Savannah gracefully walked down the stairs wearing a red spaghetti-strap floral fitted maxi dress paired with white satin kitten-heel pumps. She likes to dress up, even without any occasion, even if she's just at home. For her, dressing stylishly creates a fierce and intimidating vibe. Especially now, her visitor is no ordinary person.
"I heard what happened, Sav! Are you alright?" She could barely stop herself from rolling her eyes when she heard the words of her Uncle Marlon's wife, Mathilda. As usual, she was dressed in an extravagant outfit and adorned with jewelry. She arrived early at her Grandpa Salvattier's mansion upon hearing the news about the incident at the company. She's fast to heard it. But why am I surprised? she has eyes and ears in the company. My company. "Good morning, Aunt Mathilda," she greeted the woman without a smile. Mathilda approached and kissed her on the cheek, even holding onto her elbows, while Savannah's hands remained at her sides. "You are early. The household staff hasn't prepared any food," she added as the woman stepped back. Mathilda's face still displayed a fake concern for her. But Savannah wasn't fooled; she knew exactly why Mathilda was showing concern now. And she wouldn't be convinced by her act. She knows her well. "Oh, dear. It's okay. I even brought breakfast! I already gave it to one of the maids," Mathilda said, glancing at a household staff member nearby. Savannah followed her gaze. The maid in question was Helen, a forty-five-year-old who had worked at her grandfather's mansion for ten years. She was looking down, her hands clasped together and trembling with fear. "They already prepared our breakfast in the garden! I invited Papa, but it seems he's still sleeping. I had one of the maids call him, but there's no response." Hearing that made Savannah anxious. Her grandfather was a morning person, always up early. How come he was still asleep now? Automatically, she glanced at the clock to her left. (8:30 am.) It's late! Usually he woke up at 5:00-6:00 am! Savannah felt nervous. She had become paranoid since returning and living with her grandfather, constantly checking on him even when he was just resting at the mansion. "You go ahead to the garden, Aunt Mathilda. I forgot something in my room, I'll just get it," she said, but the truth was she was going to check on her grandfather. "Huh? I'll wait for you—" "No, please, go ahead," Savannah insisted, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'll join you shortly." "No, you go ahead. I'll be quick," Savannah insisted. Then she turned to Helen, who was just waiting for a command, "Helen, please accompany Aunt Mathilda." "S-Sure, Ma'am." As Savannah turned and headed to the second floor, her Aunt Mathilda had no choice but to follow Helen. Savannah took large strides toward her grandfather's room. She almost tripped when she reached the second floor, but that didn't stop her even for a second. When she reached her grandfather's door, she didn't bother knocking and immediately turned the doorknob. "Grandpa!" As soon as she entered, she was greeted by a loud noise. She let out a sigh of relief when she saw her grandfather lying on the bed, playing on his phone. "Oh, my dear. What are you doing here?" he asked, not even looking at her because his eyes were focused on his game. (So, that's the reason why he hasn't come down yet?! I thought something bad happened!) Because her grandfather usually woke up early, she was worried! Unless! he's just playing! Savannah couldn't help but sigh and shake her head. But in her mind, she was thankful that her Grandpa Salvattier was fine. "I know that look, my dear. I am fine. We're inside the mansion, and my room has CCTVs. If something bad happened to me, even if it's a heart attack, my people would know. They're monitoring us," he replied, getting up from the bed. He also placed his cellphone on the side table. "I was just worried, Grandpa. Aunt Mathilda said she had a maid call you, but you didn't respond. I'm sorry. I overreacted." The old Williamson nodded and patted her shoulder. "Well, you see, I was busy playing a game, and in moments like that, I can't be easily disturbed. Besides, it's just your Aunt Mathilda. She's not that important." That's when he grinned. Savannah let out a deep breath. Her grandfather could be stubborn, but he was right; when it came to his games, he was hard to interrupt. But she's happy because he found something enjoyable. "I'll go down now, Grandpa. I just checked on you because I was worried. I'll go to Aunt Mathilda in the garden; she's waiting, and we'll have breakfast together. How about you?" she asked. Her grandfather shrugged and shook his head. There was a serious expression on his face as he looked at her. He will never forget what Mathilda and Marlon did to her when she became the CEO. They tried to ruin her in front of the board members. "It's too early to ruin my mood. You know my mood will be ruined if I hear or see your Aunt Mathilda. I thought I made it clear to them that I don't want to see her and Marlon in my house after what they did to you." She didn't immediately respond. Her grandfather was referring to what happened at the company, how her Uncle Marlon and Aunt Mathilda still tried to prevent her from becoming CEO. (But, they didn't succeed.) "I'm just being accommodating, Grandpa. And... I will be careful," she replied. Salvattier nodded at her. When Savannah said her goodbyes again, her grandfather also said he would come down and greet Mathilda. She smiled because she knew her grandfather would only do that for her. He's sweet but only to her! "Don't play too much game, Grandpa, your eyes willl hurt," she said before