Chapter 6

Evelyn’s Pov

The air on the balcony suddenly felt too heavy and suffocating. I calm the racing thoughts in my mind. Who was that? What are they doing here? Are they watching me?

The faint sound of music and laughter from the gala bounced through the open door but it still felt like I was alone and for the first time entering Adrian’d world, I felt scared.

Inhaling and exhaling hard, I turned back and went inside. The bright lights were blinding after my eyes had gotten used to the darkness from the balcony and the whispering of people surrounded me, comforting me a little.

My eyes scanned around the room and spotted Adrina across the room engaging in a conversation with some men—probably investors. His aura was calm and commanding. For a moment I thought of going to him to let him know what I saw but the words he said to me still hunt me

“You are expendable!” I rolled my eyes, what does that even mean?

My head turned around the room looking for Joe but he was lost in the crowd. With no one to talk to, my curious mind went wide and I decided to go and investigate.

Keeping my head low, I slipped out of the hall my heels kissing the marble floor as I began to look around the mansion.

The corridors had dim light making my shadow stretch out. I retraced my steps to the balcony, as I looked over the edge where the figure had been. The garden was now quiet and calm but my gut told me I had not been imagining stuff and someone was there. Someone was watching me!

A sudden sound behind me jolts up, my heart leaping to my stomach in fear. I turned to see Adrian at the doorway, his eyes sharp and unreadable.

“What are you doing?” His voice came as accusing but very low to a point you would mistake it for worry.

“Hmmm….I….needed air!” I replied, trying not to show signs of nervousness, “The gala was too much for me.”

He took a step closer, his presence was again suffocating, “I told you not to go anywhere without informing me and not to do anything foolish.”

I squared my shoulders, refusing to let him see my fear, “I’m not a child Adrian! I don’t need your permission to step outside….or do something foolish!” I lowered my voice in the last part.

His gaze narrowed down but before he could respond a commotion from inside caught our attention. Shouts, chaos, and the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the halls.

Adrian turned back walking into the mansion with me closely behind. As we entered the grand hall the crowd had gathered near the center, their face smeared with shock.

“What is going on?” Adrian demanded, his voice cutting through the noise.

A man, who was also a guest and in his late fifties, stepped forward, “Victoria!” He paused for a while shaken, “She was attacked!”

My blood ran cold as the crowd parted through to see Victoria sprawled on the floor. Her dress is now marked with stains. Her face was pale and her hands clutching to her throat where light bruises formed.

Adrian ran to her and knelt behind her, his expression still unreadable as he tried to assess her injuries.

“Call an ambulance, you dimwits!” He ordered, bringing back everyone to reality as they all brought out their phone to dial the number.

“And clear the damn room!”

The guests began to disperse leaving just a few guests behind. I lingered near the edge of the room, my heart beating fast.

The figure on the balcony? The attack on Victoria? Was it connected?

Victoria’s eyes fluttered open, her gaze locked on Adrian’s, “It ….was…a man.” She whispered but her voice was hoarse, “He came out….of….of….nowhere!“ she tried to explain as tears ran down her eyes.

Her trembling hands were raised as they pointed toward my direction.

The room fell silent as all eyes were on me. My heart was beating so hard against my rib cage, “Me? That’s impossible! I don’t know what you are talking about!”

Victoria shook her head weakly, “He said…Evelyn Blackwood. He was looking for you.”

Adrian’s expression darkened, and he rose to his full height, his towering presence was intimidating, “Joe!” his voice rang out and within seconds, Joe was beside him.

“Sir?” Joe’s calm demeanor was intriguing.

“Take Evelyn home, now!”

“But…..” I started but was shut down by a glare from Adrian.

“Go…Now!”

Joe placed a firm hand on my arm as he guided me out of the hall. Throughout my mind was swirling with thoughts.

Why would anyone be looking for me? What had I gotten myself into?

As Joe drove me back home. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I had been followed. The ride was moving smoothly as I tried to keep a positive mind. We got home and Joe brought me to my door but I was still hesitant to be left alone.

“Joe…” I whispered, “Do you think I’m in danger?”

He hesitated, his composer faltering for a moment, “You are under Mr. Blackwood’s protection, ma’am. No one can harm you as long as you are here.”

His words were meant to reassure me but it only heightened my unease. What kind of world had I stepped into where I needed to be protected?

The hours dragged on as I paced back and forth in my room. Every little sound made me jumpy and scared. My mind kept on replying to tonight’s event like a movie.

A knock from my door made my heart leap out, I hesitated for a while before I asked, “Who is it?”

“It’s me.” Adrian’s voice came through, low and steady.

I walked to the door and opened it, he was standing there with his suit slightly scattered. He stepped inside my room without waiting for permission, I exhaled and closed the door behind me.

“We need to talk!” His voice was as commanding as always!