The walls of Stone Tech were alive with motion. Emilia moved through the corridors, heels clicking rhythmically, as team members fell into step with her for the morning meeting. Her return had revitalized the entire company. Investors were paying attention again, and competitors were watching closely .
By the time Emilia entered the boardroom, her executive team was already seated. The agenda included an update on new patents, expansion plans, and most prominently—a meeting request from Adrian Wolfe.
Tasha handed her a fresh folder. Compiled everything you asked for on Adrian, she whispered as she took her seat beside her.
Emilia opened it slowly, scanning the pages.
Adrian Wolfe.
Founder and CEO of Titan Dynamics. Known for his charming yet ruthless demeanor in business. Former military intelligence. Clean-cut public image. Rumors of underground deals, data theft, and even insider manipulation swirled beneath the polished surface. Nothing concrete, of course—but where there was smoke, Emilia had learned, there was often fire.
She set the file down and folded her hands. Schedule the meeting, she said evenly. But keep it on neutral ground. I don't want him inside this building yet.
Tasha nodded, but her lips pressed into a thin line. You don't trust him?
I trust him to want something. And I want to know exactly what that is.
---
At the workshop, Sebastian stood by the open hood of a classic Ford Mustang, wrench in hand, but his mind was far from engines and bolts. Sarah's visit yesterday had stirred something he didn't expect: resentment and confusion.
She had barely changed. Still poised Still cool. But there was a nervous energy about her this time, as though she was desperate but trying not to show it.
I'm not here to win you back, she'd said. I need help.
Help. That word had echoed in his mind all night. She hadn't revealed much, only that she'd gotten herself into a situation involving people she shouldn't have crossed. And that now… someone might come looking.
He hadn't told Emilia. Not yet. And that silence was already eating at him.
He wiped the grease from his hands and grabbed his phone. A new message.
SARAH: I swear I'm not lying. If they find out I came to you… it'll be bad for all of us.
Sebastian's thumb hovered over the delete button. But he didn't press it.
---
That evening, Emilia returned home to a chorus of laughter and tiny feet pattering across the hardwood floors. Hope ran toward her first, arms wide, her tiny curls bouncing.
Momma! she squealed.
Elian followed, dragging a wooden toy plane behind him.
Hey, my angels. Emilia dropped her bag and knelt to hug them both. Did you miss me?
Hope nodded, resting her head on Emilia's shoulder. Daddy made squishy noodles.
Squishy? Emilia laughed. Remind me to check the kitchen.
In the living room, Sebastian emerged, holding two cups of tea.
Hey, love. He leaned in to kiss her forehead. Rough day?
Eventful, she murmured. We'll talk after bedtime.
He nodded, but a flicker of hesitation passed behind his eyes.
And she noticed.
---
Later that night, after the twins were fast asleep, Emilia and Sebastian sat on the couch. Rain tickled the windows, and the warm scent of tea filled the room.
I scheduled the meeting with Adrian Wolfe, Emilia said, breaking the silence. Neutral ground. But I want you with me.
Sebastian looked up, caught off guard. Me?
You know how to read people. And you can sense threats before they appear. I trust you.
He reached over and took her hand, grateful. But the weight on his chest didn't lift.
I need to tell you something, he finally said.
Her expression sobered instantly. What is it?
He swallowed hard. Sarah came to see me. Yesterday.
Emilia blinked. Once. Twice.
Sarah... your ex?
He nodded. Says she's in trouble. She didn't give much detail. Just… that whatever she's caught in might come looking for me. For us.
Emilia was silent for a long moment.
Then, calmly, she asked, Do you believe her?
I don't know, he admitted. But I don't want to take chances.
She reached for his hand again and squeezed. We'll handle it. Together.
And just like that, the tension dissolved—for now.
Outside, thunder rolled softly in the distance.
And somewhere else, in a dim-lit penthouse, Adrian Wolfe stood at his window, watching the storm.
He took a slow sip of his scotch and turned toward his assistant.
Keep tabs on her, he said. I want everything on Emilia Stone. Including the man she married.