CHAPTER 2: THE BILLIONAIRE STOOD UP
“This booking...” the stylist whispered.
Her voice cracked.
The salon became painfully silent.
Even Vanessa's confidence weakened.
The stylist looked directly toward the waiting area.
“This appointment was made under your private family account.”
The man slowly stood.
And instantly every face in the salon changed.
Alexander Laurent.
Billionaire founder of Laurent Global Holdings.
One of the most powerful men in the country.
Vanessa stepped backward.
“Mr. Laurent...”
For the first time, her voice shook.
“I didn't know—”
Alexander ignored her completely.
His eyes never left the crying young woman in the chair.
“Emma.”
The girl's shoulders trembled.
“Look at me.”
Slowly, she lowered her hands.
Tears streamed down her face.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered.
“I didn’t want trouble.”
Something cracked behind Alexander’s calm expression.
He walked across the salon.
Vanessa watched in growing horror.
Because she suddenly realized this wasn't a random customer.
This wasn't someone using another person's account.
This was someone important.
Dangerously important.
Alexander stopped beside Emma's chair.
Then gently picked up one of the cut strands of hair resting on her lap.
His jaw tightened.
For the first time, anger appeared.
“What did you do to her?”
Nobody answered.
Even Vanessa looked frightened now.
“She copied my hairstyle,” Vanessa snapped desperately.
“She came here pretending she belonged—”
“She does belong here.”
The sentence hit the salon like an explosion.
Emma closed her eyes.
Fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.
Alexander slowly turned toward Vanessa.
“She belongs anywhere she wants.”
The entire room shifted.
Because everyone suddenly understood.
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The billionaire wasn't defending Emma out of kindness.
He was defending her because she was his.
