Chapter 29: Jealousy Awakens

Adrian Blackwood had never been jealous in his life.

He didn't do petty emotions.

Didn't waste time on useless feelings.

Yet here he was, standing in his office, gripping his glass of whiskey too tightly, staring at the security feed showing Ella laughing with Damian Wolfe.

His rival.

His enemy.

And for the first time in years, Adrian Blackwood felt something ugly crawl up his spine.

It wasn't just irritation.

It was rage.

Damian Wolfe—A Problem Adrian Didn't Need

Adrian should have known Wolfe would try something.

Damian had been circling like a vulture ever since news of Adrian's sudden marriage broke. The man lived to get under his skin—whether in business, in high society, or, apparently, in Adrian's personal life.

Ella, of course, didn't realize she was flirting with the devil himself.

Or maybe she did.

Because when Damian leaned in—too close, too familiar—Ella tilted her head back and laughed. Laughed.

Adrian saw red.

Nathaniel, lounging casually across from him, whistled. "Damn. If I didn't know better, I'd say our dear Damian has a death wish."

Adrian's jaw clenched. "Why?"

Nathaniel smirked. "Because you look like you're five seconds away from strangling him."

Adrian forced himself to relax, rolling his shoulders back. "I don't care who she talks to."

Nathaniel raised a brow. "Uh-huh. Sure."

Adrian ignored him.

Ella, Damian, and a Very Dangerous Game

Downstairs, Ella was enjoying herself way too much.

She wasn't an idiot. She knew exactly who Damian Wolfe was. She knew he was Adrian's business rival.

Which was precisely why she let Damian pour her another glass of champagne.

If Adrian could freeze her out for weeks, if he could act like their kiss meant nothing, then fine. Two could play this game.

Besides, she was starting to think Damian wasn't as bad as people said.

"So tell me, Mrs. Blackwood," Damian said smoothly, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Are you as much of a handful as the rumors say?"

Ella smirked. "Depends. Are you as dangerous as the rumors say?"

Damian chuckled. "Oh, sweetheart, I'm much worse."

Before Ella could respond, a cold shadow fell over them.

She looked up—and froze.

Adrian stood there, expression unreadable, eyes like ice-cold daggers aimed straight at Damian.

"Wolfe," he said smoothly. "I don't recall inviting you."

Damian didn't flinch. "Relax, Blackwood. Just getting to know your lovely wife."

Ella could practically feel the tension crackle in the air.

Adrian turned to her, voice deceptively calm. "A word, Ella."

She raised a brow. "I'm in the middle of a conversation."

Adrian's gaze darkened.

Nathaniel—who had miraculously appeared with a drink in hand—winced. "Oh boy."

Damian grinned. "I don't mind sharing, Blackwood."

Adrian's jaw ticked.

Ella knew that look. Knew it very well.

And that's when she realized—he was jealous.

Possessive Much?

Adrian didn't wait for her answer.

He grabbed her wrist—gently, but with undeniable authority—and walked her away from Damian, ignoring her protests.

When they were alone in a corner of the ballroom, Ella yanked her arm free. "Excuse me, Mr. CEO, but I don't remember signing a contract that says you control who I talk to."

Adrian exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Damian Wolfe is not your friend."

Ella crossed her arms. "And you are?"

Silence.

She stepped closer, tilting her head. "You don't like it, do you?"

Adrian met her gaze, something dark swirling in his eyes. "Like what?"

Ella smirked. "Seeing me with another man."

Adrian's jaw tightened. "You think this is a game?"

Ella shrugged. "You tell me. You've been acting like I don't exist for weeks. Now, suddenly, you care?"

Adrian hated how sharp she was. How easily she saw through him.

But he wouldn't admit it.

Instead, he leaned in, his voice low, lethal, and laced with something dangerously close to possession.

"I don't play games, Ella. But if you want to see what happens when you push me—keep flirting with my enemies."

Ella's breath hitched.

For a second—just a second—she thought he might kiss her right there in the middle of the ballroom.

But instead, he stepped back, his expression unreadable once again.

"Stay away from Wolfe."

And just like that, he was gone.

Leaving Ella standing there, heart pounding, cheeks burning, and one undeniable truth settling in her mind.

Adrian Blackwood was jealous.

Very, very jealous.

And she planned to make it so much worse.