Chapter 3 - THE PROTECTOR STEPPING FORWARD
The words echoed through the silent ballroom like thunder.
Victoria’s face drained of all color, turning as white as her ruined dress.
She staggered back a step, her mouth opening and closing without sound.
The surrounding guests looked at each other in utter confusion and terror.
Why was the ruler of the Harrington empire defending a nobody?
Why would he risk his reputation for a clumsy catering waitress?
Arthur Harrington stood up slowly, his tall frame towering over everyone.
He did not care about the whispers or the cameras pointed at him.
He carefully lifted Chloe from the floor, holding her as if she were made of glass.
Chloe groaned softly, her head spinning from the pain and shock.
She didn't know who this man was, but she felt safe in his arms.
She buried her face into his expensive shirt, staining it with her tears and blood.
Arthur looked at the hotel manager, his eyes piercing through the man's soul.
"Call my personal medical team to the lobby immediately," Arthur ordered.
"And fire everyone who stood by and watched this happen," he added coldly.
The manager nodded frantically, his face sweating profusely.
Arthur began to walk out of the ballroom, carrying Chloe past the stunned crowd.
Victoria Vance suddenly found her voice, her pride overcoming her fear.
"Mr. Harrington! You can't do this! She attacked me!" Victoria screamed.
"My father will hear about this insult!" she threatened, stomping her foot.
Arthur stopped walking but did not turn around to face her.
"Tell your father to check the stock market in ten minutes," Arthur replied calmly.
"He will find that the Vance Group no longer has a line of credit," he said.
With those final words, Arthur walked through the grand double doors.
The security guards immediately blocked Victoria from following them.
The heavy doors shut, cutting off the noise of the chaotic ballroom.
Arthur carried Chloe down the long, luxurious hallway toward the private elevator.
Chloe looked up at his stern jawline, her voice trembling.
"Why... why are you helping me, sir?" she asked, coughing weakly.
Arthur looked down at her, a rare, genuine emotion shining in his eyes.
"Because you have suffered enough, my child," he whispered softly.
"You are no longer alone in this cruel world," he promised her.
The elevator doors opened, and they stepped into the private carriage.
As the elevator rushed down, Chloe felt the world fading into darkness.
The last thing she felt was the steady, protective heartbeat of the old man.
Arthur held her tighter as her eyes closed, vows of vengeance filling his mind.
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He would make every single person who hurt her pay a thousand times over.
The real princess of the Harrington family had finally been found.
