Chapter 14

With her eye fixed on the engraved words on the gate, Lauren stood motionless in the hallway: "You can’t protect her forever." 

Wheeling closer to her, Alex stared at the icy words. Lauren could sense the storm building beneath his placid veneer, but his face was unreadable. 

"This is getting worse," she said, holding her arms tight as a shiver went through her. 

Alex's voice was rough and icy as he turned to face Dan. "I want the security staff to double right away. Bring in more security and ensure that Lauren is always watched. 

Dan gave a nod. I get it, sir. I will immediately coordinate with the team. 

Lauren turned to Alex as Dan walked away, her voice shaking. "Is this Jake again, in your opinion?" 

Alex's mouth clenched. "It is beyond question. He's clearly trying to use you to reach me with this message. 

Lauren was devastated. She didn't want to be the cause of Alex's increased stress. "Perhaps I should go for a bit," she said. "Until this passes." 

Alex's tone was forceful as his eyes met hers. "Definitely not. That's precisely what he desires. I will not allow you to leave my sight. 

Lauren nodded, but her chest still felt uneasy. A part of her felt relieved, but she couldn't get rid of the notion that this was far from done because she had never seen Alex so protective. 

Alex's study turned into a command center the following morning. Dan informed Alex of the most recent developments while guards filed in and out. Standing in the corner, Lauren watched the mayhem with a mixture of curiosity and fear. 

"Sir," Dan started, "we looked more closely at Jake's actions. He doesn't seem to be working alone. 

Alex's face grew serious. "What do you mean?" 

On Alex's desk, Dan put a file. "We discovered that Jake and... Melissa were communicating." 

Lauren's breathing became labored. Melissa? My sister? 

Dan gave a nod. Indeed. She appears to have been giving him information on your habits and movements. 

Alex clutched the armrests of his wheelchair, his knuckles whitened. That explains his ability to stay ahead of the game. Lauren, Melissa is betraying you. 

Lauren had nausea. Melissa had never been easy, but now? She had never imagined such a degree of treachery. 

Lauren's voice was unsteady but determined as she replied, "I need to talk to her." 

"No," Alex firmly stated. "Confronting her will only exacerbate the situation if she is working with Jake. Let me take care of this. 

Reluctantly, Lauren nodded, her head buzzing with inquiries. What was Melissa's duration of involvement? Why would she go to such lengths? 

Lauren was unable to restrain herself in spite of Alex's cautions. She asked Melissa to meet at a neighboring café when she contacted her that evening. Knowing that Alex would not approve, she kept it a secret. 

Melissa's typically arrogant face changed to one of interest upon her arrival. "Lauren," she said, slipping into the chair opposite from her, "what's so urgent?" 

Lauren didn't waste any time. Melissa, I am aware of what you have been up to. Collaborating with Jake? Giving him details about Alex and myself? 

Melissa's eyes narrowed after a moment of widening. "What if I am? Why is it important? Lauren, you've always been the goody-two-shoes. Perhaps you should study how the real world functions. 

Lauren balled her hands into fists. "You're endangering us." You're assisting someone who wants to ruin Alex, who is already coping with enough? 

Melissa grinned. "Oh, please. Alex is capable at managing himself. Furthermore, let's not pretend that you are innocent in any of this. You now play an equal role in his world. 

Lauren's voice lifted. "This isn't a game, Melissa! You're interfering with other people's life. 

Melissa's face became stern. "Lauren, you don't comprehend anything. You haven't. You don't own Alex, and your little arrangement won't work out. Savor it while you can. 

Melissa got up and left before Lauren could react, leaving her shaking with hurt and rage. She was aware that confronting her sister had been a mistake, but she also understood that there was no going back now. 

Alex was waiting for Lauren in the lobby when she got back to the mansion. His face was a mixture of worry and rage. 

He demanded to know where you had gone. 

After a moment of hesitation, Lauren answered, "I met with Melissa." 

Alex's eyes were blazing. "Lauren, I told you not to do that. Are you aware of the threat this poses? 

"I was forced to," Lauren protested. She's Alex, my sister. I had to hear it directly from her. 

"What did she say, too?" Alex inquired in a cold tone. 

Lauren let out a sigh. She acknowledged it. She and Jake are working together. However, she won't give up. 

Alex's voice was harsh and low as he wheeled closer to her. "Lauren, this is about more than just you. We are both impacted by every action you do. If you keep getting into trouble, I can't keep you safe. 

Tears clouded Lauren's eyes. "Alex, I apologize. I didn't intend to exacerbate the situation. 

Alex stretched out to grab her hand as his look softened a little. "Just tell me you'll pay attention the next time." I can't risk losing you. 

Lauren nodded, the vulnerability in his words making her heart ache. "I swear." 

Later that evening, Dan, his face white, rushed into his study as Alex and Lauren were going over surveillance tape. 

"Sir," he replied anxiously, "we have a problem." Earlier, one of the guards noticed Melissa close to the gate. We think it was Jake she was speaking to. 

Alex's face became lethal. "Now, where is she?" 

"She's gone," said Dan. "But we discovered this." He gave Alex a tiny gadget. 

Lauren's stomach fell as she leaned in closer. "What is it?" 

Alex's tone was solemn. "A tracking gadget. She has been supporting Jake at every turn. 

As the reality dawned on Lauren, her breath caught. Melissa was the secret to everything, not just a participant. Furthermore, the threat had increased to a point where neither of them could ignore it.