The Billionaire's Warning

By the time Emily left the newsroom, the sun had dipped below the Manhattan skyline, casting the city in hues of amber and deep blue. She clutched her bag tightly, her mind still racing with the discovery of Solstice Holdings. If this shell company was what she thought it was, she was closer than ever to exposing the truth.

Her heels clicked against the pavement as she stepped out onto the street. The air was crisp, biting against her skin. She barely noticed the sleek black car parked along the curb until the back window rolled down.

"Working late, Ms. Taylor?"

That voice. Smooth, commanding. She froze mid-step.

Julian Blackwood.

He lounged in the back seat, looking infuriatingly calm and in control. The dim light from a nearby streetlamp brushed against his sharp features, making him appear even more dangerous.

"Stalking reporters now, Mr. Blackwood?" she asked, masking the jolt of nerves coursing through her.

His lips curved into a slight smile. "I prefer the term… keeping an eye on potential liabilities."

Emily took a step closer to the car, refusing to back down. "If you're here to intimidate me, you're wasting your time. I don't scare easily."

Julian tilted his head, studying her with unsettling precision. "You're persistent I'll give you that. But persistence has consequences. I'd hate to see you get in over your head."

Was that a threat? Her heart pounded, but she held his gaze. "I'm just doing my job. Or do you only approve of journalists when they're writing flattering profiles?"

A low, humorless chuckle escaped his throat. "Flattery bores me. But recklessness?" His voice dropped, dark and edged. "That's dangerous."

Emily's pulse quickened, but she refused to show weakness. "You don't scare me, Blackwood."

"I should," he said quietly.

For a moment, silence stretched between them tense, electric.

"Goodnight, Ms. Taylor," Julian said at last, his voice smooth as silk. With a flick of his wrist, the window rolled up, and the car pulled away from the curb, disappearing into the night.

Emily exhaled sharply, her heart pounding in her chest.

Julian Blackwood wasn't just aware of her investigation he was watching her.

And he had just made it clear that crossing him would come with a price.