Contractually Inspired

Chapter 10: The Shadow Call

Christian picked up the phone from the counter in one quick motion. He glanced at the encrypted screen, his expression instantly hardening before he answered it and brought the phone to his ear.

"Speak," he said, his voice flat and cold.

Elena watched him from a few feet away, her heart beating fast. The quiet moment they had shared just seconds ago vanished completely, replaced by a sudden, heavy tension.

On the other end of the line, a muffled voice was talking fast. Christian didn't interrupt. He just listened, staring out at the city lights through the glass window, his shoulders tense.

"Which facility?" Christian asked sharply, his knuckles turning white as his grip tightened on his glass.

He listened for a few more seconds before speaking again, his tone sharp and direct. "Secure the perimeter and lock down the lower floors. I'm on my way."

He ended the call and set the phone back on the quartz counter. When he turned around, the brief warmth she had seen in his eyes earlier was completely gone. The guarded, ruthless businessman was back.

"What happened?" Elena asked, taking a step toward him.

"An incident at one of our distribution hubs near the docks," Christian said, walking over to get his coat. "Victor is moving faster than expected. He's trying to disrupt our logistics before the next board review."

"Is anyone hurt?"

Christian paused, his coat in hand. He looked at her, studying her face for a moment. "Security is handling it. But this means you don't leave this penthouse tomorrow under any circumstances. No client meetings, no venue site visits, and no bakery."

Elena felt a wave of frustration, but before she could argue, Christian stepped closer, looking straight into her eyes.

"Listen to me, Elena," Christian said quietly, his tone leaving no room for debate. "Victor knows you're my vulnerability now. If he can't get to my board shares, he'll target you to force my hand. Stay inside."

Before she could respond, Christian grabbed his shoulder holster from the side drawer and headed toward the elevator. The doors slid shut behind him, leaving a heavy silence in the room.

Elena stood alone in the middle of the quiet penthouse, looking out at the city lights. Then her gaze shifted to the quartz counter where Christian's leather planner still lay.

She wasn't about to sit around and wait like a helpless target in his war.