The morning after the gala, Julian received a heavily monitored phone call from a federal penitentiary.

It was Celeste, and her voice sounded completely stripped of its usual arrogant poison.

She begged Julian to bring Mara and visit her in prison immediately, claiming it was a matter of life and death.

Mara was hesitant, but her gut told her that Celeste was genuinely terrified.

They arrived at the maximum-security facility, sitting behind a thick pane of bulletproof glass.

Celeste walked in wearing a faded orange jumpsuit, her glamorous persona completely destroyed.

She picked up the receiver with shaking hands, refusing to make eye contact with Mara.

"My father is coming for you both," Celeste whispered, her voice trembling with fear.

She explained that Richard had always been a violent man when backed into a corner.

He blamed Julian for his downfall and was planning a lethal retaliation to take back his stolen wealth.

"He doesn't just want you bankrupt, Julian," Celeste sobbed, genuine tears spilling down her cheeks.

"He wants you dead, and he is going to make it look like a tragic accident."

Julian’s blood ran cold, his protective instincts flaring as he looked at Mara sitting beside him.

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He hung up the phone without a word, grabbing Mara’s hand and rushing her out of the prison.

They needed to lock down the estate, but Julian feared the enemy was already inside their gates.