Helen's POV
The car pulled up in front of the company. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. Derick didn't speak, didn't even glance at me. His silence pressed against my skin like a weight I couldn't shrug off.
"I don't think you need to be my bodyguard," I said finally, voice sharp.
I don't need you and I can manage on my own.
"You can," he said, low, "but you shouldn't."
I ignored him, stepping out. The city buzzed around us, oblivious to the storm following me inside. Derick's presence behind me was unmistakable, though. Not threatening yet. Just… owning the space, owning me.
The elevator ride was quiet, save for the soft ding as we reached the top floor. Every step toward my office felt heavier than the last, my heels clacking in sharp, precise rhythms. And then I saw him. Silas, my stepfather sitting in my chair. Leaning back, hands behind his head, smirk wide as if he owned the company. My chest tightened, anger flaring hot. I hadn't expected this. Not today.
Tessa!!!, she came running in like some one that has ran a marathon race
Why did you allow him and why didn't you call me
Ma, I tried cal…
Get out, I don't want to listen to the Jargon she has to say.
My breath came in jagged bursts. I didn't know what to say; it was already turning into a nightmare. When would I ever have a peaceful life? Tears pricked my eyes, but I blinked quickly, refusing to let him see me break. I sniffed, forcing myself to stay composed.
Derick moved silently behind me, close enough that I could feel the heat radiating off him. His hand brushed lightly against the small of my back, enough to make my pulse skip. I wanted to shove him away, but I didn't. Not yet.
You're early," I said, keeping my voice steady, though every muscle in me wanted to snap.
My mother had told me he was going to be back to the company but not quickly like this, not with the situation the company is in right now , which will make me think I'm not competent to lead my father's company.
What the hell are you doing here and what gave you the guts to think you can just come to my office.
You have no ri….
"I have every right," he interrupted smoothly. "I handle things here when you're not here. Take a seat Helen, or we waste time arguing."
He stood up from my seat knowing fully well that it doesn't belong to him and it will never
Derick's hand pressed lightly on my shoulder. Just enough to remind me he was here, watching, protecting… My stomach twisted with frustration
"Don't touch me," I hissed, twisting slightly. He never even try to defend me or say something, he was quiet
He didn't move. He stood there like something carved from stone, steady and unshaken.
Silas chuckled, leaning forward. "Ah, so this is the new shadow. Impressive. But I wonder how long that loyalty will last."
"Loyalty isn't a question," Derick said quietly, voice like steel. "It's understood."
Silas' eyes flicked to him. The arrogance slipped for a second and I saw something close to fear surfaced. For the first time in five years, I saw it. That alone was victory.
"Now," I said, gripping the edge of the desk,will you explain why you are in my office?"
He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other. "I was going through those documents, I looked down to see it was the document of products that was leaked out. Making sure nothing is out of order. After all, someone has to handle the chaos while you're busy pretending to run a company."
"Pretending?" I snapped, standing straighter, heels digging into the tiled floor
Derick shifted behind me, I held him to stop him from moving towards Silas, I knew he would step in if things got out of hand."
My step father's smirk returned. "Don't tell me you brought him for protection. Afraid of a little confrontation?" or is it one of your call boys?"
I bristled. "He's not here for that. He's here if you crossed the line"
"I will handle this," Derick said in a low dangerous tone as he moved me to his back
Silas straightened, sensing how serious Derick was as he moved closer to him, for a short man like Silas, he doesn't have any chance with him. For the first time in five years, I could see fear in his eyes.
Not bad I hired him as my bodyguard even though he forcefully wanted to be one.
"I see," he said slowly. "So the little protector isn't just decoration."
I ignored him, turning slightly to face Derick. His gaze met mine.
If you don't leave this office right now, you would regret the day you knew this company, Derick snarled.
"Out".
He leaned forward, that arrogant curl returning to his lips. "You're a child playing CEO, Helen. Hiding behind muscle won't save you. Go live your youth. Leave this to people who understand power."
I straightened, jaw tight. "I'm never leaving. And this company is mine.
After he left, the office was back to silence.
Why didn't you allow me to handle him, Derick snapped.
I arched my brow, your only job is to protect me , not meddle in my family's business.
You are mine, so whatever happens to you becomes my problem. You don't tell me when to draw the line.
Is he serious right now? You can go back to your post, when I need you I will call you. I need to get to work.
"I'll watch you while you work. I can't leave, you never know what might happen in my absence. So do your job while I stand here."
I cleared my throat and focused on my papers, heat curling inside me despite the cold air from the AC. How was I supposed to work with his eyes glued to me like a magnet?
"Can you stop staring and standing there like a statue? You can just sit on the couch," I snapped.
He didn't move. His presence was a weight I couldn't shake, and arguing felt useless, like pouring water into a basket. I forced myself to bend over the papers, fingers trembling slightly as I continued working.
I heard a knock on the door, come in
Reid appeared. He glanced at Derick, the way their eyes made feel suspicious.
I overlooked it, why are you here?
Here ma, he dropped a document.
I found the person who leaked our product's sample to Kane Industry.