Chapter 5: The Inauguration

The evening of the Kendrick Corporation's grand inauguration had arrived. When Elijah Vance stepped through the glass entrance of the hall, the scent of fresh roses immediately filled the air. It was a fragrance he recognized instantly, triggering a memory of soft red petals and a bubbly voice. He looked around; the entire hall was decorated with floral arrangements from *Petals & Aesthetics*. A pang of regret hit him as he realized she had merely been here for a business contract, and he had missed his chance to even introduce himself.

With an indifferent look, Elijah walked into the crowded party hall.

*30 Minutes Earlier: Maya's Perspective*

This was the first time Maya had ever attended such an extravagant event. Wearing an elegant, deep red dress that contrasted beautifully with her bright aesthetic, she felt out of place among the sea of corporate suits.

Upon entering, she was met by Kendrick, who guided her toward the center of the hall. However, something felt off. Kendrick kept insisting that she take a drink, repeatedly pressing glasses into her hand. Feeling cornered, Maya finally picked up a harmless-looking fruit punch. But Kendrick had secretly spiked the drink with alcohol. Within minutes, the room began to spin. Maya felt heavily intoxicated.

Kendrick and his friends crowded around, recording the moment on their phones.

"Maya," Kendrick smiled, stepping closer. "The first time I saw you at the shop, I knew I wanted you to be more than just a vendor. I want you to be my partner."

As Kendrick confessed his intentions, Maya struggled to keep her eyes open. Her friends began chanting, *"Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!"* and Kendrick grabbed her by the arm, pulling her close. Maya struggled, trying to pull away from his grasp, when suddenly a firm hand broke through the circle and pulled her away from the crowd.

*Elijah's Perspective**

When Elijah walked deeper into the reception, he noticed a crowd gathered near the stage. As he pushed through, he froze at the sight of the florist struggling against Kendrick's grasp.

*What the hell is going on?*

Without a second thought, Elijah strode forward and yanked Maya away from Kendrick, shielding her behind him. Kendrick stumbled backward, his face contorting with shock.

"Vance!" Kendrick barked, stepping into his space. "Stop meddling in my business." He reached out toward the girl, but Elijah had reached his limit.

*Crack.* Elijah threw a hard, calculated punch that struck Kendrick straight on the jaw. Kendrick fell back as blood leaked from his lip.

"Stay away from her," Elijah commanded in a freezing, deadly tone.

"Why should you care?" Kendrick sneered, wiping the blood from his mouth. "What are you to her?"

Elijah's jaw tensed. A moment passed before he spoke, the word coming naturally to him: "She's my girlfriend."

Kendrick chuckled maliciously. "Do you think I'm stupid? You've got a girlfriend? Do you even know her name?"

Elijah fell silent. He didn't have the answer.

"We're leaving," Elijah said, ignoring the taunt. He turned and swept Maya into his arms as she leaned against him, barely conscious.

Kendrick tried to grab his shoulder. "You think you can fool me with this act?"

"I don't need to prove anything to you," Elijah snapped, his lion-like gaze pinning the man to the spot. "Move aside, unless you want another beating for making my girlfriend drunk."

With a swift turn, Elijah carried Maya out of the hall and placed her in the passenger seat of his car, turning the heat up. He drove straight through the dark streets toward her shop. Because of her condition, he couldn't leave her alone.

Pulling out his phone, he fired off a quick text to his brothers' group chat: *Not coming home tonight.*

A few moments later, the read receipts appeared. Both Gabriel and Julian saw the message, ignored the explanation, and left him on read.

Elijah only scoffed at their indifference as he carried the girl into the warm interior of her shop.

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