Chapter 10

Lauren kept thinking about the note that was left at the gate to the mansion. While she sat in the dining room, gazing at her unfinished meal, the words, "Stay away from Alex, or you'll regret it," kept repeating in her head.

Alex came in with a composed expression on his face, but his eyes showed worry. Rolling his wheelchair toward her, he added, "You didn't eat." "Lauren, you must maintain your strength."

Lauren gave him a quick look while speaking quietly. When someone tries to harm us, how can I remain strong? It's no longer just about you, Alex. They are also aiming for me.

Alex's palm covered hers as he reached out. "I will not permit anything to occur to you. I have requested additional security. Dan has already increased the number of patrols surrounding the estate by twofold.

Lauren nodded, but her uneasiness was obvious. "What if it's insufficient? What happens if Jake manages to get past them?

Alex's eyes grew gloomy. "Lauren, Jake won't prevail. I'll see to that. But you must have faith in me.

After a moment of hesitation, Lauren gripped his hand. "I have faith in you. I simply I'm afraid.

Alex's eyes grew softer. "I understand. But I will always keep you safe.

Dan grimaced as he visited Alex's study later that day. We've discovered something, sir. It has to do with the note.

Wheeling toward the desk, Alex did so. "What is it?"

Dan set a folder on the desk and took out the surveillance pictures. We were able to identify the handwriting on the note as belonging to someone who knew Jake. However, there is more.

Lauren entered after listening in silence from the doorway. "What else?" she inquired.

Dan paused, looking at Alex, then went on. The note-delivery guy is employed at the hospital where Lauren's mother underwent surgery. Jake has been observing her for longer than we initially believed.

Lauren felt a knot in her stomach. Do you imply that he has been pursuing me? Even before my arrival here?

Alex balled his fists. "It means precisely that. Jake's fixation on ruining me has now spread to you.

Legs weak, Lauren sat down. Why would he act in this way? What benefits does he get from harming us?

Alex's face was serious. Jake wants more than just to harm me. He wants to destroy everything important to me. And you are now included in that.

Dan cleared his throat. "There's more, sir. We think Jake might have bought off an insider. Information may be seeping from a staff member at the mansion.

Lauren's eyes grew wide. "A traitor? Is there anyone here?

Alex's tone was icy. "Identify who it is. Bring them to me when you're done.

Lauren and Alex had supper together that night. Unspoken tension pervaded the air. As the crew walked around the dining area, Alex's scepticism was apparent as his eyes darted toward them.

"Do you believe that we could be betrayed by someone here?" Lauren asked quietly.

With a quiet voice, Alex nodded. "Jake has previously utilized a close friend or relative to gain access to me. Don't worry, though. We'll locate them.

Lauren's appetite was gone, and she pushed her food around on her plate. "Alex, I'm not sure how you handle this. It's tiring to deal with the treachery and the ongoing threats.

Alex put his hand over hers and reached across the table. "Lauren, you underestimate your strength. And you're not the only one. Together, we will confront it.

One of the maids came in with a message before Lauren could reply. She handed it to Alex and added, "This just arrived at the gate, sir."

Gazing at the page, Alex opened the note. He crumpled the paper in his fist and his face clouded. Jake is attempting to frighten us once more. However, it won't function.

Lauren's tone faltered. "What was said?"

Alex paused before responding. "The clock is ticking," it stated.

Lauren had trouble falling asleep later that night. Her mind was a mixture of confusion and terror as she wandered the mansion's halls. She hesitated before knocking outside Alex's study.

Alex's voice called from inside, "Come in."

Lauren came in with her arms about her body. "I had trouble sleeping," she acknowledged.

Alex's eyes softened as he raised his head from his desk. "I couldn't either."

She approached, her gaze drawn to the worried lines on his face. Do you ever grow weary of this, Alex? Of having to battle all the time?

Leaning back in his chair, Alex stared at her. "Occasionally. However, I have no other option. And you don't know either.

Lauren took a step forward, her voice almost audible above a whisper. "Alex, I'm afraid. I'm not sure if I can pull this off.

Alex's hand touched hers as he extended his arm. "You can. You underestimate your strength.

The tension between them temporarily vanished as their eyes locked. With his hand on her waist, Alex drew her in closer. Lauren, you don't need to be scared. Not with me.

His touch sent a chill down Lauren's spine, causing her breath to catch. Her lips brushed his as she drew closer. Initially hesitant, the kiss soon intensified as their feelings overflowed.

The world outside didn't matter for a few lovely moments. Only the two of them were there, comforting one another in their arms.

Dan's face was white when he stormed into Alex's study the following morning. "We have located the traitor, sir."

Alex's gaze grew strained. "Who is it?"

Dan paused, then responded. It's Clara. Jake has been receiving information on the household from her.

Lauren was devastated. "Clara? But her kindness has always been there. Why would she act in this way?

On the desk, Dan set a little recording device. This was discovered in her quarters. It contains a wealth of information about your conversations, security procedures, and schedules.

Alex's mouth clenched. Bring her to me. Right now.

Lauren turned to Alex, her voice shaking, as Dan went out to get Clara. "How are you going to treat her?"

Alex had a cold look on his face. "I'll stop at nothing to prevent her from harming us in the future."

Fear squeezed Lauren's chest. She had put her trust in Clara, and now it was broken. While Alex readied himself for the encounter, Lauren couldn't get rid of the sense that this betrayal was only the beginning.