Chapter 6 - The Gracious Victim
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Two weeks later, the gates of the Caldwell estate swung open. A swarm of paparazzi, tipped off by Grant’s aggressive PR team, clustered outside the iron bars, their camera flashes strobing like lightning.
Grant played his part flawlessly. Dressed in a tailored navy suit, looking impeccably concerned, he personally lifted Lena from the back of the SUV and settled her into a custom wheelchair.
"Just smile for them, baby," he whispered through gritted teeth, pushing her up the ramp they had hastily installed. "Show them we’re healing."
Lena smiled for the cameras. She looked the picture of a gracious, recovering victim.
The moment the heavy front doors clicked shut, severing them from the press, Grant immediately dropped the handles of her wheelchair. He stepped back, wiping his hands together as if she were contagious.
Before Grant could say a word, Marcus stepped smoothly between them. The bodyguard didn't draw a weapon, but the sheer size and stillness of him made Grant flinch backward.
"Mr. Caldwell," Marcus said, his voice a low, threatening rumble. "Mr. Rowan asked me to remind you that his daughter is in a fragile state of recovery. If she experiences any stress, if she suffers a fall, or if she sustains an unexplained bruise... you will answer directly to me."
Grant swallowed hard, the Adam's apple bobbing in his throat. He remembered the terrifying men who had invaded his home. "Of course. I want her to recover comfortably."
"Good," Lena said cheerfully, breaking the tension. She wheeled herself toward the east wing. "I’ll be sleeping in the guest suite on the first floor, Grant. The stairs are a bit much right now."
Grant looked immensely relieved that he wouldn't have to share a bed with her. "Whatever you need, Lena. I'm just so sorry about the accident."
The accident.
Lena kept her expression perfectly blank. "I know you are, Grant. We all make mistakes."
May you like
As she rolled into the guest suite and closed the door behind her, leaving Grant and Marcus in the hall, she let her smile drop. She pulled her sleek laptop from her bag and opened it.
It was time to go to work.
