< Chapter 17


    (Scarlett’s POV)


    “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”


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    The voice is deep, controlled, with just enough edge to make Virginia freeze. I look up to see a tall man in an impably tailored charcoal suit. His dark hair is styled perfectly, and when his steel–gray eyes meet mine for a split second, there’s something protective there that makes my chest tighten.


    Virginia’s face flushes red as she tries to pull her wrist free. “Let go of me! This is none of your business!”


    “Actually, it is.” His grip remains steady but not cruel. “This is a public establishment, and you


    were about to assault the owner.”


    “I wasn’t going to-” Virginia starts, but even she can’t finish that lie.


    The man releases her wrist with deliberate slowness, like he’s discarding something distasteful. “Oh, I think you were.”


    “You don’t know who I am,” Virginia hisses, straightening her designer zer. “My family owns half this city.”


    “Then perhaps you should act like it.”


    The quiet authority in his voice makes even Virginia take a step back. She looks between us, and I can practically see the wheels turning in her head. Her eyes narrow with a calcting gleam that I know all too well.


    “Oh, I see what’s happening here.” A cruel smile spreads across her face. “How interesting. Does Jasper know you’ve moved on so quickly, Scarlett? Does he know about your… protector?”


    My stomach clenches. Thest thing I need is Virginia running back to Jasper with unfounded stories about me. “It’s not what you think-”


    “Isn’t it?” She looks the stranger up and down, taking in his expensive suit, his confident stance. “Rich, handsome, protective. You certainly have a type, don’t you?”


    Heat floods my cheeks. “You need to leave. Now.”


    “Oh, I’m leaving. But don’t think this is over.” Virginia grabs her purse, shooting onest venomous look at both of us. “Enjoy your little reunion while itsts. But remember, Scarlett- <fn5a94> N?w ?ovel chapt?rs are published on FindN0vel</fn5a94>


    :


    7


    < Chapter 17


    some things can’t stay buried forever.”


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    The bell chimes as she storms out, her heels clicking angrily against the sidewalk. I watch through the window until she disappears around the corner, my hands shaking slightly from


    the adrenaline.


    “Are you all right?”


    I turn to find the stranger studying me with concern. Up close, he’s even <i>more </i>striking–sharp jawline, intelligent eyes, the kind of presence thatmands attention without trying.


    “I’m fine,” I say automatically, then catch myself. “Actually, no. I’m not fine. But thank you stepping in. You didn’t have to do that.”


    for


    “Yes, I did.” His voice is matter–of–fact, like there was never another option. “No one should


    have to deal with that kind of behavior in their own business.”


    I study his face, trying to ce him. There’s something familiar about him, but I can’t quite put my finger on it. “Have we met before?”


    “Not officially.” He extends his hand. “Dorian Cross. I’ve beening here for the past few


    weeks.”


    Dorian Cross. The name rings a bell, but I can’t ce it. His handshake is firm, warm,sting just a beat longer than strictly professional.


    “Scarlett.” I don’t give myst name. After everything with Virginia, I’m not sure who I can trust. “Thank you for… well, for stopping her.”


    “Your bread is incredible, by the way.” His expression softens, and for the first time since he walked in, he looks less like a corporate executive and more like a regr customer. “The honey wheat especially. There’s something about it that’s… unforgettable.”


    Despite everything, I smile. “That’s very kind of you to say.”


    “I’m not being kind. I’m being honest.” He nces around the bakery, taking in the warm lighting, the carefully arranged disys, the cozy atmosphere I’ve worked so hard to create. “You’ve built something special here.”


    The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. When was thest time someoneplimented my work without wanting something in return? When was thest time someone saw what I’d aplished instead of what I’d lost?


    “It’s been a lot of work,” I admit. “But worth it.”


    “I can tell. The attention to detail, the quality of ingredients… it shows.” He pauses. “That


    < Chapter 17


    woman who was here–she seemed to know you well.”


    My stomach tightens. “It’splicated.”


    “Family usually is.‘


    I look at him sharply. “How did you-”


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    “She mentioned your families owning half the city. Plus, you have simr features. Sister?”


    “Something like that.” I don’t want to get into the whole adopted–versus–biological–daughter mess with a virtual stranger, no matter how much he just helped me.


    Dorian nods, not pushing for details. “Well, for what it’s worth, you handled that with remarkable grace. I would have thrown her out the moment she started making demands.”


    “I’ve had practice dealing with difficult people.”


    “Unfortunately, I imagine you have.”


    There’s something in his tone that makes me think he understands more than he’s letting on. Before I can analyze it further, Lilyes running out from the back room where she’s been ying.


    “Mama! I heard shouting. Is everything okay?”


    My heart clenches as I see Dorian’s eyes widen slightly at the sight of her. Lily stops short when she notices the stranger, suddenly shy.


    “Everything’s fine, sweetheart.” I smooth down her hair. “This is Mr. Cross. He’s one of our


    customers.”


    “The one who likes the honey bread!” Lily brightens immediately. “Youe here lots. I’ve


    seen you.”


    “You have excellent observation skills,” Dorian says seriously, crouching down to her level. “And your mother makes the best bread I’ve ever tasted.”


    Lily beams. “She makes everything taste like magic!”


    “I believe it,”


    Watching him interact with Lily makes something warm unfurl in my chest. He doesn’t talk down to her or dismiss her the way most adults do. He treats her like a real person, worthy of respect and attention.


    “Can I get you anything today?” I ask as he stands. “On the house, as a thank you.”


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    <Chapter 17


    “That’s not necessary.”


    “I insist.”


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    He considers this. “In that case, I’ll take whatever you rmend. I trust your judgment.”


    I select a chocte croissant–one of my more challenging recipes, something that showcases technique as well as vor. As I wrap it carefully in tissue paper, I’m hyperaware of his presence beside the counter.


    “Will we see you again?” The question slips out before I can stop it, and I immediately feel foolish for asking.


    “Wild horses couldn’t keep me away.” His smile is genuine, reaching his eyes. “Besides, someone needs to make sure that woman doesn’te back and cause trouble.”


    “I can handle Virginia.”


    “I’m sure you can. But that doesn’t mean you should have to do it alone.”


    The words hit deeper than they should. When was thest time someone offered to stand with me instead of expecting me to handle everything by myself?


    “Thank you,” I say quietly. “For everything.”


    “Don’t mention it.” He takes the wrapped croissant, his fingers briefly brushing mine. “I meant what I said earlier–you’ve built something remarkable here. Don’t let anyone make you feel


    otherwise.”


    The bell chimes as he leaves, and I watch through the window as he walks down the street


    with confident, measured steps.


    “I like him,” Lily <i>announces</i>, appearing at my elbow.


    “Yes, he’s a gentleman,” I murmur, still watching his retreating figure. “Unlike someone I once


    knew.”


    Violet Moon