Chapter 35: The Breaking Point

Ella had never seen Adrian afraid.

Not once.

He was always controlled, always ruthless, always unshakable.

But now?

Now, there was something else beneath his anger. Something raw. Something that made her pulse race in ways she didn't understand.

And she wasn't sure if it was because of Liam… or because of her.

"Tell me the truth, Adrian." Her voice was quiet but firm. "What aren't you saying?"

Adrian held her gaze, his jaw tightening like he was battling something inside himself.

Then, just as quickly, his expression hardened. The mask slid back into place.

"There's nothing to tell," he said flatly.

Liar.

Ella's stomach churned.

This wasn't just about her ex.

This was about Adrian. His past. His secrets. The reason why he never let anyone in.

And she was done playing games.

She stepped closer, her voice sharp. "You're hiding something. And if you think I'm going to just sit back and let you control what I do—"

His hand suddenly shot out, gripping her wrist—not hard enough to hurt, but enough to make her breath hitch.

"Don't," he warned, voice low. "Don't dig into things you don't understand."

Ella's heart pounded.

"Then make me understand."

Adrian's grip loosened, his thumb brushing against her skin for just a second too long.

It sent a jolt through her—a dangerous, reckless kind of awareness.

And then, just like that, he let go.

"This isn't your fight, Ella."

She scoffed. "Funny. Because I think I'm right in the middle of it."

Liam's Game Begins

The next day at the office, everything shifted.

Liam Carter wasn't just lingering in the background anymore.

He was everywhere.

He had meetings with Adrian's board. He was in the same hallways, the same events. Smiling. Watching.

And worst of all?

He knew exactly how to get under Adrian's skin.

At a corporate gathering that evening, Ella barely had time to breathe before Liam appeared beside her, two drinks in hand.

"Didn't expect to see me so soon, did you?" he murmured, offering her a glass.

Ella hesitated before taking it. "Liam, what are you really doing here?"

He smirked. "Is it so hard to believe I missed you?"

"Yes," she deadpanned.

His laugh was low, smooth. "Still sharp, I see."

Before she could reply, a shadow fell over them.

And then—Adrian.

Standing tall, radiating fury.

If looks could kill, Liam Carter would have been dead on the spot.

"Carter," Adrian greeted coldly.

Liam simply grinned. "Blackwood. Always a pleasure."

Ella swore she could feel the electricity crackling between them.

Adrian's eyes flicked to her, sharp and assessing. "We're leaving."

Ella frowned. "Excuse me?"

He didn't even look at her. "Now."

Liam chuckled. "Careful, Adrian. You're starting to sound… possessive."

Adrian's jaw tightened.

Ella saw the way his fingers curled into fists—the way his whole body tensed as if he were barely restraining himself from doing something reckless.

And for the first time, she wondered if Adrian Blackwood was capable of losing control.

A Storm Behind Closed Doors

The moment they got home, Adrian snapped.

"Are you out of your mind?" His voice was sharp, furious.

Ella slammed her purse down. "Excuse me?"

"You think you can just waltz around with him? Like he's some harmless guy from your past?"

She laughed—actually laughed. "Oh, I'm sorry. I must've missed the part where you get to dictate who I talk to."

Adrian ran a hand through his hair, his patience visibly cracking.

"I'm protecting you, damn it."

Ella's eyes flashed. "From what?"

Silence.

His lips parted like he was about to say something, but then he stopped himself.

And that was enough.

That hesitation. That fear.

Adrian Blackwood was afraid of Liam Carter.

Not because of jealousy.

But because of something bigger.

And Ella?

She was going to find out exactly what it was.