Chapter 5: His Name Is Damon

The next morning came too quickly.

Elena barely slept, her thoughts tangled in yesterday's events. Her mysterious savior lingered in her mind like a shadow she couldn't shake. She knew better than to dwell on a stranger—especially a rich one—but something about him unsettled her in ways she couldn't explain.

She slipped into her uniform, tied her apron, and kissed Lily's forehead before quietly leaving the apartment. The early morning air was cool against her cheeks as she boarded the bus to Vantage Heights Hotel. It was a new day, but her stomach still churned with nerves.

Would he be there again?

Would he remember her?

As she entered the staff hallway, Priya was already waiting, grinning like she knew something.

"Elena, you won't believe it," she whispered, linking arms with her. "That man—your mystery man—is back. He's staying in the penthouse suite. Word is, he'll be here for the next two weeks."

Elena froze mid-step. "Two weeks?"

"Mhm," Priya nodded. "And guess who's been assigned to clean the penthouse today?"

Elena blinked. "Please don't say—"

"You," Priya said with a wink. "Mrs. Danvers gave the list herself. No yelling this time. She was… polite. I think he scared the fear of God into her yesterday."

Elena's heart began to race. Cleaning a billionaire's suite wasn't new, but this billionaire? The one who had spoken up for her? There was no room for mistakes.

Later that morning, Elena took a deep breath and knocked gently on the penthouse door.

"Housekeeping."

There was a pause. Then a smooth, deep voice responded, "Come in."

Elena stepped inside, her cart following closely behind. The penthouse suite was modern and vast, filled with glass walls, leather furniture, and a breathtaking view of the city skyline. She had never seen it so clearly before, from this high up.

Then she saw him.

He stood near the window, jacket off, shirt sleeves rolled up, a tablet in one hand, a coffee in the other. His dark hair was slightly tousled, and sunlight highlighted the sharp angles of his face. When he looked up, his eyes locked with hers.

"You again," he said, a small smile playing on his lips.

Elena swallowed. "Yes, sir. I was assigned to this floor today."

"You don't have to call me sir," he replied. "My name's Damon. Damon Blackwood."

The name clicked instantly. She had heard of him before—rumors whispered among staff. The elusive billionaire investor, rarely seen in public, known for acquiring high-end properties and turning them into goldmines.

"Elena," she said, her voice steady. "Elena Hart."

"I remember," he said softly.

She blinked. "You do?"

He set the tablet down and stepped closer. "Not many employees have the guts to stand up while being scolded. You didn't even flinch yesterday."

"I was scared," she admitted. "I just… didn't have a choice."

"That's often when the strongest people show up," Damon said, his gaze never leaving hers.

Elena turned away, pretending to straighten the pillows on the couch, trying to gather herself. He was too intense, too observant. She wasn't used to being seen—really seen.

"I'll be quick," she said.

"No rush," he said casually, walking back to the window. "You're the most interesting part of this hotel anyway."

Her hand paused mid-reach. Did she hear him right?

When she turned, he was already looking out the window, as if the comment hadn't happened.

And just like that, the walls she had built around her heart began to tremble.