Page 12 of Sexted By a Stranger

Luca

"Boss," Lennox's tone carried rare relaxation.

"Miss Stella's background check is complete.

Her social circle is extremely simple—apart from Madeline, she has almost no close friends.

Communication records are clean too, no suspicious numbers found.

" He closed the thick folder with a soft sound.

"Can confirm she has no connection to Connor's gang or the Frat. Not even traces of indirect contact."

I opened the folder. From every medical bill after her father's death at twelve, to the community jewelry design night school enrollment forms, even library records for jewelry design books—every page of Sheila's past pointed to the same conclusion. She was clean.

"I also verified Leon's medical records." Lennox continued his report. "From onset, diagnosis to treatment, the entire process has complete hospital documentation. Her brother really was hanging by a thread."

I knew it. Those amber eyes couldn't hold any deception.

"I see. Security level unchanged. Half of Ragnar's elites can be reassigned. All focus on Connor now."

Lennox nodded slightly. "Yes, Boss."

"Connor's side?"

"Three days, quiet as a tomb. That old fox is laying low, barely even shows his face at the club anymore. Maybe our last warning stuck."

"Keep your eyes on him." I stood and walked to the window. "A snake in its hole is still a threat."

"Understood." Lennox paused. "One more thing, Boss.

Regarding Mrs. Black's cleaning company.

It's handled. The supervisor was... persuaded.

Saw the error of his 'management oversights' and the 'unfair treatment' real clear.

Mrs. Black's hourly rate's up twenty-five percent.

Assurances given about proper respect and working conditions moving forward.

A hardship allowance hit her account, too. She's grateful to the company."

"Good." I settled back into my chair. "Make sure Mrs. Black believes it's the recognition she earned."

It was a small effort, but it spared Sheila one less worry. This urge to smooth every path for her, even I found it novel.

As the city began waking in the dawn light, leaving my office, my gaze unconsciously fell toward the already-lit office next door, finally locking onto that slender figure.

Sheila.

She always arrived before everyone else.

Right now, she sat at her workstation, fingertips moving quickly over design sketches. Occasionally, she paused to grab a pencil and quickly sketch something in the notebook beside her.

A steaming cup of peppermint tea sat at the corner of her desk, next to a delicate china plate holding a fresh-baked blueberry muffin. Watching her habitually reach for that cup, gently blow away the steam, take a small sip, then pick up the muffin and bite off a corner with satisfaction.

This was my daily ritual to confirm personally, and a feeling of contentment spread through my chest.

Just then, as if sensing something, she looked up in my direction. Through glass and distance, she couldn't see me, but I could clearly see that warm smile in her eyes.

A simple gesture that sent warmth flooding through my chest.

The internal phone rang. It was Harrington. "Mr. Bellomo, the auditorium is ready. Ms. Winston arrives in two hours."

Ten in the morning.

The auditorium was already filled with Design's core members, the air buzzing with curious anticipation.

Sheila waited beside my seat. Seeing me, all gazes focused, then nodded in acknowledgment.

I walked straight to the head position. Once everyone was seated, I nodded slightly to begin the meeting.

"Everyone," Harrington's voice was low and powerful. "Today, we announce a milestone event for our Design department. We've invited a legend in jewelry design—Ms. Isabella Winston—as guest honorary designer for our new quarter's haute couture collection."

The auditorium doors opened ceremoniously as Isabella entered. The room erupted in enthusiastic applause.

But I only saw Sheila.

She held her breath, amber eyes suddenly brightening, lips slightly parted, hands unconsciously clenching.

I savored her look of surprise. This was what I wanted.

"Ms. Winston," Harrington looked more solemn than usual. "This is our design team."

"Pleased to meet everyone." Isabella's voice was gentle. "I look forward to working with you all to create truly stunning pieces."

The meeting proceeded smoothly. Sheila listened intently throughout, occasionally noting key points in her notebook. That focused, eager expression made my heart soft.

After the meeting, I stood in the corridor waiting for Sheila, her smile so brilliant.

She finally reached me. I leaned down slightly, close to her ear, catching the faint fragrance in her hair.

"Enjoying your surprise, Miss Assistant?"

Her ear tips instantly burned transparent, but she nodded vigorously, voice light as ice clinking in a glass. "Love it. Feels like a dream."

I lightly stroked her burning cheek with my fingertip, murmuring, "Then go on. She's a busy woman - don't keep her waiting."

"Got it!" she answered brightly, then quickly caught up with Isabella.

After she left, my phone rang.

