Chapter 5 - The Glass Shatters
Within minutes, the hallway outside Catherine’s apartment door was filled with the sound of heavy, aggressive banging.
"Catherine! Open this door!" Michael screamed, his voice slurred but loud enough to wake the entire floor. "You think you can take my daughter? You think you can take my money and spend it on your new boyfriend? I built that life! You’re nothing without me!"
Inside, Grace began to cry, her tiny face red with terror at the loud noise. Catherine rushed to the crib, pulling her baby into her arms, her body shaking with a mix of fear and anger.
Daniel stepped in front of her, his face dark and dangerous. "Stay in the bedroom, Catherine. Lock the door. I’ll handle this."
"Daniel, no, he’s drunk," Catherine gasped. "He’s violent when he drinks."
"I’m not afraid of him," Daniel said, his voice dropping into a hard, calm register that brooked no argument.
He walked to the front door, unlocking it and throwing it open just as Michael was preparing to kick it again. Michael stumbled forward, his eyes wild, his tie askew, smelling heavily of whiskey and rain.
"Where is she?" Michael growled, trying to push past Daniel. "Where is my wife?"
Daniel grabbed Michael’s shoulder, his grip like steel, stopping him instantly. "She is no longer your wife, Harrison. And you are trespassing on private property. I’ve already called the police, and they are on their way."
"You!" Michael sneered, pointing a finger at Daniel's chest. "The savior doctor. You think you’re a hero? You’re just a parasite trying to latch onto my assets. I’m going to ruin your medical career, Brooks. I’ll buy the hospital and fire you myself!"
"You can try," Daniel said, his voice entirely calm, his posture unyielding. "But right now, you are going to turn around and walk out of this building before the police arrive. If you don't, I will personally assist them in charging you with public intoxication, harassment, and breaking a restraining order."
Michael lunged at Daniel, swinging a wild, drunken punch. But Daniel was faster. He stepped aside, grabbing Michael's arm and twisting it behind his back, pinning him against the hallway wall with a swift, controlled movement that showed he was far stronger than his gentle doctor's demeanor suggested.
"Let me go!" Michael roared, struggling against the grip.
The elevator doors at the end of the hall slid open, and three police officers rushed out, their weapons drawn. "Police! Freeze! Drop your hands!"
Daniel slowly released Michael, stepping back with his hands raised. "I’m Dr. Daniel Brooks. The tenant inside has a temporary protective order against this man, Michael Harrison. He was attempting to breach the apartment."
The officers quickly restrained Michael, who was screaming curses and threats as they slid the handcuffs onto his wrists.
"Catherine!" Michael yelled as they dragged him toward the elevator. "This isn't over! I’ll buy the courtroom! You’re going to lose everything!"
As the hallway went quiet again, Catherine emerged from the bedroom, holding a still-whimpering Grace. She looked at Daniel, her green eyes wide with a mixture of shock and profound relief.
Daniel walked over to her, his breathing slightly elevated, but his expression softening instantly as he looked at her and the baby. He reached out, gently smoothing Grace’s dark curls.
May you like
"He can't hurt you anymore, Catherine," Daniel whispered. "The police have him. His reputation is ruined. The merger he was so worried about? It’s dead after tonight."
Catherine looked at the man who had stood between her and the storm twice now. She realized then that her life would never be the same—and for the first time, she was glad.
