28 – The Point of No Return

28 – The Point of No Return

Ellie’s POV

I shouldn’t be here.

Adrien’s scent lingers on my skin, a sinful reminder of what I let happen.

I should leave.

But when I shift, trying to escape his hold, his grip tightens—even in sleep, he refuses to let me go.

My pulse stutters.

Last night wasn’t just another mistake. It was different.

I run my fingers through my hair, my body still aching from his touch. He had taken me apart so thoroughly, so ruthlessly, that I still felt the phantom sensation of his hands on me.

I exhale, forcing my mind to clear.

This is exactly why I can’t stay.

I carefully slip from beneath his arm, the sheets cool against my overheated skin. I slide out of bed, grab my dress, and reach for the door—

A deep, knowing voice stops me.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.”

I freeze.

Slowly, I turn.

Adrien is awake, propped on one elbow, watching me with that signature smirk that makes my stomach clench. His dark, predatory eyes roam over my body, like he’s already planning my next punishment.

I swallow hard. “I have work.”

He raises a brow. “And?”

I exhale sharply. “And I can’t spend all day in your bed.”

Adrien tilts his head, amusement flickering across his face. “Who said you were leaving?”

Before I can argue, a knock sounds at the door.

Adrien curses under his breath. His eyes darken, but he drags a hand through his hair and stands, pulling on his pants.

Another knock—louder this time.

Lucien’s voice carries through the heavy wood. “Adrien. You need to see this.”

Adrien sighs, then yanks the door open.

Lucien steps inside, his face unusually tense. He barely glances at me before handing Adrien a folder.

Adrien flips it open, scanning the contents. His expression shifts—a flicker of something lethal beneath the surface.

“What the fuck is this?”

Lucien hesitates. Then he says the name.

“It’s Liam.”

The world stops.

My breath catches, my fingers trembling slightly.

Liam.

I haven’t heard his name in weeks, haven’t let myself think about him.

Adrien notices my reaction immediately. His jaw locks, his gaze snapping to me.

Lucien clears his throat. “He just came into a large inheritance.”

Adrien’s fingers tighten around the folder. “How?”

Lucien exhales. “His estranged grandfather passed away. Left him everything.”

My chest tightens.

Liam—my Liam—was suddenly rich? So that was it. Inheritance.

Adrien’s voice is deadly calm. “And what is he planning to do with this newfound fortune?”

Lucien shifts uncomfortably. “That’s the problem.” He flicks his gaze toward me before returning to Adrien. “He wants to buy Ellie’s contract.”

A sharp silence falls over the room.

My breath shudders out. I clutch the edge of the desk behind me, my mind spinning.

Liam… wants me back?

Adrien lets out a slow, dark chuckle. “Is that right?”

Lucien nods. “And he’s not alone.”

Adrien’s amusement vanishes. “Explain.”

Lucien glances at me again, hesitating.

Adrien’s patience snaps. “Say it.”

Lucien sighs. “Lady Blake is backing him.”

Adrien’s entire body tenses.

“She’s using Liam to get to you. If he wins Ellie back, your contract means nothing.”

My heart pounds.

Liam… and Lady Blake?

It doesn’t make sense.

“Liam wouldn’t work with her,” I whisper, more to myself than anyone else.

Adrien’s eyes flick to me, sharp, assessing. “You still think he’s the same man you left behind?”

I hesitate.

Liam was good. Kind.

But now?

A man who suddenly inherits millions isn’t the same man who once held me under flickering streetlights, whispering promises he couldn’t keep.

Lucien shifts. “It doesn’t matter what Liam thinks he’s doing. Lady Blake wants him to challenge Adrien. And with his new money, he actually can.”

Adrien rolls his shoulders, a slow, dangerous movement.

“I’d like to see him try.”

Lucien exhales. “He’s already making moves. He’s assembling a team—lawyers, business strategists. He wants a public confrontation.”

My pulse jumps.

Adrien’s smirk returns, but it’s laced with menace. “Then I’ll give him one.”

Lucien gives a curt nod. “What’s the plan?”

Adrien turns to me.

My stomach tightens.

His gaze is unreadable, but I feel the possessiveness crackling between us.

“The plan?” His lips curl, his voice dripping with amusement.

He steps closer, until I have to tilt my head back to hold his gaze.

“The plan is simple,” he murmurs, his fingers brushing my jaw. “I remind Ellie exactly who she belongs to.”

Heat licks up my spine.

Lucien clears his throat. “Adrien—”

Adrien doesn’t look away from me. “I’ll deal with Liam. Personally.”

Lucien hesitates, then nods. “Understood.”

Adrien finally releases me, moving toward the door. He pauses in the doorway. “Ellie.”

I blink up at him, pulse erratic.

His smirk deepens. “Don’t go anywhere.”

Then he’s gone.

I exhale shakily, pressing a hand to my chest.

Liam.

He’s coming for me.

And for the first time… I don’t know if I want him to win.