Rain pelted against the mansion windows as Jenna worked late into the night, polishing a new set of earrings. Richard entered silently, closing the door behind him.
"You're still awake?" he asked softly, his voice uncharacteristically gentle.
"Yes," she murmured. "I'm almost done with these designs."
He approached and watched her work in silence, noticing the meticulous care she took with each gem. Finally, he spoke, voice low and vulnerable: "Jenna… I've realized something. I… I can't ignore how I feel anymore."
Jenna froze. Her heart raced. "What do you mean?"
"I mean," he paused, struggling for the right words, "that you're not just collateral to me. You've… changed something inside me."
The weight of his confession settled between them, heavy yet electrifying. For a moment, the storm outside seemed to pale in comparison to the storm of emotions inside the room.
Before either could continue, a faint sound echoed through the hallway — Diana's laugh, cruel and sharp. Richard's expression hardened. "Go to your room," he instructed Jenna, protective, yet furious.
Though frustrated, Jenna obeyed. Her mind was spinning with confusion and hope. Richard McDonald, the ruthless CEO, had admitted that she mattered — and yet, danger still loomed.