Chapter 2 - Julian Interrogates Derek About Maya's Secret Life
The heavy leather chair in Julian’s private study groaned as he leaned forward, his dark eyes locked onto Derek Vance with unnerving intensity. The silence in the penthouse felt like a physical weight pressing down on the imported marble floors.
“Explain to me how you knew about her second job before I did, Derek,” Julian commanded, his voice dropping an octave into that dangerous register that usually preceded a storm. Derek shifted uncomfortably against the doorframe, adjusting the cuffs of his tailored suit jacket.
“I didn't go looking for her secrets, Julian; I just happened to notice the tired look in her eyes every morning at dawn,” Derek answered honestly. Julian’s jaw tightened, a muscle ticking violently along his sharp jawline as the implications washed over him.
“Months, you said? She has been breaking her back at a bakery for months while living under my roof?” Julian repeated, each word clipped and sharp as broken glass. Derek nodded slowly, offering no defense for keeping such a crucial piece of information hidden from his boss.
“She was too proud to ask for charity, Julian, and you know how stubborn a Torres can be when her back is against the wall,” Derek pointed out. Julian rose from his desk, walking slowly toward the floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the glittering Chicago skyline.
“Pride does not pay mounting medical bills or high-interest loan shark debts, Derek,” Julian muttered, staring out into the freezing night. He remembered the stack of envelopes she had tried to hide, the trembling hands holding worn-out sneakers, and the profound exhaustion carved into her youthful face.
“What are you planning to do, boss? March down there and drag her back by the arm?” Derek asked cautiously. Julian turned around, his expression cold, unreadable, and absolute in its quiet authority.
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“I do not drag people, Derek; I simply ensure that my house is no longer a place of secrets,” Julian replied flatly. He picked up his car keys from the mahogany console, the metallic jingle breaking the heavy stillness of the room.
“Keep the engine running,” Julian ordered as he strode toward the private elevator. Derek watched him go, knowing that Milwaukee Avenue was about to experience a very rare kind of midnight visit.
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