turning away and her grandfather just laughed. Her grandfather entered the bathroom while she walked to leave his room. But Savannah was surprised when she opened the door of his room and was greeted by the face of her bodyguard. "Good morning, Ma'am."She almost gasped! Unlike yesterday, with all-black outfits, he was wearing a white fitted shirt and faded jeans. He looked very casual, not at all like a bodyguard on a secret mission!And he looked so good!"Yes? Do you need something from Grandpa?" she asked, trying not to show that she was mesmerized by his appearance again. But as she looked at her handsome bodyguard and waited for his response, she couldn't help but glance at his face.She noticed that his hair was down, and it looked soft. She felt the urge to comb it to see if it was silky. But of course, no! That couldn't happen, it was just a passing thought! (Your thoughts are unbelievable, Savannah!)"I'm waiting for you, Ma'am."Oh, it's her! That actually surprised her but before she could ask why, she glanced behind him, at one of the household staff—Helen. Savannah remembered her Aunt Mathilda, who was surely waiting in the garden. (I almost forgot.)"Did you come here to escort me downstairs?" she asked Ace. When he n
After Mathilda's visit to Savannah's mansion, her grandfather spoke to her again in the study room to report the fire incident at her company. The work was clean, no traces left. That's what he said. He also showed her the CCTV footage. A dark-skinned man. Completely covered, hardly recognizable. Savannah wondered how he managed to enter her company. It's too suspicious.Savannah knew her grandfather wouldn't overlook this easily, especially since her life was in danger. She immediately thought of her Aunt Mathilda, but this time, her chances of being the culprit, or even her Uncle Marlon, were low. She had a few rival companies, and she had fired employees who did harm to her company.Many could be out to harm her now, and she didn't want to accuse anyone without enough evidence.(But Aunt Mathilda went here because she already knows she's on the list of suspects. There's no other reason. She showed up before being interrogated to avoid looking guilty.)She played with the pen in her
Savannah is not the type of woman who would make a move just to get a man to notice her. She's not like those eager girls, and aside from that, in the past few years, she hasn't been interested in any man. No one caught her attention or even elicited a mere 'crush'. She was focused on herself, on how she would be strong to defend herself because of the threats to her family.Since her parents died, she trained herself to become mentally and physically strong, so romantic relationships never crossed her mind. Her grandfather never introduced any man to her either. He's strict when it comes to men; he once said he wouldn't just choose any man for her, and arranged marriage is not something he'd consider. He doesn't want to influence her in that way either.That's why she's thankful, but if ever he does introduce someone, she won't readily agree.Savannah sighed softly after she adjusted the curtain by the window of her room. She's looking down. She watched the workers in the Lanai. Her
Every time Savannah attempts to expose herself to the crowd, or even just in the company lounge where the employees are, as per her psychiatrist's consent, she really can't handle it. Her whole body starts to shake, she doesn't even realize she's having difficulty breathing, and her vision starts to blur. All she can think about is that at any moment, someone will attack her.What happened in the past still haunts her. Sometimes, when she closes her eyes, she sees her parents' bloodied bodies."It takes time, Ma'am Savannah, your condition is not easy," her secretary said with concern. She nodded and took the spoon."Yeah, but I should try... I need to try harder," she replied.Savannah glanced at the spoon, her eyes fixed on the plastic utensil, and a memory suddenly flashed in her mind. The scene where Ace held her hand and fed her."M-Ma'am, why? Is the spoon dirty?" Marina asked, picking up the dropped spoon and promptly throwing it in the trash.Savannah took a deep breath, shoo
Savannah shut her laptop down after hearing her secretary's purpose for rushing to the mansion early in the morning. It was only 9:30 am when she arrived, and she appeared less troubled than before, but her face still showed irritation."If they want to see me, then they should set a meeting, Marina. One by one. I can't just go to the company and meet all of them. They knew my rules. I don't just face a crowd of people. What changed their decision now, and why do they want me to attend after the incident?" Savannah's patience was tested early in the day. The board of directors wanted to discuss the fire incident at the company, and of course, her grandfather was part of the discussion. But she knew he wasn't one of those who wanted her to go to the company.Her secretary even shared the desires of some other directors. While most of them were on her side, there were a few still siding with her Aunt Mathilda. It was baffling how they still believed Mathilda could manage the company be
The old Williamson's voice was full of sadness, he felt hopeless while looking at his granddaughter. There was pity in his eyes as he watched Savannah clenching her fists, tears welling up."Did you agree to let me come back because you've accepted that my parents' case is going to be closed? That's why you're not as afraid anymore to make me come back."He shook his repeatedly. But that's what came to Savannah's mind. Also, her grandfather made her the CEO, after the threats her late father received before. She smiled faintly and slightly bowed her head."You transferred the company in my name after I came back, grandpa. How can you make me believe that right now?""Savannah, you are the only person I trust! I need someone trustworthy to handle my wealth, and I believe you can manage it now. You've grown brave, smart, and not easily influenced by anyone. I trust you more than anyone else, even though your Uncle Marlon knows more about the company, I trust you.""And this is also my w
