Chapter 12
Noah remained at his side, not as an enforcer, but as director of security for the legal Vale companies.
Dr. Daniel Mercer’s name was publicly cleared. Adrian offered him his old position back.
Daniel accepted on one condition. “No more secret basement judgments.”
Adrian almost smiled. “Agreed.”
Grace spent three weeks in the hospital. Adrian visited every morning. Sometimes they talked. Sometimes he sat in silence while Lily colored pictures on the floor.
One afternoon, Grace found him staring through the window.
“What are you thinking about?”
“The first time you came to the estate.”
“You barely spoke to me.”
“I noticed you had repaired your shoes with glue.”
Grace laughed softly. “I hoped no one could tell.”
“I could.”
“Why did you hire me?”
“Because when the employment agent spilled coffee on your paperwork, you comforted her before checking whether your own documents were ruined.”
Grace remembered the moment. “I needed that job.”
“You were kind when kindness offered you no advantage.” He turned from the window. “I had forgotten people could be like that.”
Grace lowered her eyes. “You frighten people.”
“I know.”
“You frightened me.”
“Past tense?”
“Most days.”
He smiled. It changed his entire face. Grace felt the familiar, dangerous warmth rise in her chest.
“Adrian…” It was the first time she had used his name.
He became very still.
“I don’t know what happens next,” she said.
“Neither do I.”
“You are still a man with enemies.”
“Fewer than before.”
“You live in a mansion.”
“You hate the east staircase.”
“It’s ridiculous. No house needs that many stairs.”
“Lily enjoys sliding down the railing.”
May you like
“She is never doing that again.”
They laughed quietly.
