Chapter 4 - The Ultimatum
Naomi stared intensely at the ringing phone on the damaged kitchen wall.
She knew exactly who was waiting on the other end of the secure line.
She picked up the plastic receiver and held it firmly to her ear without saying a single word.
"You still have absolutely excellent reflexes, little bird," Silas's cruel voice echoed clearly through the speaker.
"Call off your aggressive dogs immediately, Silas," Naomi replied coldly.
"Those clumsy men were just a gentle warning to show you exactly what happens when you decide to interfere," he chuckled darkly.
Silas calmly explained that he had heavily armed mercenaries positioned all over the sprawling Whitmore estate.
If Naomi or Ethan attempted to call the local police, a hidden sniper would take Ethan out before the sirens even reached the main driveway.
"The grand engagement gala is tomorrow night," Silas stated with absolute authority.
He brutally demanded that Ethan sign the corporate transfer papers during the party, or the entire ballroom would run red with innocent blood.
Naomi hung up the phone aggressively and turned back to face Ethan.
She quickly and thoroughly explained her extensive past as a private protection specialist.
Ethan listened incredibly carefully, silently absorbing the highly shocking reality of his dangerous situation.
He surprisingly did not look angry about her long deception.
Instead, he looked deeply relieved that she was highly capable of protecting them.
"I always knew there was something remarkably extraordinary about you," Ethan said softly.
Naomi felt a strange, comforting warmth in her chest, but she quickly pushed the romantic feeling aside.
They desperately had to survive the next twenty-four hours before they could worry about their personal feelings.
They carefully devised a strategic plan to pretend everything was completely normal just to buy themselves more time.
The very next evening, the grand ballroom was completely filled with wealthy guests, politicians, and expensive champagne.
Vanessa wore a stunning, highly expensive silver gown, smiling perfectly for the flashing cameras.
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Naomi stood quietly in the corner in her gray maid's uniform, her sharp eyes scanning the massive crowd for any hidden threats.
Suddenly, Vanessa marched aggressively across the crowded dance floor directly toward Naomi, her eyes burning with pure, unadulterated malice.
