Chapter 7 Secrets in the Shadows.

"Where are you going dressed like that?" Damien asked in a quiet voice that sliced through the penthouse.

Ava froze halfway to the door. She had chosen her outfit carefully. She wore an ankle-length beige trench coat, black dress, low heels. She made sure her outfit was something that wouldn't draw attention. But Damien noticed everything.

"I'm... going to see Levi," she said evenly, keeping her tone calm.

His dark gaze swept over her like a searching for hidden answers. "At nine in the morning? You usually call him, not visit."

"I just wanted to surprise him." She gripped her handbag tighter, willing her pulse to slow down. If he sensed even a flicker of deceit, it would be over between them.

Damien stepped closer to her for her to catch the faint scent of his cologne.The cologne was sharp, commanding and expensive. "Don't keep secrets from me, Ava. You wouldn't like the consequences."

She forced a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Noted, sir."

When she finally stepped into the elevator, she felt a deep relief. Every nerve in her body was on edge. She had one chance to meet Mr. Gray without Damien finding out. One chance to learn the truth about Damien.

Ava finally arrived at the cafè.The café Mr. Gray had chosen was nothing like Damien's usual haunts. It was sited in a quiet side street, all mismatched furniture and the faint smell of cinnamon.

Ava spotted him immediately-tall, silver-haired, in a black suit that fit too perfectly to be off the rack. He was seated in a corner booth, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp and active.

"You came," he said, rising slightly as she approached.

"I didn't have much choice after your message," Ava replied, sliding into the comfy seat opposite him.

He studied her for a moment, as though weighing how much she could handle. "Damien isn't the man you think he is."

A bitter laugh escaped her. "Trust me, I know exactly what kind of man he is."

Mr. Gray shook his head. "No. You know really knows him.You know the mask. You don't know what is underneath."

She leaned forward. "Then tell me. Why are you helping me?"

"Because I owed your mother a debt," he said simply.

Ava's breath caught. "My... mother?"

"She saved my life once. I promised her I'd protect you if I ever could." His voice hardened. "Damien Thorne is dangerous, Ava. Not just cruel but dangerous. The man has buried scandals even the board doesn't know."

Her stomach tightened. "What scandals?"

Mr. Gray lowered his voice. "Seven years ago, Damien orchestrated a hostile takeover that destroyed three top companies and one of those CEOs disappeared. No one ever proved anything, but let's just say... Damien's hands aren't clean."

Ava's fingers curled into fists under the table. "Why are you telling me this now?"

"Because you're in over your head. And because he is watching you closer every day and every night. If you're going to survive, you need allies. I can help you quietly, but you have to play the long game."

She hesitated, torn between fear and the sudden rush of determination. "And what do you get out of this?"

Mr. Gray smiled faintly. "Revenge of my own."

Before Ava could press further, her phone rang.It was Damien. Her heart skipped a beat.

Where are you?

Her fingers shook as she typed back: With Levi. I won't be long.

Mr. Gray's eyes narrowed. "Go. He is suspicious. And Ava-don't let him know we've spoken."

By the time she returned to the penthouse, Damien was waiting in the living room, a glass of whiskey in hand. He didn't speak right away, just studied her with that unreadable expression that always made her feel like prey.

"How's Levi?" he asked finally.

"He's fine. Tired, but fine."

"Good." He set the glass down. "We have a dinner tonight. I want you to wear this silver dress."

Ava's stomach sank. The silver dress was one of his favorites-not because it flattered her, but because it made her feel exposed, the slit climbing high up her thigh.

"Who are we having dinner with?" she asked carefully.

"Victor and Marissa Lane.They are major investors. I expect you to make them like you." His gaze sharpened. "No mistakes this time."

The restaurant was all crystal chandeliers and luxury. From the moment they sat down, Damien dominated the conversation, charming the Lanes with ease. Ava played her role, smiling, nodding, offering polite comments when needed to feel among. But then Marissa turned her attention to Ava. "So, how did you and Damien meet?"

A practiced lie came out of Ava's tongue. "Through a mutual acquaintance-"

Damien cut in smoothly. "She used to be my secretary. I decided she was more useful at my side than behind a desk."

Laughter rippled around the table, but Ava felt heat rush to her cheeks. She lowered her gaze, gripping her fork so hard.

"And tell me," Marissa continued, clearly amused, "was it love at first sight?"

Damien smirked. "Hardly. It was a business arrangement from day one. Ava knows her place."

The humiliation was a sharp, physical ache. She forced herself to take a sip of water, swallowing back the sting in her throat.

In the car afterward, the city lights blurred past her window. Damien sat beside her, scrolling through his phone as if nothing had happened tonight.

Finally, she turned to him. "Did you enjoy that?"

"Enjoy what?" he asked without looking up.

"Making me look like a bought ornament in front of your investors."

His lips curved into a slow, cold smile. "If the shoe fits."

Her hands clenched in her lap. "You don't have to keep reminding me of the contract, Damien. I'm well aware of what I agreed to."

"Good," he said, finally meeting her eyes. "Then stop pretending you're anything else other than that."

Something in her snapped. "One day, you are going to push me too far."

He leaned in, his voice sounded like a dangerous whisper. "And one day, Ava, you'll learn that no one walks away from me."

That night, she lay awake, replaying every word Mr. Gray had said. The image of Damien took on a darker edge in her mind. If even half of what she'd heard was true, she wasn't just trapped in a loveless marriage. She was living with a man that is capable of destroying lives and businesses people suffered to build without a second thought.And now, he was watching her closer than ever.

Her phone buzzed on the nightstand. She reached for it quickly, shielding the screen from Damien's sleeping form beside her.

We're not done. Meet me again soon. – Mr. Gray.

Ava's pulse quickened. She typed a single word back: When?

The reply came instantly.Meet me at the same place tomorrow. Noon.

She stared at the message for a while. If she kept meeting him, Damien might find out. But if she didn't... she might never learn the truth.

The next morning while they were having breakfast, Damien was in an unusually good mood, discussing a new deal. Then, casually, he said, "By the way, I had someone follow you yesterday."

Ava's spoon froze midway to her mouth.

He smiled without warmth. "Funny thing. You weren't with Levi at all."

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