18

18

Jason's POV

The office was quiet, with only the soft hum of the air conditioning filling the silence. I leaned back in my chair, absently drumming my fingers on the polished desk, when Frederick walked in, his expression calm and composed as usual. He held a document—a signed contract, the one Elena had finally approved.

"Boss, she signed it. You just need to validate it with your signature,"Frederick said, placing the papers on my desk. His eyes lingered a moment, curious yet professional.

I glanced down at the contract, feeling a strange mix of satisfaction and guilt. I had pushed Elena toward this, and now that it was real, a weight settled in my chest.

"Thank you, Frederick,"I replied, picking up the pen, but before he could leave, something made me stop him.

"Fred…,"I hesitated, clearing my throat, feeling a rare moment of vulnerability. "Have you ever been in a relationship?"I asked, trying to sound casual.

Fredericks brow lifted in mild surprise, and a faint smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Yes, I have, though it didn't end well,"he answered, his tone respectful but curious. "Why do you ask, sir?"

I gave a short, awkward laugh. "Not for me, of course. Its just…a friend was wondering how to make his fiancée happy. They were recently betrothed, and he asked if I had any tips."

Fredericks smirk grew into a soft chuckle. "A friend, huh?"he repeated, clearly not buying it. "Sure, sir."

"Yes, a friend,"I insisted, straightening up, feeling my face flush a little. "What do women usually like? I mean, what makes them feel special?"

Frederick bit back a smile, trying to keep his face serious. "Well, in my experience…gifts, surprises, romantic gestures. Maybe take her shopping, or plan a vacation. Little things that show thought and effort. Women like to feel appreciated,"he said thoughtfully.

"Gifts, surprises…,"I murmured, nodding. "Okay, like what? Flowers, maybe? Diamonds?"

Frederick nodded, amused but professional. "Exactly, sir. Those work pretty well."

I forced a casual nod, grateful for his advice, and then quickly dismissed him. But as soon as he was gone, I picked up my phone and dialed Elenas number.

"Hello?"Her voice was soft, almost breathy. I felt a rush of warmth just hearing it.

"Hey, Elena. Hows it going? Hows your day so far?"I asked, unable to keep the smile out of my voice.

"Oh, hey, Jason! Im good, just wrapping up a few things. Its been a bit of a long day,"she replied, a hint of fatigue mixed with her usual cheerfulness. "Hows work for you?"

"Busy as usual,"I replied, shrugging to myself. "Listen, I was wondering if youd like to go out tonight. We could meet at that little ice cream place you love. Just relax, you know?"

She let out a soft laugh, her voice lightening. "That sounds perfect, Jason. I'll see you there."

The call ended, and I felt that strange mixture of excitement and nervousness building again. Something about her always made me feel…alive. I sat back, going over the plan in my head, determined to make this night special.

But just then, my phone rang again, jolting me out of my thoughts. The number was familiar. It was Vulgar, one of the security personnel Id assigned to discreetly keep an eye on Elena, just to be safe. I had a strange feeling, and my hand tightened around the phone as I answered.

"Yes, Vulgar. Whats the update?"

Vulgars voice was tense, almost urgent. "Sir, I followed Miss Elena to the restaurant as you instructed. Shes meeting someone there—a woman named Aurora."

I frowned, trying to recall the name. Aurora…that was Lucas Browns girlfriend. What was she doing meeting with Elena?

"Go on,"I said, my tone sharper now.

"While Miss Elena was in the restroom, I saw Aurora pull something from her bag. She poured it into Elenas drink,"Vulgar continued, his voice steady but dark with warning. "I believe its poison, sir."

A chill ran down my spine, my hands clenching into fists. "Dont let her drink it. Stop her immediately,"I ordered, my voice low with fury.

"Understood, sir,"Vulgar responded, ending the call.

I stood there for a moment, the reality of the situation sinking in. My mind was racing, piecing together Auroras motive. She was desperate, likely jealous of Elenas rising position and success. But to stoop this low? It made my blood boil.

"Aurora, youve crossed the line,"I muttered under my breath, my anger simmering just below the surface.

Suddenly, the carefully planned evening no longer mattered. The only thing I cared about was Elenas safety, making sure she never faced harm, especially not from someone like Aurora.