Chapter 14
Tiffany
T he soft morning light filters through the sheer curtains, casting a warm glow across Adrien’s bedroom. I stir, my eyes fluttering open to find myself nestled against Adrien’s chest, his steady heartbeat a comforting rhythm beneath my ear. Despite the exhaustion from the previous night, a contented smile spreads across my face.
“Good morning, love,” Adrien murmurs, his voice husky with sleep.
I tilt my head up to meet his gaze, my heart fluttering at the tenderness in his eyes.
“Morning.” I lean in for a gentle kiss.
As our lips meet, I marvel at how right this feels. The warmth of his body, the safety of his embrace—it’s hard to believe that I’m here, in Adrien’s arms, after everything we’ve been through.
Just then, a sharp buzzing cuts through the silence. Adrien’s phone vibrates on the nightstand, the insistent chirping demanding attention.
I groan, burying my face in his shoulder. “Ignore it. We can deal with it later.”
“I’m sorry, angel. Duty calls,” Adrien says, reaching for the offending device. “I have some urgent matters to attend to at the office. There are some things I need to handle before meeting with my team. We’re also going to look into what your uncle was supposed to deliver to people who threatened you yesterday.”
A wave of disappointment washes over me as Adrien sits up, already shifting into business mode. But I understand—we can’t hide away from reality forever, no matter how tempting it may be.
“Tiffany, I need you to stay here while I’m gone.” Adrien’s expression turns serious, his blue eyes intense as they meet mine. “My security will keep you safe. I can’t risk anything happening to you while I’m dealing with this mess.”
I sit up, pulling the sheet around me. “I can’t just stay cooped up here all day. I have my own responsibilities to deal with.”
His jaw tightens. “This isn’t up for debate. It’s not safe for you out there right now. We don’t know who else might be after you because of your uncle’s dealings.”
I bristle at his authoritative tone. “I’m not a helpless princess who needs to be locked away in a tower. I can take care of myself.”
Adrien sighs, running a hand through his hair. “I know you’re capable, angel. But these people are dangerous, and I couldn’t bear it if something happened to you.”
Part of me wants to protest and insist that I can handle myself, but another part is overjoyed that he cares enough to want to protect me. After all, I always dreamed of having my own Prince Charming.
I sigh, recognizing the genuine concern in Adrien’s eyes. As much as I want to assert my independence, I know he has a point about the potential danger.
“I’ll stay here today,” I concede. “But we need to figure out a long-term solution. I can’t put my life on hold indefinitely.”
Adrien’s shoulders relax, and he leans in to press a soft kiss on my forehead. “Thank you. I promise we’ll work something out. Just give me a little time to get a handle on the situation. And while you’re stuck here, you can go through Dean’s notes today. See if you can find any clues about what he might have been involved in. Anything suspicious or out of the ordinary?”
“Alright, I’ll see what I can find. Alexander doesn’t expect me at the office for a few days, anyway. I told him I’d be reviewing Dean’s notes and summarizing my findings.”
“Speaking of the company, I’ve been meaning to ask... Why did you choose Alexander Hawthorne as the new CEO?”
I raise an eyebrow. “Why do you think I chose him?”
“None of the current executives would willingly bring in someone young and inexperienced.” Adrien shrugs. “The media will eat up the idea of a new and fresh face, especially since he’s a Hawthorne, but the board of directors had likely resisted. And yet, you picked him over more seasoned candidates.”
“You’re right, Alexander was an unconventional choice. But that’s exactly why I picked him. Carter Corporation needs a major overhaul—fresh blood and new ideas. Plus, Alexander may be young, but he can help steer the company in a more positive direction.”
“It’s a risky move. The board won’t give up power easily.”
“I know. But I’m willing to take that risk if it means transforming Carter Corporation into something I can be proud of. Something that does more good than harm in this world.”
A small smile tugs at his lips. “Your idealism is admirable, if a bit na?ve. The corporate world isn’t known for its ethics.”
“Maybe not. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to change it. Someone has to take the first step.”
Adrien holds up his hands. “I’m not criticizing, just observing. Your determination to do the right thing is one of the things I lo—” He cuts himself off abruptly, clearing his throat. “It’s one of the things I admire about you.”
“Well, I appreciate your support, even if you think I’m being na?ve.”
