Damian pushed open the door to his master bedroom, and Ariana stepped inside slowly… her breath catching at the sight.
The room was stunning.
Not flashy.
Not cold.
Not intimidating.
It was elegant, warm, and surprisingly peaceful.
Dark wood walls.
Soft lighting.
A massive king-size bed with charcoal-gray sheets.
A balcony overlooking the quiet forest.
And shelves filled with books — many more than she expected.
Ariana turned to Damian.
"This is… beautiful."
His lips softened.
"It's yours too now."
Her chest fluttered.
He walked toward the wardrobe and opened a set of drawers.
All empty.
All clean.
All waiting for her.
"These are for your things," he said.
"I had them cleared this morning."
Ariana blinked.
"This morning? But you didn't know I'd agree yet."
Damian looked at her — a rare flicker of shyness crossing his expression.
"I hoped you would," he admitted quietly.
Ariana felt warmth bloom everywhere.
Before she could respond—
Knock. Knock.
Damian didn't sigh.
He didn't tense dramatically.
He simply brushed his fingers over Ariana's hand and said softly:
"Ariana, wait here. I'll be right back."
She nodded.
He stepped out, closing the door gently behind him.
*****
The door shut and immediately two more of Damian's men stood before him, one holding a tablet loaded with footage.
"Report," Damian said calmly.
"Sir, we traced Felix Brand's contact list. He has been selling information to several elite families — some who are also connected to Roseline Hartford."
Damian's jaw tightened slightly.
"Names."
The man scrolled.
"Victoria Hale. Annalise Devere. Fiona Marcrest."
All wealthy.
All entitled.
All obsessed with him.
Damian's voice sharpened.
"What did they buy?"
"Nothing yet. But all three requested updates about 'Mrs. Steele's status.' They asked Felix for private photos, daily routines, and personal vulnerabilities."
Damian's eyes darkened dangerously.
"They want leverage," he said quietly.
"Yes, sir."
"Then make sure they never get any."
He took a step forward, his aura turning colder.
"Strip Felix Brand of every channel he uses. Hack his servers. Destroy his backups. Block every encrypted line.
Silence him."
"Yes, sir."
"And the women?"
Mr. Sato stepped forward.
"Sir, interfering with three elite families at once—"
"Do you think I care?" Damian asked calmly.
Silence.
Damian continued:
"Freeze their access to Steelenex. Revoke their shareholder privileges. Cancel their event invitations. And blacklist their names across every luxury brand we control."
"That will cause uproar in the elite circle," Mr. Sato warned.
Damian adjusted his cuff, expression emotionless.
"They should learn what happens when they show interest in my wife."
The men bowed deeply.
"It will be done."
"One more thing," Damian added softly — too softly.
The room tightened.
"Send a warning to their families. Private. Sharp. They'll understand."
The men nodded and left with immediate efficiency.
Damian waited a moment, making sure his voice and presence softened before returning to Ariana.
Then he stepped out of the study…
and left hell burning quietly behind him.
*****
Ariana stood near the balcony, looking out at the soft evening light.
Damian approached her quietly, gently brushing a curl behind her ear.
She looked up.
"You're back."
"Of course," he said softly.
"I told you I would be."
"Was it… something I should worry about?" she asked nervously.
Damian shook his head and placed a warm hand on her waist.
"No," he murmured.
"It's handled. You're safe."
Ariana relaxed, leaning into his touch instinctively.
Damian watched her for a moment — the way her shoulders loosened, the way her breath softened.
Then he cupped her cheek gently.
"Ariana… tonight, you sleep here. With me."
He paused.
"If you're comfortable."
Ariana swallowed.
She nodded.
Damian's expression softened completely.
"Then let me show you something."
He walked to the bedside table and opened the drawer.
Inside was a brand new phone — sleek, expensive, untouched.
Ariana blinked.
"What's this?"
"A new device," Damian said.
"Secure. Untraceable. Only two numbers are allowed to call you."
"Two?"
"Mine."
He paused.
"And Mrs. Rowan's."
Ariana's heart squeezed.
"I want you safe, even when I'm not beside you," he said quietly.
Ariana pressed her lips together, overwhelmed.
Then—
She stepped closer.
Put her hand against his chest.
And whispered:
"Thank you… Damian."
His breath caught — just slightly.
He didn't pull her into his arms.
He didn't rush her.
He simply placed his hand over hers…
and held her heart gently beneath his palm.