Chapter 160: Fine

Cecilia

The moment I saw Arthur push open my office door, my heart did that stupid fluttery thing it always did when he appeared unexpectedly. I was already halfway out of my chair before my mind caught up with my body.

"Arthur!" I practically bounced across the room, grabbing his hand and tugging him toward my desk with obvious excitement. "Perfect timing—we were just discussing basic investigative techniques and essential skills required for detective work."

Daniel rose from the guest chair and offered his hand with his usual sincere courtesy. "Mr. Winston, good to see you again."

Arthur barely grunted in response. His hand touched Daniel’s only for the briefest handshake before he pulled away as if burned. His jaw stayed rigid and his gaze turned cold, stirring a flicker of unease amid my joy.

"Arthur," I said, tugging his sleeve to draw his attention. "Daniel came here to return the money. The two million I paid at the auction to secure his release."

Arthur finally shifted his eyes toward me, lifting one brow in the familiar manner that hinted at sharp words to follow. "Baby, are you really that strapped for funds? I already granted you full access to all my accounts."

Heat rushed to my cheeks at once. My mouth fell open, while Daniel let out a muffled sound, clearly struggling to hold back laughter. "That’s not what I meant—I didn’t intend—"

"Mr. Winston," Daniel cut in, his tone strained as he strove to maintain composure. "I merely wished to settle the debt formally. It felt like the proper thing to do."

"Mm." Arthur’s focus remained fixed firmly on me. "I appreciate your gesture, Daniel, but there will be no need for further... private meetings."

The deliberate emphasis on the last word was unmistakable, and Daniel’s eyes widened slightly.

"Understood," Daniel replied quickly, already moving toward the door. "I ought to take my leave now. Cecilia, we can continue our talk about investigation skills later—"

"There is no need for future discussions," Arthur said, his voice sinking into a dangerous undertone.

Daniel hurried off, his footsteps echoing rapidly down the corridor as if he were eager to escape.

The door clicked shut behind him, and I turned to face Arthur, truly studying his expression for the first time since his arrival.

"Arthur," I spoke softly, stepping closer and resting my palm on his chest. I felt his heart pounding fiercely beneath my touch. "What is troubling you?"

"I still intend to become a detective," I blurted out before I could hesitate. "I know we have not properly talked this through, but I—"

I never finished my sentence. Arthur moved swiftly, framing my body against the desk with his hands and trapping me in place. He leaned down until his face hovered only inches away from mine.

"So you submitted a resignation letter without talking to me first?" His tone was low and restrained.

"Arthur—"

"Do you have any idea," his voice cracked faintly, "what it feels like knowing you will willingly place yourself in harm’s way? That each passing day I would live in constant fear of seeing you injured, or worse, while you chase unknown cases?"

The raw vulnerability in his words ached deep within me. I longed to take everything back and promise to stay safely sheltered under his protection.

Yet I could not bring myself to do so.

I lifted my arms instead, winding them around his neck and pulling him into a soft, tender kiss that conveyed all the feelings I could not put into words.

When we parted, both breathing heavily from the intimate contact, I kept my forehead pressed against his and held him firmly by the nape.

"I had a plan," I murmured quietly. "I submitted the resignation letter to give you time to accept the idea. I planned to talk everything out with you thoroughly once I returned home that night at the Rose residence."

Arthur’s hands tightened around my waist, and he drew an unsteady breath. "But you never came home that night."

"No," I admitted. "Mrs. Rose needed my company. When I got back the next day, I waited for you to bring up the matter first. I lacked the courage to raise it myself."

I pulled back a little to meet his gaze directly, letting him see the earnestness in my eyes. "I give you my word, Arthur. I will stay cautious. I will only take minor cases for now—background checks, missing person inquiries, nothing involving violent criminals or mortal danger."

His expression stayed unchanged, showing no sign of softening, and anxiousness began to creep over me.

"If I pursue more complex cases later, once I gain enough experience and preparation, I will keep you informed of every detail. You will always know my progress, and you can help keep me safe."

A heavy, tense silence hung between us.

Just as I prepared to say more, he spoke.

"Fine."

The single word came out quietly, tinged with resignation, and my heart skipped a beat.

"What?"

"I said fine." Arthur raised his hands to cup my cheeks. "I love you. And because I love you, I will let you make your own choices, even when those choices fill me with dread."

Immense joy surged through my chest. Without further thought, I wrapped my legs around his waist and kissed him passionately with all my emotion.

Arthur instinctively held me steady, slipping his hands under my thighs to support my weight. He returned the kiss with equal passion, shedding all his suppressed restraint and pouring his deepest feelings into the embrace.

We eventually pulled apart, both gasping for breath. I remained nestled in his arms, my face buried against his neck.

"Thank you," I whispered against his skin. "Thank you for trusting me, for believing in me, for—"

"Do not thank me just yet," he interrupted in a hoarse voice. "I will be extremely strict about your safety. I will demand frequent updates and constant check-ins, and I will arrange security personnel to accompany you on every case."

I could not help but laugh, lifting my head to look at him. "I can accept those terms."

"Good." His grip on my thighs tightened, and a warm flush spread across my skin at his possessive hold. "You could do whatever you wished. I would keep you safe no matter what."

You could do whatever you wished.

A thought suddenly crossed my mind.

My face burned instantly, and I diverted my gaze from his intense stare. "A-Arthur, did you forget something?"

"Hmm?" Arthur’s voice dropped to that deep tone that always made my stomach flutter. "Forgot what?"

I could barely utter a word, sensing his hands brushing gently over my waist.

Just when I thought he was going to take me right there on the spot, he spoke.

"That after the engagement banquet ended, you could do anything you desired. That you would belong entirely to me, without reserve."