# Kaira's POV

Vincent's jaw tightened as he stepped toward Tony. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. Without thinking, I jerked my hand free from Tony's grip and threw myself between them. Spreading my arms wide to block Vincent's path.

"Enough!" I roared. My voice cracked, my heart pounding, but I forced my voice to stay steady, even as panic clawed at my throat.

"Both of you." I glared at both men.

My legs trembled as I pretended to be brave. Vincent didn't step back, and Tony tried to push me aside, his jaw clenched but I stood firm.

Vincent took one step.. then froze mid-step. His cold eyes flicked from Tony to me.

Tony's hand grabbed my shoulder, trying to pull me back. "Kaira, get out of the way..."

The silence stretched between us. Then something shifted in Vincent's eyes... like a flicker of thought. His shoulders slowly relaxed. Then he stepped back and gave me a slight bow.

I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry.

Tony's fingers found mine again, his grip intense and warm. I didn't pull away this time. Our eyes met, and I saw his worry mixed with anger.

"I will be back," Vincent said. His voice was calm now and controlled. Then turned and walked to his car without another word.

I watched him drive away, my legs shaking with earlier fear. My shoulders sagged with relief. Tony and I both let out long, shaky breaths at the same time.

When I looked at Tony, his face was tight like he was holding back words he didn't want to say. His mouth opened, then closed again.

For a moment, I thought he might yell. But instead, he just looked at me... and his expression softened.

"Thanks, Tony," I whispered, my voice softer than I expected.

He nodded, but his eyes lingered on me a second too long.

Movement caught my attention. I heard whispering sounds drift from the nearby houses. I glanced around and saw neighbors peeking through curtains and standing in doorways. Some pointed in our direction, their heads bent together in conversation. They were probably talking about me.

I stared at them and let out a bitter laugh under my breath. "They always find time to talk... just not to me."

Tony squeezed my hand. "What did you say?"

He either hadn't noticed the stares or was pretending not to, trying to spare my feelings.

"Oh, nothing," I said quietly, looking away.

Of course, they were talking about me. A pregnant girl following a stranger into his car would give them enough gossip for weeks.

But who was Vincent really? And why would someone from a company like De&J be looking for me?

For a second, I let myself dream.... maybe this was it. A chance. A job offer. Something that could help me save, maybe even go back to school someday. But that dream slipped fast.

Why would they want someone like me? No degree. No experience. Pregnant.

Unless... maybe it wasn’t about a job. But what else could it be?

Could it be someone important? Someone high up?

No. That’s crazy.

I shook my head, trying to clear the thoughts away before I let them get too far.

"You sure?" Tony asked, his eyes searching mine.

I forced a small smile. "Let's get inside."

I started to move forward, but Tony's hand on my arm stopped me.

"Is there anything you want to eat?"

I hesitated. My stomach answered for me with a low growl. I bit my lip. "Um... ice cream? Candy apples? Yogurt?"

Tony smiled... but it wasn’t just understanding. It was something softer. Almost sad.

"Just enough that I couldn’t even list them all now that you’re asking," I added quickly, trying to brush it off.

"And... I have to cook. I need to prepare lunch." I pointed toward the house,

"I'll take care of Mom and Tonia." He squeezed my hand, ignoring the curious glances around us.

"Come on."

"I will get them all. Your cravings."

I followed him, letting out a soft smile despite everything.

* * *

# Damian's POV

Vincent's head hung low as he walked into Damian's office. Disappointment and fear warred in his chest. He had texted Damien that he had Kaira and they were on their way, but now... he had to explain his failure.

He wished Damien hadn't seen the text. But if he hadn't sent it, Damien would have complained about his incompetence anyway. And if he had been too forceful with Kaira, Damian would have been furious too that he didn't treat her with respect.

The office door slammed open. Damian strode in without knocking. Why wouldn't he? He was the boss, above everyone else, and he knew it.

Vincent's heart stopped. He immediately bowed, his hands shaking at his sides.

Damian walked straight to his desk and crossed his legs. Vincent stood at attention, trying to calm his racing pulse.

"How was the meeting, sir?" Vincent asked, trying to hide his fear.

Damian said nothing. Instead, he just stared with that cold glare that made everyone's skin crawl. His eyes bulged slightly, making his already scary expression even worse. No smile, no warmth.

"Where is she?" Damian asked.

Vincent's stomach dropped.

"So he saw the text. I'm doomed." He thought within himself.

He kept his composure and explained everything that happened, emphasizing the parts that weren't his fault. Damian listened with cold seriousness.

Suddenly, as if the whole story was boring him, Damian held up his hand. Vincent's mouth immediately snapped shut.

"Simply put, you let her go," Damian said.

"I didn't want to make it look like she was being forced, sir," Vincent explained respectfully.

"I was acting under her will."

Damian’s expression didn’t change, but the air in the room chilled. His silence pressed harder than a shout.

"I was being respectful to her..."

"I..." Vincent started.

"You failed," Damian cut him off.

"When I give you an order, you have the guts to defend yourself after you failed?"

"I was being respectful to her..."

"Shut it!" Damian boomed.

Vincent's face went pale with fear.

"Accept your failure, Vincent."

Vincent immediately dropped to his knees. "Please forgive me, sir. Give me a second chance."

"Forget it." Damien's reply came quickly. He loosened his tie as if he was being choked and needed to breathe.

"So... did you tell her who your boss is?" His voice was calmer now, more controlled.

"No. But just by looking at me and seeing that I work for De&J..."

"Nonsense." Damian interrupted.

"Anyone can work for the company. Your boss could just be a regular person, which I am not."

He rubbed his temples as if thinking of an idea. Then he paused.

"Check my schedule. When am I free?"

Vincent didn't dare ask why. He bowed and immediately pulled out his phone, scrolling through the calendar with trembling fingers.

While Vincent worked, Damian continued questioning him.

"The face on the magazine... how do I look in the photos? Handsome? Or..." Damian asked, rubbing his chin.

Vincent looked up to answer.

"Focus," Damian said smoothly, gesturing toward the phone.

"Yes, sir," Vincent whispered.

"You can still answer without looking up," Damian said.

"You had ordered your face removed from all the magazines, sir. You said it would make you seem too common, that ordinary people would recognize you and cause unnecessary attention..."

"Enough. I did say that?" Damian seemed to be remembering.

"It was for the best anyway," he added.

"Now whose face is on them?"

"Sir Dean," Vincent replied.

Damian hummed. "I assume you've checked my schedule now. When am I free?"

"Wednesday next week, sir."

"Not that day. Wednesdays are always my free day." Damian's voice was distant, like he was thinking of something important.

Vincent checked again. "There are no other free days until Thursday in two weeks."

"I can't wait that long." Damian clicked his fingers on the desk. "Cancel all appointments for this Saturday."

"I'll go to her myself."

* * *