Chapter 4 Unspoken moments I

He knew what it was like to have the world question you. So he said the only thing he knew to be true:

"They won't find anything, Lily. Because you did nothing wrong. And I believe in you."

The silence stretched between them.

Then

"...Why?"

Her voice was barely a whisper.

Jake exhaled slowly, his fingers tightening around the phone.

Because you're different.

Because you don't belong in my world, but I don't want to let you go.

Because I think, if I let this moment pass, I'll regret it.

But all he said was:

"Because I know what it's like to be doubted."

Another pause.

Then, finally

"Okay," Lily said softly. "Thank you."

Jake felt the tension in his chest ease.

"Good," he said. "I'll send a car for you tomorrow. We'll figure this out together."

And as he ended the call, he realized something startling.

For the first time in years, something outside his empire mattered to him.

And that something............Was her.

As the call ended, Alexa raised an eyebrow. "Jake McDernaunt himself calling you? You do realize he's not just rich, he's insanely rich, right?"

Lily blinked. "I... I didn't know that."

Alexa laughed. "Well, now you do. And let me tell you, men like him don't go out of their way for just anyone. He's interested in you." Lily shook her head, her cheeks warming. "He's just being kind."

"Sure," Alexa teased, smirking. "Keep telling yourself that."

Meanwhile, in the Shadows.......... Carmela sat in her penthouse, swirling a glass of wine as she watched the city lights.

She had heard things, people were talking, Jake was calling Lily. Jake was getting involved. Her lips curved into a slow, calculated smile. "Oh, sweetheart," she whispered to herself, "You have no idea what you've just walked into." She reached for her phone and sent a single message to an unknown number "Make sure Lily Collins doesn't enjoy her success for too long".

The next day, Lily stood in front of her mirror, brushing her long black curls into place. She had opted for a simple blouse and jeans, but even then, she felt out of place knowing she would soon be stepping into Jake's world.

The sleek black car arrived promptly at noon, and Lily slid into the backseat. As the car went through the city, she stared out the window, overwhelmed by the bustling streets and gigantic skyscrapers. Her quiet small-town life felt a world away.

When they arrived, Lily was ushered into Jake's office building, a gigantic glass structure that seemed to touch the clouds. The receptionist greeted her warmly and directed her to the conference room on the top floor.

As she entered, Lily's breath caught. The room was a blend of modern elegance and luxury, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city skyline. She hesitated at the entrance, her gaze flicking across the room taking in the towering glass windows, the expensive furniture, and finally, the people.

Lily had never felt so out of place. The office was intimidating, a modern, glass-and-steel fortress that radiated power. And then her eyes found him. He fit here. The way he stood tall, confident, and unreadable he was a force. He stood at the far end, engaged in conversation with a group of people who looked both intimidating and important.

She, on the other hand, felt like a misplaced brushstroke on a perfect canvas.

But then his eyes met hers, and suddenly, the world wasn't quite as terrifying.

Jake McDernaunt had faced powerful men, cutthroat competitors, and high-stakes negotiations but nothing had ever made his pulse stutter the way Lily Collins did when she walked into his office.

He had been prepared for this meeting.

He had been prepared to stand by her, to defend her against the accusations, to ensure that her name wasn't dragged through the mud.

What he hadn't been prepared for...

Was her.

She stepped into the room hesitantly, her presence small but somehow commanding.

Her long, dark curls cascaded over her shoulders, catching the afternoon light streaming through the windows.

In a simple blouse and jeans, she had managed to unravel something in him that no amount of power or money had ever touched.

Jake felt that moment of connection, sharp and undeniable. She looked uncertain, but there was something else in her eyes, something that hit him in a way he couldn't explain. She was trusting him, and he wasn't sure he deserved that. "Lily, you're here," he said, forcing his voice to stay even. "Come on in." Something about the way he said her name sent a strange warmth through her, but she ignored it. This wasn't personal. This was about her reputation, her future, her art. Yet as she stepped closer, she became hyper-aware of everything.

The way his dark eyes followed her movements, the way he shifted slightly, as if unconsciously making space for her, the way his presence alone seemed to steady her nerves. When she finally reached his side, she inhaled softly. He smelled clean and expensive, something crisp, like cedarwood and rain. And she hated that she noticed.