His eyes soften as he reaches out to cup my cheek. “I may not always agree with your methods, but I’ll always support you, Tiffany. Never doubt that.”
I lean into his hand, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.
“I should get going,” Adrien says, reluctantly pulling away. “I’ll have breakfast sent up for you. Is there anything specific you’d like?”
“Surprise me.” I smile. “Just make sure there’s coffee.”
Adrien chuckles as he starts to dress. “Noted. I’ll check in with you later. Remember, stay in the penthouse and let security know if you need anything.”
I nod, watching him transform back into the powerful businessman I first met. I admire the way his tailored suit accentuates his muscular frame. He catches me staring and flashes a knowing smirk.
“See something you like?”
I roll my eyes. “Just making sure you look presentable for work.”
Adrien laughs, leaning down to capture my lips in a searing kiss that leaves me breathless. “I’ll see you later,” he murmurs against my mouth before pulling away.
With one last lingering look, he’s gone, leaving me alone in his massive penthouse. I flop back onto the pillows with a sigh, already missing his warmth beside me.
After allowing myself a few more minutes to luxuriate in the ridiculously comfortable bed, I force myself to get up and face the day. I shower and dress up, then make my way to the kitchen where a lavish breakfast spread awaits.
Hours later, I find myself drowning in a sea of papers, receipts, and cryptic notes. My head throbs as I try to make sense of the chaotic mess that was my uncle’s business dealings.
Most of it seems mundane—expense reports, meeting minutes, contracts. But there are odd discrepancies that nag at me, like large sums of money transferred to offshore accounts and vague references to ‘shipments’ and ‘merchandise’.
I jot down anything that seems suspicious, but it’s like trying to put together a jigsaw puzzle when half the pieces are missing. Dean was meticulous about some things but maddeningly vague about others.
Frustrated, I lean back in the chair and rub my temples.
What am I missing? And how far does this rabbit hole go?
Just then, my phone buzzes with a text from Lucas.
Hey, haven’t heard from you in a couple of days. Is everything okay?
Lunch tomorrow?
I stare at his text, guilt washing over me. With everything that’s happened, I completely forgot to check in with him.
My fingers hover over the keyboard as I debate how to respond. I can’t exactly tell him the truth—that I’m holed up in Adrien’s penthouse after being threatened by my dead uncle’s shady business associates. But I also hate the thought of lying to him.
I type out a reply:
Sorry for going MIA. Got caught up dealing with the inheritance.
Rain check on lunch? I’ll drop by your studio in an hour.
I hit send before I can overthink it further. I must end things with Lucas, for both our sakes. It’d be cruel to string him along any longer.
With a sigh, I set my phone aside and go looking for Luis.
I find him in the penthouse’s expansive living room, poring over blueprints of the building and its security systems. He looks up as I approach, his eyes narrowing in assessment.
“What can I do for you, Miss Carter?”
“I need to go out for a bit.”
Luis’s expression remains impassive. “Adrien was very clear that you were to remain here.”
“I understand that, but I have some personal business I need to take care of. It can’t wait.”
“I’m sorry, Miss Carter, but my orders are to keep you here,” Luis says, his tone leaving no room for argument.
“I appreciate the concern for my safety. But I’m not a prisoner here. I have the right to leave if I choose to.”
“My job is to follow Adrien’s orders. And those orders are to ensure your safety.”
I take a step closer, meeting his gaze directly. “And what if I decide to leave anyway? Are you going to physically restrain me?”
Tension crackles in the air between us. Then Luis sighs, his rigid posture relaxing slightly.
“No, Miss Carter, I won’t restrain you, but I strongly advise against leaving. It’s not safe out there for you right now.”
“How about a compromise?” I ask. “You can accompany me as my security detail. That way, I’ll be protected, but still able to handle my personal business.”
Luis considers this for a moment, then gives a curt nod. “Very well, but we’ll take extra precautions, and you’ll need to follow my instructions. Understood?”
“Yes. Thank you, Luis.”
As we head down to the garage, he briefs me on security protocols. We take an unmarked car, with another security vehicle following discreetly behind. I direct Luis to Lucas’s art studio address, my stomach churning with nerves as we get closer.
When we arrive, Luis insists on doing a perimeter check before letting me out of the car. Finally, he gives me the all-clear.
