Chapter 59

I leaned back against the sofa, feeling my strength ebbing with each passing second. Until now, I’d believed the only real danger I faced was from those who lost their jobs because of me. I had never imagined someone would target me just to spite Hadrian.

“I… I don’t understand,” I mumbled. “Why would someone attack me just to get to the Lord Protector?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Lucian chuckled, a note of exasperation in his voice. “Hadrian was once in love with a human. Naturally, his enemies assume you’ve become important to him. You live in his castle and helped him take revenge on the Vexleys.”

“I still don’t get it. How does attacking me harm Hadrian?” I burst out, a panicked laugh escaping me despite myself.

Lucian gave me a look of pity before sighing. “Do you think Hadrian would lose his mind every time an employee was in danger? Let me make it plain: no, he wouldn’t. I’ve never seen him as enraged as he was when he called to tell me someone was after you.” He smirked, clearly enjoying my stunned expression.

Before I knew it, my heart fluttered, and heat crept into my cheeks. I told myself it was the blood bond, though deep down, I knew better. Whoever had told me about Hadrian’s reaction during the attack had left no doubt that he cared about me. My rational mind struggled to frame his behavior as calculated, but no explanation fit except one rooted in emotion. That made processing his actions even harder.

My anxieties returned as the flutter in my chest faded, leaving my mind to wander. If someone had planned to kill me and failed, it only meant they’d try again.

“Mr. Grimsby… I’ve been assigned bodyguards for my protection. Does that mean my life is in serious danger? Could there be another attack at the company?” My voice trembled as I asked.

“We don’t know that yet,” Lucian said, shaking his head.

“But if their plan fails, wouldn’t they just try again?” I asked, clinging to a thread of false hope.

“No, because they expected their plan to fail,” Lucian replied, his tone dashing any lingering delusions. “The Lord Protector and I suspect this attack was a test.”

“A test?” My voice cracked as I teetered on the edge of tears. “I nearly died in that test!”

“They’ve proven our security is vulnerable,” Lucian said through gritted teeth. “They managed to plant a spy under my nose, hijack our surveillance, and bribe bank workers. We need to identify them quickly because their next strike will be even bolder.”

“So… what happens now?” I asked hesitantly.

“Gareth assigned two of his best protégés to protect you. They’re highly skilled,” Lucian assured me. “From now on, one of them will be with you during work hours, no exceptions.”

“And if I need to pee?” I quipped, trying to lighten the tension in his voice.

“Then your bodyguard will inspect the bathroom,” he replied, smirking back.

Though the arrangement suffocated me, I promised to keep the bodyguards close, knowing I couldn’t rely on Hadrian to appear every time danger loomed. I had to stay vigilant, especially when he was away.

As I returned to my office, my unease grew with each step. The weight of my restlessness pressed down on me, and I desperately sought ways to calm myself. If not for the need to stay sharp, I’d have downed a glass of wine—or an entire bottle. Instead, I stuck to breathing exercises and meditation.

Work became my refuge, a temporary distraction from the lurking threats. Icarus, one of my assigned bodyguards, checked on me several times throughout the day, ensuring I was alive and well. His diligent presence was both reassuring and an unwelcome reminder of the danger shadowing me.

Three days of this routine left me mentally exhausted. At the castle, I couldn’t relax. I either longed for Hadrian, feared the blood bond’s hold over me, or was consumed by the anxiety of constantly looking over my shoulder.

Each day, I pestered Lucian for updates. “What about Peregrine? Did you find him?” I asked, clinging to hope.

“Yes, we found him,” Lucian said, his voice heavy.

“That’s great!” I began, but he cut me off.

“He’s dead.” Lucian’s words landed like a blow. “His body was found in a dumpster behind a strip club. His wrists and neck were slit, and he’d been drained of blood.”

I sank onto the sofa, a bitter smile on my lips. “Poor idiot. I suppose that wasn’t the reward he hoped for after all he did.”

“We hoped to find him alive. With Penrose’s abilities, we could’ve uncovered who’s behind all this,” Lucian said, his frustration palpable.

“So… what now?” I asked, desperation creeping into my voice.

“We wait and stay vigilant,” Lucian replied reluctantly.

His words offered no solace. My mind churned, searching for answers he might have overlooked, but the situation felt hopeless. Even my attempts to seek distraction failed—until Mireille’s email popped up.

“Coffee?” she wrote. “Ready for a break?”

A grin spread across my face as I typed back, “Meet you downstairs.”