Chapter 3 - The Unseen Watcher
Mara stared at the photograph in absolute horror, her entire body trembling violently.
The image was completely clear, showing her wrapped in her blue comforter while the digital clock on her nightstand read three in the morning.
"Someone was standing inside my bedroom last night," Mara choked out, the reality of the terrifying violation crashing over her.
Edward crushed the photograph in his fist, his gray eyes flashing with a terrifying, primal rage.
"Peter is not just an embezzler, he is actively trying to intimidate you into silence," Edward growled.
"I did not even hear anyone pick the lock or open the door," Mara whispered, wrapping her arms protectively around herself.
Edward immediately pulled his cell phone from his pocket and dialed a highly secure number.
"Send a full security detail to the apartment of Mara Ellis immediately, and change every single lock on the premises," Edward ordered his security chief.
He hung up the phone and turned his intense, calculating focus back to Mara.
"You are not going back to that apartment until this entire situation is definitively resolved," Edward declared firmly.
"I cannot just abandon my roommate, Jess, without giving her any logical explanation," Mara protested weakly.
"My team is already relocating your roommate to a luxury hotel under the guise of a severe plumbing emergency in your building," Edward explained seamlessly.
Mara was entirely stunned by how quickly and efficiently the billionaire was dismantling her normal life to keep her safe.
"Where exactly am I supposed to stay?" she asked, her voice shaking slightly.
"You will be staying at my private penthouse in the city center, where my personal security team can monitor you twenty-four hours a day," Edward stated.
Mara opened her mouth to argue against the absurdly intimate arrangement, but the fierce determination in his eyes completely silenced her.
She knew he was right, because whoever took that photo could easily return to finish the job tonight.
"Now, we need to completely focus on tonight's diamond exhibit gala, because Peter will definitely be watching your every move," Edward reminded her gently.
"I do not even have a dress suitable for a high-society event, especially not one where I am supposed to be your official date," Mara admitted, blushing.
Edward smiled softly, walking over to his desk and pressing a small button on his intercom.
"My personal stylist is waiting for you in the executive dressing room down the hall, and she has already pulled several elegant options for you," he informed her.
Two hours later, Mara stood in front of a full-length mirror, completely unable to recognize the gorgeous woman staring back at her.
She was wearing a breathtaking, floor-length emerald silk gown that hugged her curves absolutely perfectly.
Her usually messy brown hair was styled into elegant, sweeping waves that cascaded effortlessly over one bare shoulder.
A delicate diamond necklace rested against her collarbone, feeling heavy and incredibly expensive.
When Mara finally walked out into the main hallway, Edward was waiting for her near the private elevator.
He was wearing a flawlessly tailored midnight-blue tuxedo that made him look dangerously handsome.
Edward turned his head, his breath catching visibly in his throat as his eyes slowly swept over her entirely transformed appearance.
"You look absolutely magnificent, Mara," he murmured, offering her his strong arm.
Mara slipped her hand through his arm, feeling the solid, reassuring warmth of his muscles beneath the expensive fabric.
They rode the elevator down to the grand lobby, stepping out into a massive sea of flashing cameras and wealthy socialites.
As they walked down the grand staircase together, excited whispers immediately broke out among the elite crowd.
Mara kept her chin high, playing the part of the billionaire's newly chosen romantic companion perfectly.
She scanned the crowded ballroom, her eyes desperately searching the sea of faces for Peter Maddox.
She finally spotted her boss standing near the priceless display case housing the famous Hope Diamond replica.
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Peter was not looking at the jewels, nor was he looking at the wealthy donors gathered eagerly around him.
He was staring directly at Mara, and he was holding a suppressed pistol entirely hidden beneath his suit jacket.
