TWENTY ONE

I.VChapter 21: A Promise to Protect POV: AdrianI tossed my phone onto the bed after texting Sarah and headed straight for the shower. My body still hummed with the tension of the entire miserable day.The moment I angled the showerhead straight at my face, the water hit like a thousand tiny needles sharp, punishing before easing into a heavy, soothing downpour that hammered against my scalp and shoulders. Steam billowed thick and humid around me, laced with the warm, woody scent of sandalwood body wash.I dragged both hands through my wet hair, slicking it back as the water raced down my neck, chest, and back. The heat worked its way into my knotted muscles, loosening them one by one. But no amount of hot water could touch the rage still coiled tight in my chest.Grandpa’s voice kept slamming through my head."Sign the documents… 10% of the company shares…"My jaw locked. I drove

TWENTY TWO

I.VChapter 22: Playing HousePOV: Sarah God, can he stop being so annoyingly cheesy? The thought ran through my mind with every step I took toward him. My heart was already beating too fast, and I hated how easily he affected me.“You’re here,” Adrian said, that signature grin lighting up his face.I gave a small nod. “Obviously.”“Follow me.”He led me down the hallway and into the master bedroom. The space was breathtaking in its quiet luxury. A massive king-sized bed dominated the room, draped in crisp white linens against a dramatic black headboard that stretched toward the ceiling. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed a glittering city skyline, while soft lighting from crystal chandeliers warmed the black-and-white palette. Every surface gleamed, not a single speck of dust in sight. The walk-in closet alone looked bigger than my old apartment. It was elegant, intimidating, and unmistakably his.I was still taking it all in when Adrian’s low, calm voice broke the silence.“This is wh

TWENTY THREE

I.VChapter 23: Shifting TidesPOV: AdrianA notification buzz cut through the thick silence. I rose from the armchair, eager to escape the charged air between us, but Sarah’s stomach let out a loud, unmistakable growl. I had to bite back a smile before she could see it. Adorable.She quickly turned her face away, clearly mortified. The sight amused me more than it should have. Still so shy in front of me… even after everything. The thought sent a ripple of dark satisfaction through my chest. She tried to steady herself, but I caught the faint flush still coloring her cheeks.I headed for the door, but stopped abruptly as a vivid flash of her body hit me the way her breasts had strained against the delicate fabric of that thin summer gown when she stood up in anger. Full, soft, and perfectly shaped, rising and falling with her quick breaths. My eyes had also traced the elegant dip of her tiny waist, the gentle flare of her hips, and the smooth curve of her thighs visible beneath the s

TWENTY FOUR

I.V Chapter 24: Fragile Peace POV: Adrian My blood ran cold the moment I saw Sarah lying motionless on Margaret’s lap. Without thinking, I rushed forward and scooped her into my arms. “What happened to her?!” I barked. My voice was loud and raw, making everyone in the room flinch. I gently placed Sarah on the master bed, my hands shaking slightly. Turning to Stanley, I said urgently, “Call him. Now.” Stanley nodded, his face pale with worry, and dashed out of the room. The rest of the servants stood frozen, eyes wide with fear. I turned to Margaret, my expression icy. “I only asked you to make her something good to eat. Why the hell is she like this now?” The room felt colder as my anger filled the space. One of the younger servants stepped forward, tears streaming down her cheeks. “B-Boss… I brought the food tray in just a moment ago and found her lying motionless on the couch. I panicked and screamed…” I glared at her, then at Margaret. My voice dropped to a chil

TWENTY FIVE

I.V Chapter 25: Safe to fall POV: Sarah Tired of sitting around waiting for the food, I stood up and started wandering around the massive room. Everything was in black and white, neatly arranged and perfectly orderly, like no one actually lived here. “A little touch up or some bright color here and there wouldn’t be bad,” I muttered under my breath as I stopped in front of the closet. The moment I opened the doors, my eyes widened. Instead of the casual outfits I expected, I was greeted by rows of luxurious designer pieces from different countries. There were elegant gowns in soft silks and flowing chiffons from Chanel and Dior, tailored blazers and trousers from Gucci and Valentino, and limited edition pieces I’d only ever seen in magazines. Leather jackets from Hermès hung beside sky high Louboutins in classic reds, butter

TWENTY SIX

I.V Chapter 26: Mine to protect POV: Adrian “It’s getting dark, Edward.” I said, rolling up my sleeves and glancing at my wristwatch. Edward raised an eyebrow, clearly in no hurry to leave. I kept my voice calm but firm. “You should head out. I’ve already kept you long enough.” “Oh… you don’t think I should check one last time to make sure my patient is stable?” He tilted his head back with that annoying teasing grin of his. I stepped closer, my patience snapping. I grabbed him by the collar of his shirt, my breath coming sharp and fast. “What the hell do you mean, stable?” “Wow, wow, relax!” Edward raised both hands in surrender, still wearing that mischievous grin. “She’s fine. I was just messing with you, keeping you on your toes.” “You’d better hope she’s fine, Edward,” I said slowly, dragging his name like a warning. I released his collar, smoothing the fabric back down with a couple of firm pats, my expression still hard. The room felt colder as the tension ling