Savannah woke up with a pounding headache. She slowly sat up, recalling what happened. She glanced at her right hand and noticed an IV attached to it. It seemed she had lost consciousness after the attack. This was one of her problems while living in Hawaii; whenever she experienced an anxiety attack, she sometimes lost consciousness. But her Nana Pransya was always by her side to take care of her, along with her butler. But this time... who was with her?She then looked around, immediately searching for her Nana Pransya. But her gaze stopped when she saw who was sitting and sleeping on the nearby sofa.It wasn't her Nana... but Ace, her personal bodyguard. He was sitting there, slouched over, while asleep. Savannah felt a pang in her heart as she looked at him. He hadn't even laid down on the long sofa. He was sitting as if waiting for her to wake up."Did he stay here? since... yesterday?"As she whispered to herself, she suddenly looked at her bedside table, at her clock, and saw t
Savannah gazed at her bodyguard for a few seconds, and just as she was about to pull away, Ace suddenly grasped her waist and drew her closer."W-What..." she exclaimed, taken aback as she found herself held firmly in his strong arms. His gaze had changed, the look of respect replaced by a smirk. Savannah felt his grip tighten around her waist."You are really stubborn. Aren't you afraid of your health? You're weak, aren't you?" he questioned her. As much as she enjoyed being this close to him, she felt a twinge of fear. What if he could hear the rapid beating of her heart?"I am not feeling weak. Do I look weak to you in this condition? This IV..." She raised her hand and forecfully removed while still held close by Ace. After she was done she brought it to her face."Fck, Savannah!" he scolded her, but she just smiled and gently caressed his cheek."I don't get sick easily. What happened is normal for me; I'll be fine after some rest. So, don't worry too much about me, bodyguard,"
Savannah swallowed nervously because Ace didn't seem to be in a good mood. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly. But wait a minute! She's the boss here, right? Why does he seem to be acting like he's the boss with that question and his current attitude?Savannah straightened up and withdrew her hand, folding her arms in front of Ace."What do you mean, what am I still doing here? This is our mansion. I'm just getting some fresh air. I'm relaxing because that's what my doctor advised."He just returned now. And where did he come from? He didn't inform her. He didn't say he was going anywhere.(But does he need to inform me?)"Don't go out when I'm not around. Even though you're inside the mansion and there are guards, it's still not safe for you to be alone."(What?)She was alarmed by what she heard from Ace. She lowered her hands and approached him."What... what do you mean? Are there enemies here too? Did someone enter the mansion?" she asked rapidly. She also looked around, seeing no o
Ace didn't come back that whole day, and Savannah wanted to ask her grandfather about the man. She spent almost the entire day outside, waiting for Ace's return. She walked around the mansion with Marina following her. She's in the backyard. It was windy, and it made her feel better, so she kept walking.Her secretary never left her side, just as her grandfather had instructed. She didn't work today either because she was banned from her own office and her doctor had advised her to rest. The whole day she was just walking, watching the birds fly. She was holding her phone, but she didn't have anything to do with it.She's bored."Ma'am Savannah, it's almost five in the afternoon, would you like something to drink? Hot chocolate? Milk?"She just raised her hand to stop Marina. She also doesn't need someone who will take care of her. She's already feeling fine."Go back home, Marina. Tomorrow, come early to the company and tell the board members that I'll be back next week to talk to th
Savannah was the only one who knows what happened—about her dream, yet she felt like many others knew about it. That's how she felt now, out of sheer embarrassment. She couldn't believe she had that kind of dream.She had never fantasized, not even about celebrities! And there were many handsome men who tried to get her attention and wanted to court her. She never ever had a dream like this before!(It was wild. And I can't believe I'm even saying what I wanted Ace to do!)Several minutes of silence passed. Savannah kept scolding herself in her mind because of that dream. She still couldn't believe it. She didn't even watch hot romance movies! or read steamy stories! and she also never had her first kiss.(Even in my dreams! I haven't!)Her attraction to the man was just too much.(But I am not that desperate!)In those last thoughts she had, Savannah wondered if she really wasn't. In the past few days, she had been sneaking glances at her bodyguard. Also, she got annoyed when she saw
