CHAPTER 20

The chilling message carved into the tree left Fiona and Darwin on edge. The implication was clear—William and Bella weren’t just scheming; they were closing in. Despite the heightened security and precautions, the threat felt omnipresent, like a shadow following Fiona’s every step.

Darwin stood by the window that night, his silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the estate lights. Fiona watched him from the bed, her heart heavy with anxiety.

“You don’t have to stay up all night,” she said softly, her voice cutting through the silence.

Darwin turned, his expression unreadable. “I can’t rest knowing you’re in danger.”

His words, though simple, struck a chord in Fiona. For all his cold exterior and calculated decisions, Darwin’s actions revealed the depth of his care.

“I don’t want you to carry this burden alone,” Fiona replied.

Darwin walked over and sat beside her, his shoulders tense. “This isn’t just about me, Fiona. They’re targeting you because they think you’re my weakness. They’re wrong.”

Fiona hesitated, unsure how to respond. She could see the weight of guilt and responsibility in his eyes, but she wasn’t ready to let her guard down completely.

“Then let’s make sure they can’t touch either of us,” she said finally.

Darwin’s lips curved into a faint smile. “That’s the plan.”

The next morning, Claire called for an emergency meeting. The team gathered in the estate’s conference room, a space equipped with state-of-the-art surveillance monitors and strategy boards.

“We’ve uncovered new intel,” Claire began, her tone serious. “It seems William and Bella are planning to host an event—a charity gala, on the surface—but it’s likely a front for something more sinister.”

Darwin’s eyes narrowed. “What kind of event?”

Claire pulled up a digital flyer on the screen. It displayed a luxurious invitation for an exclusive gala, promising high-profile attendees and substantial donations to a children’s foundation.

“From what we’ve gathered, this is a key networking opportunity for them,” Claire explained. “But it’s also the perfect cover for a power move. If I had to guess, they’re using this to rally allies and gain support.”

Fiona frowned. “Support for what? Their business is already under scrutiny.”

Claire nodded. “Exactly. That’s why this event is so critical. If they can sway influential people to their side, they’ll have the leverage to fight back against the damage we’ve done.”

Darwin leaned back in his chair, his mind working at lightning speed. “Then we need to be there.”

Fiona’s eyes widened. “You’re not seriously thinking of walking into their territory?”

“I don’t have a choice,” Darwin said firmly. “If we don’t show up, it’ll look like we’re on the defensive. This is about control, and I’m not letting them think they’ve won.”

Claire hesitated. “It’s risky. They’ll be expecting you, and they’ll probably have plans in place to undermine you—or worse.”

“That’s why we’ll go prepared,” Darwin replied.

Fiona sat silently, her thoughts racing. She wanted to object, to point out how dangerous this was, but she knew Darwin was right. If they didn’t confront their enemies head-on, they would always be one step behind.

The days leading up to the gala were a whirlwind of preparation. Claire’s team worked tirelessly to gather more intel, while Darwin coordinated with his legal and financial advisors to ensure their position remained strong.

Fiona found herself drawn into the planning as well, offering insights and ideas whenever she could. She refused to be sidelined, determined to take an active role in protecting herself and those she cared about.

By the time the night of the gala arrived, the tension in the air was palpable. Fiona stood in front of the mirror in her room, adjusting the strap of her elegant black gown. The dress was simple yet striking, accentuating her figure without drawing too much attention.

Darwin appeared in the doorway, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit. His gaze swept over her, and for a moment, the weight of the situation seemed to fade.

“You look stunning,” he said, his voice low.

Fiona turned to him, a faint smile on her lips. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

Despite the lighthearted exchange, the gravity of the night loomed over them.

“Are you sure about this?” Fiona asked, her voice tinged with worry.

Darwin stepped closer, his expression serious. “We’ll be fine. Stick close to me, and don’t trust anyone.”

Fiona nodded, steeling herself for what was to come.

The gala was held at a grand hotel in the heart of Bay City, its opulent ballroom adorned with glittering chandeliers and lavish decorations. The room was filled with wealthy elites, their conversations blending into a symphony of murmurs and laughter.

Fiona felt a pang of unease as she stepped into the room with Darwin. The stares and whispers that followed them were impossible to ignore, a reminder that their presence was as much a statement as it was a risk.

Bella Robbins was the first to approach them, her smile as sharp as the heels of her stilettos.

“Well, well,” she purred, her eyes flicking between Darwin and Fiona. “I didn’t think you’d have the nerve to show up.”

Darwin’s expression remained neutral, but there was an edge to his voice as he replied. “We wouldn’t miss it. After all, it’s not every day we get to see you put on a show.”

Bella’s smile faltered for a split second before she recovered. “Enjoy the evening. It might be your last chance to feel important.”

As she walked away, Fiona turned to Darwin, her unease growing. “She’s up to something. I can feel it.”

Darwin nodded. “That’s why we’re here—to find out what.”

As the night went on, Fiona and Darwin worked the room, engaging in carefully measured conversations with key players. They quickly realized that Bella and William were using the event to spread misinformation about them, painting Darwin as a ruthless tyrant and Fiona as a manipulative gold digger.

But despite their efforts, Fiona noticed cracks in their facade. Some of the attendees seemed skeptical of Bella and William’s claims, while others appeared outright disinterested.

“It’s not working,” Fiona whispered to Darwin during a brief moment alone. “They’re trying too hard.”

Darwin smirked. “Desperation isn’t a good look, is it?”

Just as they began to feel a sliver of hope, the atmosphere in the room shifted. William Newton took the stage, his commanding presence silencing the crowd.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice smooth and confident. “Thank you for joining us tonight. As you know, our industry is at a crossroads. We face challenges that threaten to undermine everything we’ve built.”

He glanced pointedly at Darwin before continuing. “But I believe that with the right partnerships, we can overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger than ever.”

Fiona’s heart sank as she realized where this was going. William wasn’t just rallying support—he was laying the groundwork for an alliance that could destroy Darwin’s empire.

The crowd erupted into applause as William finished his speech, but Fiona and Darwin remained stone-faced.

“They’re not going to stop,” Fiona said, her voice barely audible.

Darwin’s jaw tightened. “Neither are we.”

As the night wore on, the stakes grew higher. Fiona could feel the tension mounting, the air thick with unspoken threats.

And then, as they prepared to leave, a note was slipped into Fiona’s hand by an anonymous guest.

It read: “You’re not safe here. Get out while you still can.”

Fiona’s blood ran cold as she showed the note to Darwin.

“What does this mean?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Darwin’s expression darkened. “It means we just stepped into their trap.”