Chapter 6 - Retribution
Julian appeared like an avenging thunderbolt, his short dark hair wild, his navy-blue suit jacket flapping behind him.
He had dropped his glass at the entrance the second he registered the nightmare unfolding at the poolside.
His eyes blazed with a terrifying, apocalyptic rage that wiped the sneer instantly off Victoria's face.
"DON'T TOUCH MY WIFE!" Julian roared, his voice shaking the heavy glass railings that framed the rooftop.
Victoria barely had time to turn her head before Julian’s powerful hands intercepted her outstretched arms.
Julian did not hesitate; he caught Victoria by the shoulders and drove her backward with explosive, unstoppable force.
The sheer momentum of his shove lifted Victoria right out of her balance, her high heels losing all traction on the wet stone.
She flew backward across the patio like a broken ragdoll, screaming in shock as the deck vanished beneath her feet.
Behind her stood an elaborate white cocktail table, loaded with chilled champagne bottles, crystal flutes, and silver trays.
Victoria slammed violently into the edge of the table, the impact flipping the heavy wooden structure entirely on its side.
A catastrophic symphony of destruction erupted across the rooftop as dozens of crystal glasses shattered against the stone.
Bottles of vintage champagne exploded into sparkling white spray, raining down over the polished tiles and Victoria's body.
The heavy silver serving trays crashed onto the concrete with deafening metallic clangs, scattering ice cubes everywhere.
Victoria tumbled into the heap of debris, her crimson cocktail dress soaking up spilled liquor and jagged shards of glass.
Julian did not even spare a second glance at his fallen sister; he immediately spun on his heel toward the water.
His polished leather shoes splashed into the shallow pool without a single thought for his tailored designer suit.
"Elena! Elena, my love!" Julian gasped, sinking to his knees on the submerged step beside Maya.
His large, trembling hands cupped Elena’s dripping wet, pale face, pulling her forehead against his chest.
Elena buried her face into the crook of his neck, her entire frame wracked with violent, hysterical sobs.
"Julian... she pushed me... she strapped me in and pushed the chair into the deep end..." Elena wept uncontrollably.
Julian’s jaw clenched so hard the muscles looked like carved granite, his chest heaving with heavy, murderous breaths.
He looked up at Maya, his eyes shining with an immense, unspoken gratitude that bordered on worship.
"You saved them," Julian choked out, his voice cracking beneath the weight of profound emotion. "You saved my family."
Maya nodded breathlessly, wiping the wet strands of hair from her eyes, her chest still rising and falling rapidly.
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"We need to get her out of the cold water right now," Maya urged, her voice steady and practical despite the chaos.
Julian nodded instantly, slipping his strong arms beneath Elena’s knees and back, preparing to lift her to the warmth above.
