Chapter 3

I checked my watch for the third time in as many minutes, my fingers trembling slightly as I stirred my untouched latte. The downtown café was busy enough to provide anonymity but quiet enough for conversation—Joaquin had chosen well.

"You're sure you weren't followed?" he asked as he slid into the seat across from me, his eyes scanning the room with practiced caution.

"I took a taxi, then walked through three stores before coming here," I replied, keeping my voice low. "Lawrence thinks I'm at my weekly spa appointment."

Joaquin's expression darkened. "This isn't right, Liv. None of this is right."

I pulled out the folder I'd managed to hide in my gym bag. "Did you find a buyer?"

He nodded, opening the folder and sliding it toward me. "Adriel Duncan. He's been looking to expand his holdings in tech for months. When I approached him about your shares, he was... interested."

"Interested enough to move quickly?" I asked, scanning the documents.

"Very interested." Joaquin leaned forward. "He's offering above market value, and he's willing to complete the transaction within 48 hours if necessary."

I swallowed hard. "That's... that's what we need."

Joaquin covered my hand with his. "Liv, I'm worried about you. Lawrence is... he's not stable. The way he's acting—"

"He canceled my credit cards," I interrupted, pulling up my sleeve to reveal the bruises forming on my wrists where Lawrence had grabbed me. "He's monitoring my phone, my movements. He wants me trapped."

Joaquin's jaw tightened. "You need to get out of that house. Stay with Mom and Dad until this is settled."

I shook my head. "I can't. If I leave now, he'll know something's up. I need to play along until the shares are sold."

"Then we move fast," he said, pulling out his phone. "I'll call Duncan now."

---

The Duncan Enterprises building towered over the city skyline, all gleaming glass and steel. I smoothed my blazer—the only professional outfit I'd managed to grab without Lawrence noticing—and stepped into the elevator.

"Ms. Montgomery," the receptionist greeted me with a practiced smile. "Mr. Duncan is expecting you."

The corner office offered a panoramic view of the city, but my attention was immediately drawn to the man standing by the window. Tall, broad-shouldered, with dark hair and an air of quiet confidence that seemed to fill the space.

"Olivia," he said, turning to face me. "Thank you for coming."

Something in his voice—a warmth, a familiarity—made me pause. Had we met before?

"Mr. Duncan," I replied, extending my hand formally.

His grip was firm, his eyes—a striking shade of blue—held mine a moment longer than necessary. "Adriel, please."

As we sat at the conference table, I couldn't shake the feeling that I knew him from somewhere. He moved with an easy grace as he poured water for both of us, his manner professional yet somehow attentive in a way that made my skin tingle.

"The paperwork is straightforward," he said, sliding the documents toward me. "Your brother explained your... situation."

I tensed. "How much do you know?"

"Enough to understand your need for discretion and speed." His eyes met mine again. "And enough to be concerned."

For a moment, something passed between us—a current of understanding that went beyond business. I looked away, unsettled by the flutter in my chest.

"I'll have my legal team review these tonight," I said, gathering the papers.

Adriel nodded, standing as I did. "Olivia," he said quietly as I reached the door. "Is there anything else you need?"

The question seemed to carry weight beyond its surface meaning. I hesitated, suddenly aware of how exhausted I was—not just physically, but emotionally drained by Lawrence's manipulation and control.

"I'm fine," I lied automatically.

His eyes dropped to my wrist where my sleeve had ridden up, revealing the darkening bruises. Something flashed across his face—anger? concern?—before he carefully neutralized his expression.

"My driver can take you wherever you need to go," he offered, his tone casual but his eyes intent on mine.

Before I could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at it, then back at me. "I've arranged for additional security for you," he said quietly. "Discreet, professional. They'll watch the house, ensure your safety."

I stared at him, surprised by his presumption—and even more surprised by the wave of relief that washed over me.

"Why would you do that?" I whispered.

His expression softened almost imperceptibly. "Because no one deserves what's happening to you," he said simply. "And because sometimes... we need someone to watch our back."

As I left his office, I couldn't shake the feeling that Adriel Duncan knew more about me than he was letting on—or that perhaps, in the midst of my nightmare, I'd found an unexpected ally.