A Wealthy Stranger Saved Me From My Cruel Ex Who Ruined My Life — Part 2

Previously: When Natalie is violently shoved by a cruel brute at her waitress job, a mysterious wealthy stranger steps in to protect her and uncovers a dark secret.

An Unexpected Protector

James did not hesitate. Dropping his leather briefcase, he knelt beside Natalie, completely ignoring the sharp glass that threatened to ruin his expensive trousers. With gentle but firm hands, he helped her sit up, checking her hands for deep cuts. "Take it easy," he murmured, his voice a soothing contrast to the chaos. "You're safe now. I've got you."

Before Natalie could thank him, a harsh voice barked from the doorway. Marcus had stopped. Seeing a wealthy-looking man helping his runaway wife had sparked his volatile temper. He strode back, his heavy boots crunching on the broken glass. "Hey, pal! Mind your own business," Marcus growled, puffing out his chest. "That's my wife, and she's coming with me. She owes me a lot of money, and she's not slipping away again."

Natalie shrank back, her heart hammering against her ribs. She looked at James, terrified he would step aside to avoid trouble. Instead, James stood up slowly, towering over the shorter, stouter Marcus. The contrast between James’s elegant, tailored silhouette and Marcus’s rugged, menacing frame was stark. James’s expression remained perfectly calm, yet his eyes burned with an icy fury.

"I don't care who you are," James said, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You just assaulted a woman in a public establishment. You will step back immediately, or the next person you speak to will be a police officer."

Marcus laughed, a grating sound, but his eyes betrayed a sudden flicker of doubt. He took a step closer, raising a fist. "You think your fancy coat makes you tough? She ruined my life!" he screamed. Natalie found her voice, crying out, "He’s lying! He stole my life savings and left me in debt!" Hearing this, James didn't flinch. He reached into his coat pocket, pulled out his phone, and dialed a number. Within seconds, the restaurant's security guards appeared, flanking Marcus. Realizing he was outnumbered, Marcus spat on the floor, glared at Natalie, and bolted out the door into the rainy night.