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The text message—the threat—still lingered in my mind, a sharp, insidious whisper reminding me that I wasn’t just fighting for my restaurant anymore.
Whoever was behind this wanted to destroy me. And if I wasn’t careful, they’d take Christian down with me.
I couldn’t let that happen.
I straightened my spine and walked into Amélie’s kitchen, pushing past the nervous glances from my staff.
They all felt it—the uncertainty, the weight of the sabotage, the lingering doubt over whether we’d still be standing a month from now.
I needed to be strong for them.
For myself.
For the restaurant I built with my own two hands.
And if that meant making sacrifices?
So be it.
When Christian showed up that evening, I was ready.
He strode into my office, looking like a storm brewing just beneath the surface—controlled, but barely.
His jaw was tight, his dark eyes scanning me like he already knew something was wrong.
He always knew.
"Talk to me," he said, his voice steady but firm.
I exhaled, gripping the edge of my desk. "I need to focus on Amélie."
His expression didn’t change, but I saw the way his shoulders tensed. "You are focused on Amélie. That doesn’t mean you have to do this alone."
I shook my head. "Christian, this isn’t just about me anymore. Whoever’s behind this is serious. They’re threatening me now. And if I don’t stop this, I’ll lose everything."
His eyes darkened. "Then let me help you."
"You have helped," I said, my voice quieter. "More than I ever expected. But I need to stand on my own two feet. I need to fix this myself."
Silence stretched between us.
Christian didn’t speak right away. He studied me, his gaze sharp and assessing, as if searching for the cracks beneath my words.
Finally, he exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "So that’s it? You just want me to step back?"
My chest ached, but I nodded. "For now."
His jaw flexed. "Scarlett?—"
"Please," I whispered.
His entire body tensed.
Then, after what felt like an eternity, he nodded. Just once.
"Okay," he said, his voice low, almost unreadable. "If space is what you need, I’ll give it to you."
I swallowed the lump in my throat. "Thank you."