The evening sky over Aridanne burned amber, then faded into deep violet. The mansion stood serene, almost untouched by the outside world. Inside, Ariana had just finished tidying her art room, a soft smile lingering as she looked at the scattered sketches and fresh canvases.
Her phone buzzed.
It was Damian.
"Are you still awake?" he asked, his voice low, controlled, a hint of steel beneath the warmth she loved.
"Yes," she replied softly. "I was just… putting things away."
"Good," he murmured. "Stay inside. I'll be home soon. Don't let anyone near you."
Ariana felt a shiver—half excitement, half worry. Damian had called like this before only when there was a threat.
---
Steel Corporation — Damian's Office
Damian hung up and rose from his chair. Mr. Sato was already waiting, his posture rigid, expression unreadable.
"Sir," Sato began, "the source behind the recent surveillance on Mrs. Steel has been identified. It's Lena Hart. She's attempting to leverage contacts within the media and certain business intermediaries to find her way near the mansion."
Damian's jaw tightened. His hands gripped the edge of the desk.
"How close?" he asked, voice calm but edged with danger.
"Several intermediaries have been intercepted," Sato replied. "She hasn't reached the mansion, but she is persistent. She may attempt direct contact tomorrow, or through other avenues."
Damian's eyes darkened. "She will not succeed. Not now, not ever."
"Yes, sir."
"And Sato…"
"Yes?"
"If she moves, I want the path cut completely. Anything. Anywhere she could reach her target—eliminate it quietly. Make her regret even thinking about Ariana."
Sato inclined his head. "Understood."
Damian turned, shoulders straight, mask of control back in place. But beneath the surface, his mind raced. He would protect her at any cost.
---
Mansion — Ariana's Evening
Ariana had begun a new painting when a soft knock at the door startled her.
"Mrs. Steel," Mr. Rowan's voice called through the doorway. "Delivery for you."
She opened the door and found a small, inconspicuous package. No markings. No sender.
Her heart fluttered.
She looked around, then carefully opened it. Inside was a single photograph: the mansion, taken from outside, its windows glowing warmly in the fading light. A note accompanied it, in delicate handwriting:
"I see you." — L.H.
Ariana's fingers trembled. Her stomach tightened.
Before panic could take hold, Mr. Sato appeared quietly behind her.
"Leave it," he instructed softly. "Do not touch anything further. Step away."
Ariana obeyed immediately. Her heart thudded in her chest.
---
Damian Returns
Moments later, the front door opened. Damian stepped inside, the air shifting immediately. Ariana instinctively stood straighter.
He noticed the package on the floor. His eyes narrowed.
"Show me," he commanded.
Ariana hesitated, then held it out. Damian took it, his fingers brushing hers.
He studied the photograph, then the note. The faintest flicker of fury darkened his features.
"They've found a weakness," he muttered under his breath, voice barely audible.
Ariana looked up. "Damian…"
His gaze softened instantly. He approached her slowly, gently taking her hands in his.
"No one will reach you," he said quietly, but every word carried the weight of absolute promise. "I won't allow it."
She leaned into him, heart racing. "I… I'm not afraid," she whispered.
"You should be careful," he said. "But I will be closer. Always."
He wrapped an arm around her, protective and possessive.
Even as the mansion's walls glowed in calm light, Damian's mind was already moving—planning, calculating, ensuring that tomorrow, no shadow would touch her.
And Lena Hart…
She would learn, sooner or later, that Damian Steel did not forgive. He did not forget. And he never, ever failed.