Billionaire's Whispers

CHAPTER3

Emma was incredibly busy in the weeks before the Blackwood Gallery show. Nathaniel required she attend meals and parties, so she spent her days in her studio honing her pieces. Emma's heart pounded from the combination of long talks, stolen looks, and laughing every night.

Her life now revolved around Nathaniel, a consoling constant. She had always wanted confidence, and his support and sincere interest in her work brought it to her. But Emma kept having the impression that Nathaniel was hiding something from her as the show drew near—something beneath his cool, collected façade.

Nathaniel texted Emma one evening after a very long day of last-minute preparations.

Nathaniel: Would you be able to come over? Something has to be shown to you.

Immediately intrigued, Emma consented. Concern and expectation fluttering together. Unusually ambiguous, Nathaniel's message made her wonder what he had to say.

Nathaniel smiled warmly to welcome her to his penthouse, but she had never noticed the stress in his eyes before. She had never been in a quiet area of his house before, but he showed her. A huge desk by the window and bookcases lining the walls made this a quiet study.

Walking her to a big photograph hanging on the wall, Nathaniel continued, "I wanted to show you this." Emma saw Nathaniel in the artwork of a stunning woman with dark hair and piercing blue eyes.

This is my mother, Nathaniel murmured quietly. A few months before she died, she painted this self-portrait.

Emma lingered over the picture, taking in the unadulterated sense that the brushstrokes conveyed. Whispering, "It's amazing," she said. She was quite gifted.

Nodding, Nathaniel looked off to one side. That she was. She battled with her demons, nevertheless. Expectations from my father, her own mental state... Too much for her.

He inhaled deeply and looked across at Emma. “I've been meaning to tell you about her for some time. I support artists and am so passionate about art in large part because of her narrative.

Emma extended a hand to rest on his arm. I appreciate Nathaniel sharing this with me. That you rely on me with something so private says a lot.

With a little, appreciative smile, Nathaniel said. You ought to know. Emma, I think a lot of you. Beyond merely artistically.

Emma could feel her heart pounding with feeling. While she was aware that Nathaniel loved her, seeing him express it aloud added to the reality. Nathaniel, you mean a lot to me too.

For a time they remained motionless, the weight of Nathaniel's disclosure resting between them. Emma and he had a close bond and a common appreciation of the beauty and sorrow that life may offer.

But Nathaniel's phone rang, breaking their tranquil time. His face darkening, he peered at the television. Emma, I so apologize. I have this to accept.

Emma gave him room to answer his phone and nodded. Glancing about the room, she noticed the many books and souvenirs piled high on the shelves. For Nathaniel, this room was obviously a haven where he could escape the rigors of daily life.

She glanced at a little, leather-bound journal as she browsed the shelves. With years of handling, the edges appeared aged. Curiosity winning out, she cautiously opened it to see pages of exquisite, flowing writing.

That was a diary—the mother's diary of Nathaniel. Though something made her want to read, Emma was guilty of entering such a private area. Heart throbbing at the words of a lady who had battled to strike a balance between her art and the demands of her life, she read the posts.

She glanced at a passage just as she was going to close the journal.

“My light in the dark is Nathaniel. His passion for painting is what I carry on. Someday, I hope, he meets someone who gets him and can see behind the front he's been made to put up.

Tears pricked Emma in the eye. Nathaniel's mother saw love and connection in her son's future and had understood him so well. Emma prayed she might be the one his mother had wanted.

Returning with a strained look was Nathaniel. Sorry about that. Business never seems to sleep.

A comforting smile from Emma. Whatever. The journal of your mother was found. That I glanced at it, I hope, is okay with you.

Nathaniel softened the look in his eyes. Nothing at all. You and her should comprehend me. All of that makes up who I am.

Emma shut the journal and put it back on the bookcase. "She was a remarkable woman. Where you find your passion and power is evident to me.

Nathaniel moved in, staring hard. Emma, I must tell you this. I've been repressing something.

Emma missed a beat in her heart. It is what?

Inhaling deeply, he said. Blackwood Enterprises, the business run by my father, is having some major problems. There are those who are employing any means at their disposal to bring it down. Targeting people close to me included.

Emma had a shiver go down her back. Why do you ask?

The jaws of Nathaniel locked. Threats have come my way. Emma, people know about you. And they will attempt to approach me through you.

Emma had racing thoughts. Imagining oneself as a pawn in someone else's plan was horrifying. What then should we do?

Nathaniel saw right through it. I'll do all in my ability to keep you safe. That being said, exercise caution. Keep an eye on your surroundings and never trust strangers.

Emma gave a nod, resolution, and dread mixed. It will. Nathaniel, though, I'm not going to bail. I love you too much to allow these threats to separate us.”

Thanksgiving softened Nathaniel's eyes. To Emma, thank you. To me, everything depends on your strength.”

Taking her in, he gave her a firm hug. Though danger was hovering above them, Emma felt comfortable in his embrace. She understood they would meet any obstacles together.

The days that followed tried Emma's will. She immersed herself in her work, utilizing the simmering worry and panic as an outlet. Though Emma could see the toll the threats were taking on Nathaniel, he was always there to support and reassure her.

Emma's phone buzzed one evening with a text message as she was finishing up her last work for the exhibition. It was Nathaniel, she thought, but as she saw the sender, her blood cooled.

Unknown: If you know what is good for you, avoid blackwood.

Emma shook with the message. Though she knew Nathaniel's foes were serious, seeing it in black and white gave the menace a fresh dimension of reality.

Forced to remain composed, she inhaled deeply. While she needed to let Nathaniel know, she didn't want to take his attention away from his own getting ready. She chose instead to keep it to herself for the time being and concentrate on completing her task.

When exhibition night finally arrived, Emma was both excited and terrified. There were powerful art collectors and critics in the magnificent Blackwood Gallery. The threats hung over her, but this was the moment she had been preparing toward.

Meeting her at the gallery door, Nathaniel was dressed to kill in a sharp suit. When he spotted her, his eyes glistened, and for a few second all of her worries vanished.

His voice was full of praise, he said, "You look amazing."

Emma said, "Thank you," a flush raising her cheeks. "Without you, I could not have done this."

Nathaniel looked at me hard. Emma, you performed this by yourself. You only have a platform thanks to me. Talent is a self-evident thing.

Emma was proud to see her paintings shown among those of other gifted artists as they moved through the gallery. Examining her pieces, the attendees muttered thanks, and Emma found herself striking up discussions with reviewers and possible customers.

Emma was still feeling watched, though, even though the evening was a success. Half expecting to see a scary figure hiding in the darkness, she kept looking over her shoulder. Seeing her discomfort, Nathaniel led her very gently to a peaceful area of the exhibition.

Concerned, he inquired, "Are you okay?"

After some thought, Emma told him about the text message. Someone threatened me. It has been on my thoughts all night, not to worry you.

Nathaniel turned serious. "Why did you wait to inform me? We have to give this considerable thought.

Feeling guilty, Emma answered, "I know." But I wanted to keep you from getting sidetracked. We really need this display.

Nathaniel softened the look in his eyes. Safety is the most crucial thing. The two of us will handle this.

Emma was relieved when he drew her into a shielding hug. Though she knew Nathaniel would do all in his could to keep her safe, she was still very much afraid of what lay ahead.

Emma found herself standing in front of one of her paintings as the evening was coming to an end, thinking on