Chapter 6 Clifford's Fierce Stand for His Wife

Clifford's expression was shadowed, his gaze sharp enough to cut through the air between us. And in that instant, I understood—this was a setup, a trap laid with deliberate precision.

A laugh slipped past my lips before I could stop it. "Never thought the infamous Ms. Russell, with blood on her hands and a body count to her name, would resort to such clumsy theatrics to win sympathy."

Rosa's face froze, her composure cracking for a heartbeat. "Violet, I don't know what you mean… but I'm begging you, don't hurt Clifford anymore."

She pressed her hand against her wound, and in seconds, a bloom of crimson spread across half her shirt, dark and wet. "Clifford…"

Her body trembled, fragile as a leaf caught in a gust, looking ready to collapse.

Clifford didn't even glance her way. His focus was entirely on me as he stepped forward, lifting my arm gently. "Does it hurt?" His voice was low, careful, almost tender.

I didn't answer right away—too stunned by his concern—until he pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and pressed it to my injury. Then, with a swift motion, he dialed a secure line. "Tony. Upstairs. Now."

He guided me to the sofa, his hand steady on mine. "Don't move."

Only after making sure I was settled did he turn his gaze to Rosa. "Who told you you could meddle in my relationship with Violet?"

"Clifford, I didn't—"

Her protest was cut short by a sharp cry. Clifford's hand clamped down on her shoulder, his fingers digging into the wound with ruthless precision. "You so much as touch her… and you won't live to regret it."

Rosa's whole body shook, her breath breaking into ragged gasps. "I… I only wanted to protect you from her."

"Even if she hurt me, what does that have to do with you?" Clifford's head tilted slightly, his voice colder than steel. "Don't think that growing up at my side gives you the right to interfere in my affairs."

"Let there be no next time. Or you'll learn the cost."

He shoved her back, the motion sharp enough to send her stumbling. "Get out."

Rosa bit down hard on her lip, her eyes burning with something between rage and humiliation. She threw me a glare that could have cut glass before turning and storming out.

"You fought alongside her through hell. Doesn't it hurt to treat her like that?" I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.

I had always believed Rosa held a special place in Clifford's heart. But after what I'd just seen… maybe I'd been wrong.

"Do you doubt me?" His question was direct, almost too direct.

Caught off guard, I lowered my gaze. "I was just asking."

His fingers tilted my chin upward until I met his eyes. "Violet, never doubt my heart when it comes to you."

"You're not afraid I might deceive you?"

"I'd let you deceive me… willingly."

God. Did I just hear that? The man feared by everyone, ruthless to the core, speaking words that could melt stone.

In another life, I must have been cursed to ignore a man like Clifford and waste myself on someone like Lucas.

I wrapped my arms around Clifford's neck, tears spilling freely. "Then promise me you'll never doubt my love for you."

He paused, a faint smile curling his lips. "Sweet as sugar…"

The moment hung warm between us until Tony arrived.

Clifford stayed close, overseeing every step as Tony cleaned and dressed my wound. Only when it was done did Clifford return to his own work.

During the bandaging, my phone buzzed over and over—Julia's name flashing each time.

I'd planned to ignore her. But I still needed her, and Lucas, if I was going to find my father. So I called back.

"Violet, Lucas is badly hurt. You have to come see him."

"Fine. Send me the room number."

If they wanted me there so badly, I wouldn't refuse.

After hanging up, I sent Clifford a quick message: [Heading home first.]

His reply came almost instantly: [Drive safe.]

Once I left the building, I contacted a friend to procure something… a drug that could stir desire. Then I bought Lucas's favorite soup and headed to the hospital.

Lucas sat propped on the bed, his head wrapped in thick bandages, looking more ridiculous than wounded. His face lit up when he saw me. "Darling, I knew you wouldn't abandon me."

Just the sight of him made my blood surge, my fingers itching to throw the soup straight at his smug face. But I held back. There were better ways to make them suffer.

"Lucas, how could I not care? You're all right? Your ear… it's not ruined, is it?" I reached out, brushing my fingers against his ear.

"Ow—careful, darling," he winced, his face twisting.

Julia sat nearby, her tone sharp. "Violet, look at what that devil did to your lover. Have you found anything to bring him down? Lucas has been waiting for you. If that monster ever loses control and kills him, you'll regret it."

My hand moved before I thought, striking her across the face.

Julia stared at me, stunned. "Violet, why—"

"In case you forgot… my man is Clifford Gutierrez. Keep flapping your gums, and you'll end up with a bullet in your skull."

Julia's lips parted, but Lucas cut her off. "Julia, Violet's only looking out for you. Listen to her."

Julia's jaw tightened, her eyes full of resentment. The sight of her swallowing her anger was… satisfying.

"I almost forgot," I said, opening the insulated container. "Lucas, your favorite soup. Julia, have some too."

I poured two bowls, watching as they each took a sip. I didn't look away until both had swallowed the soup laced with the drug.