Chapter 16: “He’s watching”

Adrian’s POV

I didn’t sleep a wink last night, not because of her this time but because of that message.

“You really think you’ve won? Let’s see how long she stays yours.”

I stood in my study, staring at the screen again like I could figure out who the coward was or the words would somehow change.

Whoever this was, they weren’t just bluffing. And that meant one thing, this wasn’t random.

I dialed a number immediately, and he picked up the second ring.

“Sir.”

“I want everything pulled up again,” I said, my voice sharp. “Calls, messages, digital footprints. I don’t care how clean they think they are, find them.”

“Yes, sir.”

“And increase security.”

“For her?”

“For the house, for the office and everywhere she goes.”

“Yes, sir.”

I ended the call, my grip tightening around the phone. Whoever this was, they knew exactly what they were doing. I thought about this long and hard but I couldn’t figure anything out and it was driving me crazy.

I stepped out of the study just as I saw her walking down the stairs.

She looked normal, like nothing happened or should I say pretended to look fine but I knew better.

“Did he contact you again?” I asked.

She paused slightly then shook her head.

“No.”

I always wondered why she would resort to lying, knowing fully well that I would still be able to detect the lie.

I walked closer, stopping right in front of her.

“Amber.”

She looked up at me, trying to hold my gaze.

“You don’t get to lie about this.”

Her expression shifted more like she was shocked I figured it out.

“I just didn’t want to worry you.”

“I thought we were way past this,” I said flatly. “This isn’t just your problem anymore.”

She looked at me and for the first time I couldn’t picture anything from looking at them.

“I…”

Before she could respond her phone buzzed.

We both looked at it and it was an unknown number.

“Pick it up,” I said.

She hesitated then slowly answered.

“Hello?”

It was silent at first but then her face drained of color.

“What do you want?” she asked, her voice barely steady.

Then a faint sound came from the speaker. Laughter, the kind that is mocking and daring you to do your worst.

“You think you’re safe now?” the voice said.

My gaze shifted to Amber and I could notice her scared expression.

Amber’s fingers tightened around the phone.

“Stop this,” she said. “You’ve done enough.”

She tried to sound bold but her voice only came out in a whisper. I could see that her legs were giving away soon.

“Have I? I didn’t call to banter words with you Amber, check your email.”

And just like that, the line went dead.

Amber lowered the phone slowly, her breathing uneven. It looked like she was about to have a panic attack.

“No…”

“Open it,” I said.

She shook her head.

“I don’t want to” I could see the fear written all over her face and I hated every bit of it.

“Amber.” I called but this time it was firmer.

She swallowed and opened her mail.

A new message, no subject. Just an attachment.

Her hands trembled as she opened it and then she gasped.

“What is it?” I asked

She didn’t answer, she just turned the screen toward me.

My eyes scanned it once and then again, my expression hardened instantly.

It wasn’t just pictures this time, It was her at specific places.

She leaving the house this morning, entering the office and walking beside me.

They were taken from a distance but they didn’t look amateur either. Multiple angles, multiple locations and they were recent pictures too.

“They’re stalking me now?” she whispered in fear as she snuggled to me as if the person was in the room with us.

I took the phone from her hand, locking the screen.

“This ends today.”

Her head snapped toward me.

“Adrian, where are you going ? You want to leave me all alone? ”

“I’m not leaving you, Amber. Just go inside,” I said, already turning away. “You’re not going anywhere for now. ”

“What? No, what about work?”

“This is not up for discussion.”

I said making sure there was no room for argument.

And it worked, she went quiet.

I pulled out my phone again, dialing immediately.

“Location confirmed?” I asked.

“Yes, sir. We traced a signal ping from the last contact.”

“Send it.”

“Sir, there’s movement.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s not staying in a place.”

Of course he wasn’t, I guess I underestimated this person. Would Aaron still be this bold to counter me ? Despite what he experienced the other day.

I exhaled slowly.

“Then track him.”

“Yes, sir.”

I ended the call.

This was escalating faster than expected and also taking time too, it never took this long for my team to track anyone which is why I think it’s not Aaron.

Behind me, I could feel her presence. She was quiet and tense and It pricked my heart.

“Adrian.” She said softly.

I turned to face her.

“Can you please tell me what’s going on? I’m just here waiting in the dark. I don’t like that I’m clueless about what’s happening to me.”

I held her gaze and I could see the worry in her eyes.

“He’s watching you,” I said plainly.

“What…”

Her phone buzzed again.

This time, I took it before she could. I didn’t want her seeing anything that would destabilize her again. I didn’t want to take chances.

It was another message but this time it was a video.

I opened it and for the first time, I was shocked.

“Adrian…” she called, panic rising in her voice. “What is it?”

I didn’t answer immediately, because what I was looking at wasn’t just a threat anymore. It was a warning.

I turned the screen toward her slowly.

The video showed her room but this time, it was recorded from the inside.