Episode 8: An Unexpected Protector
943 Words
Judgment became something Elena managed without difficulty.
Since childhood she experienced people constantly doubting and ignoring her. It had made her stronger.
At the Sinclair family charity gala ballroom Elena recognized that the wealthy people present wanted more than her judgment—they wanted her to fail.
After entering this world Adrian Sinclair made a complete surprise to her.
He protected her.
Thrown to the Wolves
The special venue for the charity event cast its luxury through elegant features including crystal chandeliers and towering blossoms alongside a background performance from a string quartet.
The deep-red gown which Elena selected became her choice because it made her look beautiful while avoiding spotlight attention.
It didn’t matter.
The second Adrian arrived with her on his arm the dinner guests began whispering to each other.
The attention from the people watching her did not escape her notice. The women present showed their contempt through subtle looks while wearing perfect outfits that separated her from their elite group.
The powerful businessmen treated her as a short-term accessory in Adrian's existence.
A nobody.
Adrian ignored everything around him or pretended to do so.
“Elena.”
Elena saw Madeline Hawthorne approaching as one of the long-standing Sinclair family allies. Her platinum-blonde hair lay perfectly styled while her diamond earrings cost more than Elena could ever hope to acquire from her entire childhood home.
The smile she gave failed to touch her eyes.
Madeline told Victoria that Adrian's swift relationship formation was shocking when she glanced at Elena. You would experience the sensation of entering a new reality.
Elena’s jaw tightened.
Victoria Sinclair carefully watched the conversation while drinking champagne as she stood next to Madeline.
Elena knew what this was.
A test.
Elena spoke with polite strength when she said she handled everything well.
Madeline’s smile sharpened. “Of course. It should be challenging for you to adapt according to my estimation. A woman from your… background?”
There it was.
The carefully placed insult.
In Adrian's world and among these people Elena had experienced this situation before although it felt different now.
The system worked against her while she attempted to navigate this game.
Before she could speak she opened her mouth to respond to the question.
A deep voice penetrated the conversation just as she began to speak.
A Shield in the Storm
Adrian spoke with controlled ease when he positioned himself next to Elena while stating “Elena is adjusting just fine.”
Elena froze.
He disappeared from his position a short while ago.
His presence now dominated the space with the commanding force that made Madeline and all others present feel powerless.
Elena felt his gentle touch on her lower back.
It was barely a touch. The gesture seemed to serve as an alert to all observers present.
Adrian spoke in a low tone with steel and silk tones mixed together when he said "I'm sure you meant no offense when you insulted my wife."
The brief moment of distress crossed Madeline’s face though her composure remained unbroken in front of Elena.
Madeline avoided any hint of distress when she replied with her composed tone. “I was simply making conversation.”
His smile revealed nothing as he looked at her. Calculating.
He spoke with a casual tone but his words revealed his fear that his wife might not feel comfortable at home.
Victoria interjected at that moment with a parched tone. Elena has the capability to look after herself according to Adrian.
At that moment Elena turned to check Adrian's reaction since he had delivered his intended message.
But he didn’t.
He completely faced her while his eyes remained fixed on hers.
A new emotion appeared in his facial expression which she had never noticed before that evening.
Something protective.
He seemed to announce his possession of her while all others watched.
He made a stand against anyone who would attempt to contest his authority
The First c***k in His Armor
Throughout the remainder of the night people exchanged polite talk while others kept staring at her.
Elena tried everything to get the scene of her confrontation out of her mind.
Adrian had defended her.
Not because he had to.
But because he wanted to.
His protective behavior toward her seemed more frightening than anything else.
She returned to the estate sitting room where she stood at the windows while gazing at the shadows of the outdoor space.
She listened to his footsteps before she turned her gaze to see him.
“You handled yourself well tonight.”
Adrian leaned against the doorway while his suit jacket remained open and he had undone the top buttons of his shirt.
He appeared as collected as he always did yet his eyes conveyed a quieter quality.
She folded her arms. “I didn’t need your help.”
His face revealed a subtle smirk. “You think that was helpful?”
She breathed out, shaking her head. “Why did you do it?”
His expression didn’t change.
He moved one step closer toward her.
Then another.
No one noticed until he approached her with threatening proximity.
Elena swallowed hard. “Adrian—”
His voice remained strong while he declared "They will not succeed in destroying you."
The statement struck her with powerful force.
She experienced something different than the normal icy demeanor she had seen from him up to that point.
Beyond the control.
He revealed a weakness through his protective emotional defenses.
This discovery proved to be the most perilous fact he ever revealed.
Because if she wasn’t careful…
The woman would begin suspecting that Adrian possessed something beyond his rigidness and coldness.
- Writer
