He quietly removed his luxury watch — the kind that could pay Emily’s rent for a year — and set it on the table. Then he stepped closer and extended his hand.
“Come on,” he said softly. “You don’t belong on the ground.”
Emily hesitated, unsure whether to trust what she saw in his eyes. Finally, she reached out. His hand was firm, steady, and warm. With one pull, he lifted her from the water, wrapping his own blazer around her shoulders.
Then he turned to the crowd.
“Who did this?” His voice was calm but carried the weight of authority.
Silence. No one spoke — until Madison’s nervous laugh betrayed her.
Alexander’s eyes fixed on her. “Miss Greene,” he said evenly, “your father’s company was about to sign a major contract with mine. Consider it canceled. I don’t work with people who raise children without decency.”
Ezoic
Gasps filled the air. Madison’s smile vanished, her confidence crumbling.
Alexander didn’t look back at her. He turned to Emily instead. “Are you hurt?”
“I’m fine,” she murmured, though her voice trembled.
Ezoic
He shook his head gently. “You’re not. But you will be.”
