Emilia had barely stepped through the front door when she heard footsteps coming from the kitchen.
A woman walked out moments later, wiping her hands carefully with a clean kitchen towel.
She looked to be in her late forties, dressed impeccably in a dark blouse beneath a neatly pressed apron.
Her hair was pulled into a tidy bun, and everything about her, from her posture to the way she carried herself suggested years of experience working in an upscale household.
The moment she saw Emilia, her face brightened.
"Miss Emilia."
Emilia smiled politely. "Good morning."
"Good morning, dear." The woman looked toward the elevator, then back at her. "Mr. Adrian is in his study."
Emilia nodded. "Thank you."
She was about to walk past when a delicious aroma drifted from the kitchen.
Emilia stopped. Her nose wrinkled slightly as she breathed in.
"Oh my God."
The cook laughed softly.
Emilia turned toward the kitchen. "What smells so good?"
"Lunch."
"Lunch?"
"Yes."
Emilia took another breath, and her eyes widened slightly. "That smells incredible."
The woman smiled proudly. "I’m glad you like the smell."
"What are you making?"
The woman hesitated for a moment, then smiled. "Something Mr. Adrian requested."
Emilia’s brows lifted. "For me?"
The woman laughed. "I didn’t say that."
Emilia narrowed her eyes playfully. "But you didn’t say no."
The cook laughed again. "Mr. Adrian told me to prepare something you like."
Emilia’s expression softened. "He did?"
"Yes."
"What is it?"
"You’ll have to ask him."
Emilia smiled. "He’s in his study?"
"Yes."
She nodded toward the hallway. "He’s been waiting for you."
Emilia looked toward the elevator. Then she looked back at the kitchen. The aroma reached her again.
She smiled. "I’ll go see him."
The cook nodded. "And, Miss Emilia?"
Emilia stopped. "Yes?"
"Don’t eat anything before lunch."
Emilia laughed. "No promises."
The woman shook her head, amused, as Emilia walked toward the elevator.
When Emilia finally stepped into the study, she immediately saw Adrian standing near the balcony, with his phone pressed to his ear.
He had his back to her.
She stopped just inside the doorway. He was speaking quietly, his voice low and controlled.
"Send me everything you have." He paused, and added. "I don’t want a summary. I want the complete file."
Emilia watched him for a moment.
As though sensing her presence, Adrian turned. His eyes found hers, and his expression softened instantly.
He moved the phone slightly away from his ear and opened his free arm toward her.
Emilia smiled. She didn’t hesitate. She crossed the room and walked straight into his arms.
Adrian wrapped an arm around her, pulling her against his chest.
Emilia closed her eyes. She inhaled his familiar scent and relaxed against him, listening to the steady beat of his heart beneath his shirt.
Adrian lowered his head and pressed a gentle kiss to the center of her hair.
"Send me every piece of information you have," he said into the phone. "Everything."
There was another pause. Then he added, "Now."
He ended the call and slipped the phone into his pocket.
Emilia tightened her arms around him.
Adrian smiled faintly. "Missed me?"
She nodded against his chest. "Very much."
He looked down at her. "Come here."
Before she could ask what he meant, Adrian bent slightly and lifted her effortlessly from the floor. He carried her against his chest.
Emilia gave a quiet gasp before instinctively wrapping her legs around his waist.
Her arms went around his neck, and she buried her face against his shoulder.
Adrian chuckled softly. "There you go, sweetheart."
He carried her toward the living room adjoining the study.
Emilia didn’t lift her head. She simply held onto him. Adrian lowered himself onto the couch with her still in his arms, settling her against his chest.
One arm remained securely around her waist while his other hand moved slowly over her back.
For several seconds, neither of them spoke. The room was quiet, warm, and safe.
Emilia’s fingers curled lightly into the fabric of his shirt.
"I was so scared when I saw the pictures, Adrian," she whispered into his neck.
His hand paused briefly against her back, then continued. "Look at me, baby."
Emilia slowly lifted her head.
Adrian’s eyes met hers.
The worry in Emilia’s expression was impossible to miss.
"What am I supposed to do?" she whispered.
Adrian’s brows drew together. "About the pictures?"
She nodded. "They were sent to threaten me." Her voice was quiet. "What if they send more? What if whoever did this wants me to do something?"
Adrian studied her face for a moment. "You don’t do anything."
Emilia frowned slightly. "But—"
"No." His voice remained gentle, but firm. "You don’t respond. You don’t negotiate. You don’t try to find out who sent them."
She stared at him. "Then what do I do?"
Adrian brushed his thumb gently beneath her eye. "You keep being pretty," he said softly. "And leave everything for me."
Emilia blinked. "That’s it?"
"That’s it, sweetheart."
"But Adrian—"
"I mean it, Emilia." His hand moved to the back of her neck, drawing her closer.
Her eyes searched his. "You’re not going to tell me what’s happening?"
"Not until I know exactly what we’re dealing with."
She sighed. "I hate feeling helpless." she admitted quietly. "I want to help you."
Adrian’s lips curled up at the corner of his mouth. He found her so adorable. "You already are."
"How?"
Adrian smiled faintly. "By staying safe."
Emilia looked at him for several seconds before finally nodding. "Okay."
"Good." He kissed her forehead. "And if anything else happens, you tell me immediately."
"I will."
"No hiding things from me."
She smiled faintly. "I won’t."
Adrian pulled her against his chest again, and Emilia relaxed into him. For a while, they simply stayed there.
Eventually, Emilia lifted her head.
The sadness had disappeared from her expression, replaced by something almost playful.
Adrian noticed. "What?"
Her smile widened, turning mischievous. "Nothing."
"Emilia."
She shook her head, suppressing a grin. Then she leaned closer and whispered, "I have a surprise for you tonight."
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