“I’ll wait out here,” Luis says as I prepare to exit the car. “But if you’re not back in ten minutes, I’m coming in after you.”
As my hand hovers over the door handle, I tell him, “For what it’s worth, I apologize for putting you in this position. I hope I’m not causing too much trouble for you.”
“If I said that you were, Tiffany, would you change your mind and go home?”
It’s nice to see that he has a personality underneath his stern exterior. The tension between us seems to lighten a bit and I can’t help but let out a laugh.
“No, I wouldn’t.”
Luis rolls his eyes, but there’s a hint of amusement in his expression. “You have ten minutes.”
The door to Lucas’ studio is unlocked—he has a horrible habit of forgetting to lock it—and I slip inside.
The space is filled with an array of colorful canvases and sculptures, and the scent of paint and turpentine fills the air. I spot Lucas standing in front of a canvas, immersed in his work. His back is to me, and he doesn’t hear my footsteps approaching. As I get closer, his shoulders tense up, and he stops painting and turns around, his eyes widening in surprise at the sight of me.
“Tiffany!” Lucas exclaims, setting down his paintbrush and wiping his hands on a rag. As he steps closer, I can see flecks of paint on his cheek and in his tousled hair. He looks adorably disheveled, and I’m reminded of all the reasons I was drawn to him. Kind. Good. Easy on the eyes. “I was starting to worry. Is everything okay?”
“I’m sorry for disappearing on you,” I say, struggling to meet his eyes. “Things have been... complicated.”
“What’s going on?” Lucas’s brow furrows with concern, his paint-stained hands reaching out instinctively before he catches himself and shoves them into the pockets of his worn jeans. “Complicated how? You’ve been acting... different lately. Is it Dean’s estate? Or...” He hesitates, his voice softening. “Is it something else?”
I take a deep breath, steeling myself for the conversation I’ve been dreading. “It’s something else.” I force myself to meet his gaze. “I can’t keep doing this. Us.”
He freezes, his expression shifting from concern to confusion, then to something sharper—hurt. “What are you saying, Tiff?”
“I’m saying...” I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest. “Lucas, you’re an amazing guy. Kind, talented, supportive. And I care about you, I really do. But...”
“But you don’t love me,” Lucas finishes quietly.
I nod, a lump forming in my throat. “I’m so sorry. I thought I could. I wanted to. But my heart... it belongs to someone else. It’s not fair to you to pretend otherwise.”
Lucas is silent for a long moment, his gaze dropping to the floor. When he looks back up at me, I see the hurt in his eyes, but also a resigned understanding.
“It’s the man who left you all heartbroken, isn’t it?”
“Yes,” I admit. “Adrien. We have... a messy history. But I can’t deny what I feel for him. And I can’t keep stringing you along when my heart isn’t fully in this.”
Lucas lets out a long sigh, pushing paint-stained fingers through his hair. “I had a feeling there was still something there. The way you talked about him... I could tell he meant a lot to you.”
“I’m so sorry, Lucas.” My voice cracks. “I never meant to hurt you. You deserve someone who can love you completely, without reservation. And that person... it’s not me.”
“I’d rather know the truth than live in denial.” He takes a step closer, taking my hands in his. “I want you to be happy, even if it’s not with me. Just... be careful, okay? Make sure he treats you right this time.”
Tears prick my eyes at Lucas’s kindness. “Thank you for understanding,” I whisper. “And I’m so sorry. I do care for you, and I was hoping I could move on...”
Lucas squeezes my hands. “We can’t help who we love.”
“I should go,” I say, pulling my hands from his. “I’m sorry again, Lucas. For everything.”
As I turn to leave, Lucas calls out softly, “Tiffany?”
I pause, looking back at him. “Yes?”
His eyes are sad but sincere as he says, “I hope he makes you happy. You deserve that.”
A lump forms in my throat. “Thank you, Lucas. You, too, deserve happiness.”
With one last smile at Lucas, I leave the studio behind me. As the scent of oil paints and turpentine fades behind us, I feel a weight lifted from my shoulders. It’s not the ending I envisioned with Lucas, but it feels right.
My future, uncertain as it may be, belongs with Adrien now.
It always did.
And for the first time in a long time, I am at peace with it.