My Blind Billionaire Husband

WATCHING AND WAITING

Chapter 10: Watching and Waiting

Noah’s POV

Watching Sara, I realized she was more resourceful and determined than I had first thought. She wasn’t just wandering the mansion; she had a purpose, a mission. And I wanted to know everything about it—but not in a way that would frighten her away.

Later, I caught Claudia in the hall, her movements careful, measured, as she carried a small notebook. My instincts told me she was reporting every detail back to Derek. I waited until she disappeared into the kitchen before summoning James.

“James,” I said quietly, “keep a close eye on Claudia. She’s up to something. I need to know if Derek’s involved, and what exactly she’s looking for.”

“Yes, sir,” James replied, nodding.

I turned my attention back to Sara. Her focus on the hidden painting, the care in her movements, even the subtle glances over her shoulder—it all told me she was hiding something. But what? And from whom?

I finally lifted the painting from its resting place. The colors, though slightly faded with age, were unmistakable. My mother’s brushstrokes, so familiar yet elusive, filled me with a bittersweet joy. This was it. After years of searching, I had found it.

But my joy was short-lived. A soft sound behind me made my heart jump. I turned to see Noah standing at the entrance of the passageway, his presence calm but intense.

“I thought you might need some assistance,” he said, his voice low and measured.

I felt a shiver run down my spine, not from fear but from the closeness, the subtle magnetism between us. “I… I can manage,” I said, trying to steady my racing heart.

He stepped closer, and I could feel his warmth, the faint scent of cedarwood and something uniquely him. “I’ve been watching you,” he admitted quietly. “Not to intrude, but… to understand.”

My cheeks flushed. “You… you don’t trust me?”

“No,” he said, his tone softening. “I trust you… but I also know that secrets can be dangerous, Sara. And in this house, danger lurks in many forms.”

I lowered my gaze, gripping the painting tightly. “I promise… I’ll be careful. I just need to know the truth about my mother.”

He nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Then let’s uncover it together.”

For the first time since arriving at Noah’s estate, I felt a fragile sense of alliance—and a flutter of something deeper stirring between us.