Ariana woke up earlier than usual, the soft morning sun spilling into the grand master bedroom. She blinked, expecting to see the familiar tall figure of her husband near the window or adjusting his cuffs. But the room was quiet.
Damian was already gone.
She sat up slowly, surprised by the tiny pinch in her chest. Why do I miss him this early? she wondered.
Just then, she noticed a small folded note on his pillow.
"I didn't want to wake you. Breakfast is warm.
Eat well.
D."
Her cheeks warmed. He never wrote long notes, but even the short ones made her heart flutter.
She got ready and headed downstairs. The mansion staff did their usual job of pretending they didn't exist around her. Mr. Sato, stationed near the entrance, bowed respectfully when she passed.
But there was something different today something stiff in the air. She felt eyes watching her more than usual… as if security had been tightened.
She brushed it off.
Ariana planned to visit her grandmother today and also buy more canvases. Painting was becoming a small escape for her.
She finished breakfast, grabbed her small bag, and headed out.
Mr. Sato followed quietly at a distance, like a shadow.
******
Steel Corporation, Aridanne City
Top Floor CEO's Private Floor
Damian's presence filled the entire level like a storm waiting for a command.
He stepped out of his private elevator, adjusting the cuffs of his charcoal suit. Evan immediately fell into step beside him, tablet in hand.
"Good morning, sir."
Damian nodded, eyes sharp.
"Report."
Evan swallowed. "There's an issue. You remember the anonymous bidder who tried to acquire the Hart Group behind the scenes?"
Damian's eyes darkened slightly. "Yes."
"We confirmed the bidder sent feelers to investigate your wife yesterday."
Damian stopped walking.
He didn't speak. He didn't blink.
He simply looked at Evan.
Evan bowed his head instantly.
"The man has been handled, sir. We made sure the trail ends without a trace."
Damian resumed walking.
"Good."
They reached his office. Damian entered, the atmosphere turning colder.
He sat behind his massive black desk, fingers tapping once silently signaling Evan to continue.
"Also," Evan said cautiously, "Lena Hart… contacted the company again."
Damian didn't react.
Evan continued carefully. "She requested an appointment with you. Public relations rejected it."
Damian said nothing. Then:
"Blacklist her request."
"Yes, sir."
"And Evan—"
Evan straightened.
"If she tries to get near Ariana… eliminate the path she uses. All of it."
Evan felt a chill run down his spine but nodded. "Understood."
After two hours of meetings and an inspection at the Steel Logistics Wing, Damian finally allowed himself a private moment. He stepped to the window, dialing Ariana's number.
She answered on the second ring.
"Damian?" Her voice was soft, warm dangerously soothing to a man like him.
"Where are you?" he asked, tone composed but underlying steel present.
"I went to see Grandma. She says I look healthier. Oh and I bought new paint. I want to show you what I made later."
Damian's eyes softened just a fraction.
"I'll be home early."
A pause. "Be safe," she said timidly.
He didn't say it aloud, but the corners of his lips shifted ever so slightly.
"You too."
He hung up with a calmer heart.
*****
Ariana's Visit to Her Grandmother
Her grandmother was delighted to see her, showering her with hugs and fussing over her in a way Ariana had missed dearly.
"I'm so proud of you," the old woman beamed. "You look… happier."
Ariana smiled shyly. "I'm trying."
Grandmother didn't know about her marriage, and Ariana had no idea how to bring it up. Damian said to wait until the right moment.
But the old woman's eyes narrowed a bit as if she sensed something changing in Ariana's life.
Still, she didn't ask.
On her way home, Ariana felt a strange shadow following their car—but every time she turned, Mr. Sato's reassuring presence calmed her.
He handled the situation silently. She didn't know a potential tail had already been removed before reaching the next street.
*****
Damian arrived earlier than expected.
He entered the mansion with a giant presence that made every guard and staff straighten. Even without raising his voice, everyone felt the authority radiating off him.
Ariana came down the stairs holding a small canvas.
He looked up and the world softened for him alone.
"You're early," she said, surprised.
"I told you I would be."
She smiled and handed him the painting a soft, colorful landscape.
Damian took it gently, almost reverently, as if it were something priceless.
"I like it," he said in a low voice.
Her eyes widened. "Really?"
He nodded, eyes locked on her.
Ariana blushed.
Dinner was quiet but warm, and when she moved to clean the table, Damian stopped her.
"I'll handle it."
She froze. "…You?"
"I want you to rest."
She stared at him as if he had just rewritten the laws of the universe.
Damian simply walked past her with the plates. The entire staff stood frozen in terror THE Damian Steel washing dishes?
Impossible.
But for his wife?
Nothing was impossible.