Chapter 354: Chapter 138 Rising Above Fear
Gemma’s POV
Phoebe’s trembling gradually subsided as Zander held her close, his protective embrace never wavering since the moment our security team found her. The raw concern etched across his face revealed just how deeply this attack had shaken him, and I could see the barely contained rage simmering beneath his professional calm.
"Are you feeling stronger now? Can you tell us exactly what happened?" Zander asked softly, his voice carrying the gentle authority of someone accustomed to dealing with trauma victims in our world.
Phoebe took a shaky breath, her voice still fragile. "I was returning from the ladies’ room when Vincenzo’s grandfather cornered me in the corridor. Vincenzo had warned both me and my sister multiple times to avoid him, said he was a dangerous man with old grudges against the family." Her words trembled with remembered fear. "He grabbed me violently, covered my mouth with his hand, and dragged me toward the service exit. No matter how hard I fought, I couldn’t break free from his grip."
"That vicious bastard," I snarled, fury burning through my veins. In our world, attacking someone under family protection was a declaration of war. "He’s made his last mistake."
Zander reached for a crystal tumbler filled with amber liquid from the side table. "Here, sweetheart, drink this. The whiskey will help settle your nerves." As he offered it to Phoebe, I noticed her hands were still shaking violently, one desperately clutching her torn evening gown to preserve her modesty. I quickly moved to her side, helping hold the delicate fabric in place so she could accept the glass.
"Thank you both so much," Phoebe whispered, fresh tears threatening to spill. "The security captain told me you were searching everywhere for me. If you hadn’t organized that search, if the guards hadn’t found me when they did..." She couldn’t complete the thought, her composure cracking again. "I don’t know what would have happened."
"I should have assigned a bodyguard to escort you," Zander said with self-recrimination, pressing a tender kiss to her hair. Even as the family’s trusted physician, he understood the constant dangers that surrounded our circle.
"Zander, there was no way you could have anticipated this," Phoebe reassured him, resting her hand on his knee. He managed a strained smile, continuing to hold her protectively while gently stroking her dark hair.
"You’re under our protection now, and I swear I’m not letting you out of my sight again tonight," Zander declared with fierce determination, causing a faint blush to color Phoebe’s pale cheeks despite her trauma.
She looked up suddenly, worry flashing across her features. "You didn’t inform Vincenzo about this incident, did you? I can’t bear the thought of ruining his celebration."
"No, darling," I assured her quickly. "Only Zander and I are aware of what happened, along with Dominic, Gerard, and our security detail. But your safety and well-being are our immediate priority. Everything else can wait."
Zander tilted her chin up with practiced gentleness, his medical instincts combining with something deeper and more personal. "Now tell me honestly, beautiful, how are you really feeling? Did that animal hurt you anywhere else? Would you let me examine you properly?" The tenderness in his eyes went far beyond professional concern, revealing feelings that had clearly grown stronger than friendship.
"Well, look at that," I said with forced lightness, trying to ease some of the heavy tension in the room. "Phoebe’s got herself a personal physician now." They both managed weak smiles, though their eyes remained locked on each other with unmistakable intimacy.
I knew their relationship was still in its delicate early stages. Phoebe had confided that they’d been talking regularly and had shared only a couple of carefully chaperoned outings, still "getting to know each other" as she’d put it. But I recognized the look in Zander’s eyes tonight—this was becoming something profound and serious for him.
"I’m alright, Zander, truly. He didn’t manage to... the security team arrived before he could really hurt me," Phoebe said softly, though the revulsion in her voice was unmistakable. "But I desperately need a shower. I need to wash away every trace of his touch."
"That’s an excellent idea," I encouraged warmly. "I’ll help you get ready, and we can fix your hair and makeup afterward. You’ll look absolutely stunning again." A sharp knock at the door interrupted our conversation, and I called for whoever it was to enter.
Gerard stepped into the room, his expression a dangerous mixture of concern and barely leashed violence. As Dominic’s lieutenant, he understood the full implications of tonight’s attack. "Excuse the interruption. Phoebe, are you feeling any better? Besides beating that worthless piece of garbage to within an inch of his life, is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Thank you, Gerard. I’m managing," Phoebe replied with remarkable composure given the circumstances. "I don’t want Vincenzo’s special night to be destroyed because of me. Gemma will help me freshen up, and then I’d like to rejoin the celebration."
"My dear girl, the party is absolutely the least of our concerns right now. Your safety comes first, always," Gerard insisted, his tone carrying the weight of family authority. "Our security team has reviewed all the surveillance footage. That coward is no longer on the property—he fled like the gutless rat he is the moment the alarms started."
"How did that bastard even manage to get past our perimeter?" I demanded, genuinely baffled by such a serious security breach.
Gerard’s jaw tightened with professional anger. "He infiltrated the catering crew, complete with their uniform and identification badge. Had professionally forged papers too—even our best guards didn’t recognize him as a threat."
Phoebe straightened her shoulders with admirable determination. "I still want to return to the party. Vincenzo was so excited about his birthday, and I refuse to let that monster steal his joy. But may I please shower first?"
"Of course, dear. Consider this your home," Gerard replied with genuine warmth. "And Phoebe, we need you to file an official report. There’s a detective friend of the family here tonight. Would you be willing to speak with him once you’ve had time to collect yourself?"
"Yes, absolutely," she nodded without hesitation.
"It’s Daniel, Phoebe—you remember him," I reminded her gently, and recognition brought a small smile to her face.
Some time later, Phoebe had transformed herself back into the picture of elegance and poise. She’d showered thoroughly, her evening gown had been expertly cleaned and mended by Gerard’s efficient household staff, and her hair and makeup were once again flawless. No casual observer would suspect the trauma she’d endured earlier. As we returned to the celebration, I noticed Zander staying vigilantly at her side like a devoted sentinel.
"There you all are!" Vincenzo exclaimed when he spotted our group. "I’ve been looking everywhere! It’s time for everyone to sing happy birthday to me!"
"Vincenzo, you really do love being the center of attention, don’t you?" I laughed, draping my arm around his shoulders with genuine affection.
"Aunt Gemma, I’m a proper young man now—officially the same age as Brenda!" His excitement was absolutely infectious, and I glanced at Phoebe with deep admiration for her strength and generosity in refusing to let Shelton’s despicable actions cast even the smallest shadow over Vincenzo’s milestone moment.
