Everyone in the ballroom watched Emma defend a trembling elderly woman when the wealthy guests refused to move, but nobody expected the billionaire who approached them to kneel before her and whisper one word: “Mother.”

After Arthur Sterling was physically dragged from the building by security, Vincent called an abrupt end to the meeting. He ordered Emma to follow him up to the private penthouse suite on the top floor of the tower.

The elevator ride was tense. Emma’s heart was still hammering against her ribs.

“You didn’t have to do that,” Emma said quietly as the elevator doors sealed them in private. “People like him talk. I’ve heard worse while waiting tables.”

Vincent didn’t turn around immediately. His broad shoulders remained tense beneath his dark tailored jacket. “Not in my presence. Not while you are under my protection.”

“Why do you care so much?” Emma demanded, stepping closer. “You barely know me, Vincent. You brought me into your world, you paid for my brother’s hospital, you threaten billionaires for insulting me... Why?”

Vincent turned slowly, his dark eyes burning with an emotion he couldn't entirely hide. “Because for thirty years, everyone who has ever touched my life has wanted a piece of my soul. Friends, fiancées, business partners—they all smile while calculating how much I’m worth.”

He took a step toward her, his towering frame casting a shadow over her, yet she didn't step back.

“My mother is the only thing pure left in my world,” Vincent said softly, his voice dropping an octave. “When she fell ill, the wolves circled. And when you stood between her and humiliation, you didn't look at her jewelry. You didn't look for cameras. You simply protected her. In that moment, Miss Carter, you showed me something I didn't believe existed anymore.”

Emma caught her breath. The air between them suddenly felt charged with electricity. The distance separating them vanished until she could smell his subtle cologne—cedarwood and rain.

“Vincent,” she whispered, her voice trembling.

Before he could answer, his private phone vibrated violently against the marble desk. The sharp chime shattered the fragile moment.

Vincent exhaled slowly, breaking eye contact to glance at the screen. His jaw tightened instantly.