The Billionaire’s Dare

TO BE PROTECTED

As she approached her car, a sleek black Lincoln Navigator caught her attention, and her heart skipped a little. Harold's piercing eyes locked onto hers, his gaze intense and unyielding. The driver opened the door, inviting her in, but she hesitated, her mind racing.

"Gratina, I think you need to take this call," Hunter exclaimed, rushing towards her with his phone extended.

She turned to face him, her eyes narrowing as she took the phone and spoke a few brief words. Returning the phone to Hunter, she swiftly turned back to the Navigator, but it was gone, vanished from sight. She stretched her neck, scanning the surrounding area, but Harold and his vehicle were nowhere to be seen.As she settled into her car, they zoomed off, carrying her away from the stress of her encounter with Harold.

The gates of her father's estate swung open, and they drove through. She had always cherished her relationship with her father after everything that happened, she was happy Harold had left leaving her to realize herself, staying by her father’s side despite her own wealth and success has been nothing but beautiful. Her sister, Kendra, was happily married and expecting a child, and their father's love and support had been a constant source of strength for both of them.

Gratina's father, a business tycoon, had encouraged her to build her own empire, but she had initially found the prospect daunting. However, with his guidance and support, she had overcome her fears and grown into a confident entrepreneur. She had also prioritized her mental health, seeking therapy, exercising regularly, and participating in beneficial programs.

Her one vulnerability was her daughter, Riley, whom she had raised with love and care. Men had tried to come into business with her so they could date her but she wasn’t one bit interested so she had quickly dismissed them. Some had even attempted to win her father's approval, which had only irritated her further. She had briefly tried dating again, but her daughter's distress at seeing her with another man had led her to end the relationship.

As her car pulled up to the door, she stepped out and walked straight into the house.

As she stepped into the grand house, the warm glow of the lights and the plush furnishings enveloped her in comfort. The luxurious living room and dining area spoke elegance, yet simplicity. She made her way to her spacious bedroom, a haven her father had gifted her in her childhood, catering to her love for big spaces. The room boasted a beautiful walk-in closet, a makeup station, and a nicely arranged place for reading and relaxation, complete with a desk, chair, and couch.

As she set her bag down on the desk, she dips her hand into it and saw the mysterious letter, a secret admirer's token that had been arriving for three years. Sometimes, it was a flower or a perfume, and on her birthdays, gifts would appear. But this time, the letter's words sent a shiver down her spine.

"I see you, I know you, but I'm scared for you." Her eyes widened in shock, her mind racing with questions, but she pushed the thoughts aside, opting to clear her head with a soothing bath. Her dad had gone on a business trip so she was alone with her daughter, the workers and Sage.

Gratina enters into the living room, her simple yet comfortable outfit giving out her desire for relaxation. Her short hair was neatly packed, and her eyes shone with a warmth that only came from being surrounded by loved ones. She had been separated from her daughter for a few hours, and the wait for the masseuse seemed like an eternity. Her search for Sage led her to the kitchen, where Evelyn, the maid, was busy with her duties.

"Evelyn, darling, where is Sage?" Gratina asked, her voice laced with a hint of longing.

Evelyn looked up from her work, a warm smile spreading across her face. "Hi, Miss Gratina. I think they're in the garden or by the pool. Sage took Riley for a walk and some playtime."

Gratina's face lit up with a radiant smile as she thanked Evelyn and made her way to the garden. The sight that greeted her was one of pure joy. Sage sat on a bench, Riley nestled in her arms, their faces aglow with happiness. Gratina's heart swelled with love as she gazed at her daughter, her blue eyes sparkling like diamonds against her raven-black hair. Riley's features were a perfect blend of her parents', with her father's brown eyes and hair, but Gratina had made sure to instill her own values and heart in her child. Riley was a quiet, lovely kid, with a heart as kind as her mother's.

As Gratina approached, Riley's face lit up, her smile radiating pure joy. Gratina's own smile grew wider, her eyes shining with warmth, as she swept her daughter into a tight embrace. "I got you some chocolates, Riley! I'll give them to you when we go inside, okay?" Riley nodded happily, bouncing up and down in her mother's arms.As Gratina turned to Sage, her expression turned serious.

"How was Riley's class today?" Sage stepped closer, gently brushing a speck of dirt off Gratina's shirt.

"Awesome, she's a bit slow, but she's catching up." Gratina nodded, her mind already shifting to the pressing matter at hand.

"I need to catch up with the masseuse, and I have something important to tell you now." She set Riley down, encouraging her to play with the toys on the grass.

….

Sage's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing.

"Who's back, Graty?" Gratina's frustration was now visible on her face again, she was breathing deep and measured. Only Sage had seen her like this, beyond the poised and confident exterior that everyone else saw. Sage, her loyal friend and confidante, who had been by her side through thick and thin.

"He's back," Gratina repeated, her voice low and urgent.

"Harold was at my office earlier today," Gratina revealed, her voice trembling with emotion. Sage's eyes widened in shock, her expression a mix of anger and concern.

"What's the plan?" she asked,.

Her voice firm and determined. Gratina’s eyes welled up with tears.

"I don't want him to know about Riley. He might try to take her away from me." Her voice cracked as she spoke, her body shaking with fear.

Sage's grip on her shoulders tightened. "Gratina, listen to me. He can't touch Riley, even with a court order. We won't let that happen. We'll make sure he pays for what he's done." Her voice was firm, her eyes blazing with determination.

Gratina looked at Sage, her eyes searching for reassurance. And she found it. Sage's words were like a balm to her soul, calming her fears and strengthening her resolve. She nodded, a small smile on her lips.

Just then, Evelyn approached them, a gentle smile on her face.

"Excuse me, Miss Gratina, the masseuse is here."

Gratina nodded, her eyes still locked onto Sage's. "I think I should get back inside."

But just as she turned to leave, her phone rang. An unknown number flashed on the screen. Gratina's heart skipped a beat as she answered the call.

"When do I get to meet Riley?" a smooth voice she recognized just anywhere, sending shivers down Gratina's spine.

Her eyes widened in fear, her body instinctively leaning into Sage's protective embrace as she was almost falling.