Semua Bab Falling For The Billionaire I Was Hired to Protect : Bab 21 - Bab 30

The next morning, the sun streamed through the massive glass walls of Maddox Tech’s headquarters, painting golden streaks across the boardroom table. But Jace barely noticed.He sat at the head of the long table, surrounded by board members in expensive suits, their voices filling the room with talk of numbers, projections, and new design proposals.But his mind wasn’t there.It was stuck on last night.On River’s face when he said “It was a mistake.” On the silence that had stretched between them like a gaping wound.Jace shifted in his chair, forcing himself to focus as one of the directors turned to him.“Mr. Maddox, what are your thoughts on the proposed interface design?”Jace blinked, his gaze darting to the screen where a sleek mock-up of the new software design was displayed. He straightened slightly, pushing away thoughts of River just long enough to speak.“I think we should simplify the layout,” Jace said, his voice steady despite the storm in his head. “Minimalist icons, s

“You called the cops on him?” Jace’s voice trembled, still wearing the same black suit from last night, his hands gripping the edge of the kitchen counter like he was holding onto reality itself.River stood a few feet away, his arms crossed over his chest, unbothered and calm. “I didn’t call the cops,” he said flatly. “I called building security. He trespassed.”Jace blinked. “He didn’t hurt me.”“But he could have,” River replied, stepping closer. “Jace, he lost it in a public restaurant. He threw a damn wine glass at the wall. He could’ve hurt someone, he could’ve hurt you.”Silence stretched in the penthouse kitchen. The clink of the fridge humming was louder than it should’ve been.Jace looked away, his jaw clenched. “I just didn’t expect you to show up like that.”River’s voice softened. “I didn’t come to be the hero. I came because I was worried. You looked…shaken.”Jace didn’t respond, but River noticed the way his shoulders loosened just a little.“Are you okay?” River asked

"Hello? Jace?" Leo’s voice crackled through the phone early that morning, breathless and urgent. "It’s Sasha. She’s in the hospital. She was... attacked."Jace jolted upright in bed, his heart pounding. "What? What happened? Leo, speak clearly, please!"“I….I don’t know everything,” Leo said, voice shaky. “She was unconscious when I got the call. She’s in surgery right now.”Jace didn’t even hang up properly before bolting from the bed, grabbing the nearest hoodie and keys, and racing out. His mind was spinning the entire ride, Sasha? The strong, sarcastic, no-nonsense Sasha?Who would hurt her?*************************Meanwhile, River wiped sweat from his brow, punching into the heavy bag at the gym with focused intensity. His knuckles thudded over and over, harder with each hit. Something inside him had been restless lately, more than usual.He paused, chest heaving, and leaned against the bag. Why the hell am I coming here so much lately? He usually trained, sure, but lately it f

The next morning at work, Jace walked into the building alongside River. Both wore sharp suits, but their faces were drawn. The weight of Sasha’s condition still lingered on Jace like a shadow he couldn’t shake off.As they stepped through the glass doors of Maddox Industries, quiet whispers followed them. Employees lowered their gazes the moment Jace looked in their direction. Some glanced at River, then quickly turned away.“Why are they all staring like that?” River muttered, narrowing his eyes.“I don’t know.” Jace’s voice was low, tired. “But I don’t like it.”The elevator ride to the executive floor felt unusually long. The silence stretched between them, heavy and tense.When they stepped into Jace’s office, Leo was already waiting by the window, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable.Jace frowned. “Leo? What’s wrong?”Leo turned around slowly, his face pale, lips pressed into a hard line. He didn’t speak. Instead, he walked up to Jace and handed him his phone.“Look at t

River was shocked about Jace not recognizing him. His chest tightened, like someone had punched the air out of his lungs.“You… don’t know me?” River asked slowly, almost afraid of the answer.Jace’s eyes narrowed slightly, his head tilting as if searching for a memory that refused to surface. “Should I?” His voice was calm but distant, like he was talking to a stranger.River blinked, his throat tightening. “It’s me, River. Your...” He stopped himself. What was he now? Bodyguard? Friend? Something more? “I’ve been with you every day for months.”“I’m sorry,” Jace said, his gaze dropping to his hands. “I don’t… remember.”River took a step closer, desperate. “Remember the office? The threats? The time I pulled you out of that alley? You looked me dead in the eye and....”“Stop.” Jace’s voice was sharp now, almost defensive. “I told you, I don’t remember.”River studied him, searching his face for some flicker of recognition. “You really don’t feel anything? Not even a… gut instinct ab