The sky outside Steel Corporation was dipped in gold when Damian stepped out of the private elevator and into the executive hallway. His presence alone made the air shift. Executives straightened. Assistants lowered their voices. Every head turned before quickly looking away.
Damian didn't slow down.
Evan, as always, walked behind him with a tablet in hand calm, crisp, efficient… but silently praying his boss would not unleash hell today.
Damian wasn't in a bad mood.
He simply had Ariana on his mind.
And when Damian Steel had his mind on someone, the entire corporation felt it.
****
At Steel Mansion
Ariana stood in the studio, surrounded by quiet. She had dipped her brush into soft lavender paint, letting the color trail across the canvas. It was one of the few things that calmed her.
Mrs. Rowan peeked in, a fond smile on her face.
"Tea, my dear?"
Ariana nodded gently. "Thank you…"
"You look happier today," the housekeeper teased softly.
Ariana blushed.
"…I just feel at peace."
Mrs. Rowan didn't comment. She had eyes; she knew exactly why.
*****
Back at Steel Corporation
Evan read the next report carefully.
"Sir, the new security cameras installed at the mansion are synced. Mr. Sato confirmed everything is functioning. No external breaches."
Damian nodded once.
But his jaw tightened.
"Good. He's to continue monitoring quietly. Ariana shouldn't notice anything new."
"Yes, sir."
Evan opened another file.
"And the media article from yesterday about 'the mysterious girl at the elite art store' is circulating again. It hasn't linked her to you yet."
Damian's voice dropped to a colder register.
"Find out which media house started it."
"Yes, sir."
"And silence them."
Evan inhaled sharply, blinking.
"P–permanently?"
Damian turned his head slightly not even a full glance.
One look was enough.
Evan lowered his gaze immediately.
"…Understood."
He would handle it.
No additional words needed.
****
Ariana's Grandmother Calls
Ariana's phone buzzed, pulling her from her painting.
"Grandma?" She smiled instantly.
"My darling girl," her grandmother's warm voice flowed through the line. "How are you settling into the new place?"
"It's beautiful, Grandma. And the people here are kind… really kind."
She didn't mention Damian.
Not yet.
Her grandmother would panic.
Or ask questions Ariana wasn't ready to answer.
"Are you eating well? Sleeping well?"
"Yes, Grandma."
"And… you're safe?"
Ariana paused at that.
Her eyes drifted toward the garden outside where a discreet Steel security detail stood hidden among the trees.
She didn't know the full story, but she knew Damian was protecting her from something.
"…Yes," she said softly. "I'm safe."
"Good. You're all I have, sweetheart."
"I know," Ariana whispered. "I love you."
****
Damian Calls Home
Damian leaned back in his office chair once Evan left the room. The moment he had privacy, he pulled out his phone.
Not to respond to an investor.
Not to sign a contract.
But to call her.
The phone rang once before Ariana answered.
"Damian?"
His chest loosened at the sound of her voice.
"Are you okay?" he asked quietly.
"Yes. I'm… painting."
A small smile tugged at his lips.
"What are you painting?"
"A sunrise."
"That suits you," he murmured. "You're the calm before a storm."
She laughed softly.
"And you're the storm?"
"Always."
She blushed even though he couldn't see her.
"I-I didn't want to bother you while you're working."
"You never bother me."
His voice softened further.
"You steady me."
Ariana's heart fluttered.
"Are you coming home soon?" she asked timidly.
"Earlier than usual," he replied.
"I want to see you."
****
Damian Arrives Home
The mansion's doors opened with a quiet hum as Damian stepped inside. Mrs. Rowan bowed respectfully.
"Welcome back, sir."
"Where is she?"
"In the garden."
Damian nodded and walked through the hallway quietly. He didn't want her startled.
He reached the open garden doors… and stopped.
Ariana sat on the bench, surrounded by soft lights, the colors of her painting glowing in the fading light. She looked peaceful. Gentle. A contrast to everything he was.
She didn't hear him approach.
Damian stood there for a moment just watching her smile at her canvas.
That smile hit him harder than any boardroom victory.
He stepped closer, his voice low.
"Ariana."
She turned, surprised then brightened instantly.
"You came home early."
He nodded, sitting beside her.
"Wanted to."
Her cheeks warmed.
He looked at the painting.
"It's beautiful."
"It's not finished…"
"You are."
Her breath caught.
He didn't take it back.