4/5 < Chapter 17 Chapter 17 ( Scarlett's POV ) " I wouldn't do that if I were you . " More Rewards > The voice is deep , controlled , with just enough edge to make Virginia freeze . I look up to see a tall man in an impeccably 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 blazer . " 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 calculating 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 . The last 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 one last venomous look at both of us . " Enjoy your little reunion while it lasts . But remember , Scarlett- 1/5 : 7 < Chapter 17 some things can't stay buried forever . " More Rewards 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 more striking - sharp jawline , intelligent eyes , the kind of presence that commands 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 place 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 been coming here for the past few weeks . " Dorian Cross . The name rings a bell , but I can't place it . His handshake is firm , warm , lasting just a beat longer than strictly professional . " Scarlett . " I don't give my last 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 regular 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 glances around the bakery , taking in the warm lighting , the carefully arranged displays , 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 the last time someone complimented my work without wanting something in return ? When was the last time someone saw what I'd accomplished 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 2/5 < Chapter 17 woman who was here - she seemed to know you well . " My stomach tightens . " It's complicated . " " Family usually is . ' I look at him sharply . " How did you- " More Rewards > " She mentioned your families owning half the city . Plus , you have similar 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 , Lily comes running out from the back room where she's been playing . " 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 . " You come 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 . " 375 < Chapter 17 " That's not necessary . " " I insist . " More Rewards > He considers this . " In that case , I'll take whatever you recommend . I trust your judgment . " I select a chocolate croissant - one of my more challenging recipes , something that showcases technique as well as flavor . 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't come 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 the last 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 announces , appearing at my elbow . " Yes , he's a gentleman , " I murmur , still watching his retreating figure . " Unlike someone I once knew . " Violet Moon