julian gasped in agony as his balance completely disintegrated beneath him.
His heavy frame stumbled sideways toward the opulent twenty-foot banquet table.
He crashed violently against the polished mahogany surface with all his weight.
CRASH!
The massive table tilted violently, launching thousands of dollars of luxury decor into the air.
Giant silver vases filled with white roses overturned and plummeted to the floor.
Dozens of crystal champagne glasses shattered upon the unforgiving marble into thousands of glittering daggers.
Vintage wine splashed across the white tablecloths like fresh blood.
Julian collapsed onto one bruised knee amidst the tangled thorns, crushed petals, and razor-sharp shards.
He scrambled desperately against the slick stones, his tuxedo soaked in spilled champagne and red wine.
Evelyn immediately slid back toward Clara, placing both hands firmly on her daughter’s trembling shoulders.
"Stay behind me, Clara, do not move," Evelyn ordered quietly, her eyes never leaving the crawling monster.
Clara gripped her mother’s waist, her eyes wide as she watched her stepfather groveling on the floor.
Julian wiped wine and rose petals from his mouth, glaring upward with homicidal fury.
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The surrounding crowd backed away rapidly, terrified of the violent chaos unfolding at the altar.
Evelyn stood tall and unyielding amidst the destruction, breathing with controlled, deadly calm.