Savannah thought it would end with just a few kisses from her handsome bodyguard, but it turned out differently. He then went back and kissed her lips. This time, it wasn't slow like before. She matched Ace's lip movements as they kissed."Open your mouth, baby..." he whispered after pulling away from their kiss for a moment, and Savannah, not following anyone's lead because she was actually giving the orders, parted her lips in response.She obeyed. She opened her mouth for him. And then Ace resumed kissing her, going for her tongue, invading her mouth."H-Hmmm..."And while he kissed her, his hands slipped inside her nightwear. Savannah gasped and pulled on the man's hair when she felt his palms on her thighs, moving upward.Everything was happening so fast while they kissed. She didn't even notice that she wasn't wearing her bra anymore. In an instant, Ace stripped her of all her garments."Fckng beautiful..." the man looked at her with desire. She was silent, unable to believe tha
Savannah gazed at her bodyguard for a few seconds, and just as she was about to pull away, Ace suddenly grasped her waist and drew her closer."W-What..." she exclaimed, taken aback as she found herself held firmly in his strong arms. His gaze had changed, the look of respect replaced by a smirk. Savannah felt his grip tighten around her waist."You are really stubborn. Aren't you afraid of your health? You're weak, aren't you?" he questioned her. As much as she enjoyed being this close to him, she felt a twinge of fear. What if he could hear the rapid beating of her heart?"I am not feeling weak. Do I look weak to you in this condition? This IV..." She raised her hand and forecfully removed while still held close by Ace. After she was done she brought it to her face."Fck, Savannah!" he scolded her, but she just smiled and gently caressed his cheek."I don't get sick easily. What happened is normal for me; I'll be fine after some rest. So, don't worry too much about me, bodyguard,"
Savannah woke up with a pounding headache. She slowly sat up, recalling what happened. She glanced at her right hand and noticed an IV attached to it. It seemed she had lost consciousness after the attack. This was one of her problems while living in Hawaii; whenever she experienced an anxiety attack, she sometimes lost consciousness. But her Nana Pransya was always by her side to take care of her, along with her butler. But this time... who was with her?She then looked around, immediately searching for her Nana Pransya. But her gaze stopped when she saw who was sitting and sleeping on the nearby sofa.It wasn't her Nana... but Ace, her personal bodyguard. He was sitting there, slouched over, while asleep. Savannah felt a pang in her heart as she looked at him. He hadn't even laid down on the long sofa. He was sitting as if waiting for her to wake up."Did he stay here? since... yesterday?"As she whispered to herself, she suddenly looked at her bedside table, at her clock, and saw t
The old Williamson's voice was full of sadness, he felt hopeless while looking at his granddaughter. There was pity in his eyes as he watched Savannah clenching her fists, tears welling up."Did you agree to let me come back because you've accepted that my parents' case is going to be closed? That's why you're not as afraid anymore to make me come back."He shook his repeatedly. But that's what came to Savannah's mind. Also, her grandfather made her the CEO, after the threats her late father received before. She smiled faintly and slightly bowed her head."You transferred the company in my name after I came back, grandpa. How can you make me believe that right now?""Savannah, you are the only person I trust! I need someone trustworthy to handle my wealth, and I believe you can manage it now. You've grown brave, smart, and not easily influenced by anyone. I trust you more than anyone else, even though your Uncle Marlon knows more about the company, I trust you.""And this is also my w
Savannah shut her laptop down after hearing her secretary's purpose for rushing to the mansion early in the morning. It was only 9:30 am when she arrived, and she appeared less troubled than before, but her face still showed irritation."If they want to see me, then they should set a meeting, Marina. One by one. I can't just go to the company and meet all of them. They knew my rules. I don't just face a crowd of people. What changed their decision now, and why do they want me to attend after the incident?" Savannah's patience was tested early in the day. The board of directors wanted to discuss the fire incident at the company, and of course, her grandfather was part of the discussion. But she knew he wasn't one of those who wanted her to go to the company.Her secretary even shared the desires of some other directors. While most of them were on her side, there were a few still siding with her Aunt Mathilda. It was baffling how they still believed Mathilda could manage the company be
Every time Savannah attempts to expose herself to the crowd, or even just in the company lounge where the employees are, as per her psychiatrist's consent, she really can't handle it. Her whole body starts to shake, she doesn't even realize she's having difficulty breathing, and her vision starts to blur. All she can think about is that at any moment, someone will attack her.What happened in the past still haunts her. Sometimes, when she closes her eyes, she sees her parents' bloodied bodies."It takes time, Ma'am Savannah, your condition is not easy," her secretary said with concern. She nodded and took the spoon."Yeah, but I should try... I need to try harder," she replied.Savannah glanced at the spoon, her eyes fixed on the plastic utensil, and a memory suddenly flashed in her mind. The scene where Ace held her hand and fed her."M-Ma'am, why? Is the spoon dirty?" Marina asked, picking up the dropped spoon and promptly throwing it in the trash.Savannah took a deep breath, shoo