Alle Kapitel von Rise Of The Betrayed Omega : Kapitel 151 – Kapitel 160

**Stella's POV** By the time Kelvin and I finish organizing the returned mail and prepping tomorrow's deliveries, I'm completely exhausted. My feet are screaming in these Louboutins. My back aches from bending over the sorting table all day. And emotionally, I'm drained from the rollercoaster that has been my first day at Ace Industries. But underneath all the exhaustion, there's fulfillment and pride. I learned something today. Something real. Something practical that has nothing to do with who my father is or how much money I have. I learned how to sort mail. How to organize packages. How to navigate the complex ecosystem of a corporation from the mailroom. It might not sound like much to anyone else, but to me—someone who never been to college, it feels like an accomplishment. "Good work today, newbie," Kelvin says, shutting down his computer. "You didn't completely destroy my system. That's basically a miracle." I laugh, pulling off one of my heels and wincing at t

**Stella's POV** "Someone's been asking questions about you and your son. At your apartment building." My stomach drops. "What kind of questions?" "About your schedule. Your security detail. Whether you have visitors." Joe's expression is grim. "The doorman reported it to our team. We don't know who it was—they left before we could identify them." First the executives at work, now this? "Do you think it's related to Alpha Cole?" I ask. "He called me this morning, saying Noah needs more security." "It's possible." Joe doesn't look convinced. "But we're taking precautions. I've doubled the detail at your apartment. No one gets in or out without our knowledge." "Thank you, Joe." "There's something else." He hesitates. "Mr. Black called just before you walked out. He wants us to postpone any evening activities until he can—" "No," I interrupt. "Whatever Shawn wants, the answer is no. I have plans tonight. A date. And you're coming with me." Joe's eyebrows rise. "A date

**Shawn's POV** I stare at my phone screen, my thumb hovering over the send button. The text I've drafted and deleted and rewritten at least twenty times sits there, mocking me: [Stella, I'm sorry about today. I need to explain. Please call me.[ Too formal. Delete. [I'm an idiot. Can we talk?] Too casual. Delete. [There's a reason I asked you to go out with Ezekiel. I can't explain over text, but please trust me. I'm trying to protect you.] Too vague. She'll think I'm trying to manipulate her. Delete. I run my hand through my hair, frustration building with each failed attempt. What the hell am I supposed to say? [Sorry I pushed you toward another man even though the thought of you with anyone else makes me want to break things? Sorry I can't tell you that I'm being blackmailed and if I don't get you to date Ezekiel, he'll destroy both my life?] Yeah, that'll go over well. I set the phone down on my kitchen counter and pour myself a strong whiskey drink

**Stella's POV** The elevator doors slide open directly into my apartment, and I step back from Shawn immediately—creating space before anyone sees us like this. But I'm too late. Riley is standing in the hallway, clearly waiting for me. And her eyes widen when she spots Shawn behind me, taking in our flushed faces, my mussed hair, and the way we're both still breathing hard. "You are back," she says, a knowing smile spreading across her face. " I didn't expect you to come up with a guest...." The emphasis on that last word makes it very clear what she's implying. "Shawn isn't staying long. He just came to asses the security." I step further into the apartment, trying to compose myself. "Oh, okay. How did it go downstairs with your date?" she asks, looking between us with barely concealed curiosity. I force myself to focus. "It went fine. Everything's sorted." "Sorted?" Riley's eyes gleam with interest. "Where's Noah?" I interrupt, desperate to change the subject

**Stella's POV** I swipe to answer. "Hi, Dad." "Stella, sweetheart." His voice is warm, familiar, and grounding. "Just calling to check on you. How was your first day?" I close my eyes, debating how much to tell him. "It was... long." "That good, huh?" He chuckles softly. "First days are always rough. But I heard you handled yourself well in the mailroom." Of course he heard. He probably has a dozen people reporting back to him. "Dad, can I ask you something?" "Of course." I hesitate, choosing my words carefully. "What can you tell me about Shawn Black and Ezekiel King?" There's a pause on the other end. "That's... an interesting question. Why do you ask?" "Just curious," I say, keeping my tone casual. "Well, they're both excellent employees," Dad says. "Shawn's been with the company for years—sharp, dedicated, trustworthy. One of my best. Ezekiel is newer but equally impressive. Strategic thinker. Both have bright futures with Ace Industries." Trusted employees. Of cours