All Chapters of Ruined By Mr. Cross: Chapter 11 - Chapter 20

Selene’s PovI sat in the back of the car with Mom, the city lights blurring past. Damien had let me go, but I could still feel his hand on mine from earlier. Slow. That’s what we agreed. No rushing this confusing pull between us.“Selene, are you sure about him?” Mom asked quietly. “Damien Cross. After everything?”I turned to her. “I’m not sure about anything anymore. But he’s not the man I thought. We talked a lot tonight. He defended me in front of everyone. Even after knowing I lied at first.”Mom sighed. “Your father trusted Victor once. Look what happened. These people play games with lives.”“I know,” I said. “But Damien’s different. He lost someone too—me, as S. Those late-night talks three years ago meant something to both of us. He’s not rushing me. He said he’ll wait until I’m ready.”She squeezed my hand. “Just be careful. Love blinds you. Vivienne showing up… she’s trouble. Claims to be your half-sister. I don’t believe half of it.”“Do you think Dad really had an affair

Selene’s PovChaos filled the study. The crash echoed, followed by shouts from the hallway. Damien pulled me tight behind him, his arm around my waist but gentle, protective without crushing me.“Stay behind me,” he said quietly. “I’ve got you.”My heart pounded. “Damien, what is this? Gunshots? In your grandfather’s house?”Naomi sat pale in the chair. “It’s them. They’re here for the files.”Helena stayed calm, too calm. “No need for panic. Security will handle it. Selene, your mother was about to say something important.”I stepped slightly out from Damien but kept my hand on his back. “Mom, finish what you started. Victor? What about him?”Victor raised his hand. “Naomi, careful. Old stories can hurt everyone here.”Damien turned his head toward me. “You okay? We don’t have to stay in the middle of this mess.”“I’m fine,” I whispered back. “But I need answers. Stay close, though. Your voice… it helps right now.”He nodded, squeezing my side lightly. “I’m right here. No running off

Selene’s PovAdrian’s gun glinted under the dim office light. My heart hammered as I stayed behind Damien, my hand gripping the back of his shirt. Mom looked terrified at the desk.“Damien,” I whispered, voice shaky. “What second call? Tell me now. We said no more secrets if this is going to work between us.”Damien kept his body between me and Adrian. “Selene, it’s not what it sounds like. I’ll explain everything. Just stay calm.”Adrian laughed. “Go on, cousin. Tell her how you called Victor that night. How you said Hart Luxury needed to be handled quietly. Those were your words.”I stepped to Damien’s side, still holding his arm. “Is that true? You told me it was only to Gabriel.”Damien turned his head to look at me, eyes serious but gentle. “I did call Victor after. Briefly. I told him there were irregularities in the Hart deals. I wanted him to check internally, not destroy anyone. I had no idea it would lead to your father’s death, Selene. I swear.”Mom spoke up. “He’s telling

Selene’s PovAdrian stood there blocking the door, his smile cold. I clutched the key Victor gave me, my back against the hospital bed. Mom and Vivienne looked frozen.“Adrian, get out,” I said sharply. “Victor is sick. This isn’t the time for your games.”Adrian stepped closer. “Games? That key unlocks everything, Selene. Give it to me and I’ll tell you the truth about your mother’s deal with Helena. Damien doesn’t need to know how deep your family went.”Victor coughed weakly from the bed. “Adrian… stop. Selene, don’t listen. Damien is coming. Trust what you two have been building.”I kept my voice steady. “I am trusting it. We spent hours talking last night, Adrian. Real talks. About his calls, about my doubts. He’s patient with me. That’s more than you’ve ever given anyone.”Mom touched my arm. “Selene, he’s right about one thing. I did make a deal with Helena to protect you after your father died. But it wasn’t betrayal. It was survival.”Vivienne nodded. “See? We’re all connecte

Selene’s PovHelena stood there in the hospital hallway like she owned it, her lawyers flanking her. I kept my hand in Damien’s, holding on tighter than before. We had just been talking about trust again, and now this.“Helena,” I said, voice steady. “What do you mean my mother gave you information on Damien’s investigation? We’re done with half-truths. Speak clearly.”Helena smiled. “Your mother traded details about Damien digging into Lucas’s deals. In return, I kept you safe from the bigger players. Damien, you knew I was watching you three years ago. Didn’t you tell your new wife that part?”Damien squeezed my hand gently. “Selene, I suspected someone was monitoring my calls. But I never knew it was tied to your family. We talked about this last night on the couch, remember? I told you I felt watched but didn’t have proof.”I looked up at him. “I remember. You said it made you pull away from people. That’s why our online talks meant so much. You were honest then. Be honest now. Di