"Vivian?"

"Luca." Her signature cheerful lilt exploded through the receiver. "Long time no see. Heard you want concert tickets? Madison Square Garden the day after tomorrow?"

"Front row, two tickets." I leaned against the floor-to-ceiling window, gaze falling on that half-open door on the distant nineteenth floor. "Someone will like them."

"Must be a very special fan to make you call personally." She laughed like dancing notes. "I'll have my assistant deliver the tickets directly, plus a limited edition signed album—I'll package it myself."

"Thanks."

"Don't mention it." Vivian drew out the words, full of teasing. "Someone you care about so much—I'd really like to meet them."

"Boss," just as I hung up, Lennox's voice came from behind. "Miss Veronica's birthday invite came in. She's... pretty insistent you show up this year."

"Pass. From now on, handle all those social things yourself."

"All of them?" Lennox raised an eyebrow rarely. "Business dinner —"

"I'll take Sheila," I answered without hesitation.

Lennox hesitated. "Boss, that crowd's all CEOs and senators. For Sheila to be there, isn't that—"

I looked up, voice suddenly cold. "You saying she can't handle it?"

"That's not it, Boss," Lennox explained. "It's just... showing up with her publicly like that? It'll put a target on her back. Given who you are."

He was right.

I could wrap myself in countless halos—investor, entrepreneur, philanthropist—but some people knew what lay beneath those halos.

Sheila didn't know my true identity yet. In her eyes, I was just a mysterious, heavy-handed businessman. I hadn't told her the truth, told her my hands were stained with blood, told her about the omnipresent danger around me.

I was afraid of losing her.

Yes.

I was afraid that once she knew the truth, the love in her eyes would turn to fear, that she'd flee from me like avoiding the plague.

She was too pure. So pure I couldn't bear to let her be tainted by darkness.

"I'll consider it." I finally said. "But besides her, I won't let any other woman stand beside me."

Let it be for now.

I'd build higher walls, deploy the sharpest people. As long as she was safe, as long as she was happy.

"Yes, Boss."

The office door pushed open gently. Sheila carried a plain white envelope and a vinyl album.

"Luca."

She quickly approached my desk, eyes brimming with irrepressible joy. "Thank you—really."

I reached out, naturally pulling her into my lap. Palm against the warmth of her cheek, I responded in a low voice, "As long as you like it."

After a brief silence, I spoke. "There's a business dinner next week. Come as my plus one."

She paused, then grasped the key point. "Will there be many important people?"

My fingertip caressed her earlobe. "I want you beside me."

She thought for a few seconds, then looked directly into my eyes. "What do I need to prepare? Guest backgrounds, etiquette details... I don't want to embarrass you at the event."

Looking at her serious expression, I suddenly realized this was Sheila—she never pitied herself, never ran away, but faced difficulties head-on, finding ways to solve problems.

It was this sharp yet gentle courage that made me willing to bow to her.

"Lennox will prepare all those." I cupped her face. "I'll teach you basic social etiquette. But honestly," I smiled, "your innate elegance and intelligence are already enough for any occasion."

Her eyes curved into soft arcs. "Then I feel more confident. When will I get the materials?"

"First thing tomorrow." I kissed the corner of her lips. "The dress will be delivered too."

"Buying me clothes again?" She feigned annoyance. "Luca, keep this up and I'll be completely unable to leave you."

"That's exactly what I want." My arms tightened, holding her closer. "Sheila. I want you to need me, just as I need you."

She leaned in and kissed me, especially passionately.

The air instantly turned intimate.

I unbuttoned her shirt as she moaned softly. Remembering last time's madness on this desk, my blood began to boil.

"Sheila—"

"Boss, urgent situation." Lennox's voice came from outside.

We separated abruptly. Sheila's face instantly burned red, frantically buttoning back up.

I took a deep breath, suppressing the surging blood tide, and said, "Wait."

Then turned to her. "Go back first. I'll pick you up the day after tomorrow."

She nodded hurriedly, straightened her clothes, gave me the steadiest smile she could manage, then swept out of the office like a breeze.

Damn it.

"Come in."

Lennox's face was grave. "Connor's moving. He's made contact with Malkovich. And a few others."

"Go on."

"Our source says they're discussing a plan. Details unknown, but—" He hesitated. "They mentioned Sheila."

My fist clenched instantly, knuckles white and corded.

That filthy maggot. Daring to set his sights on her.

"Double the security at the manor. Sheila's detail—double it too." My voice cut like an Arctic gale. "Tell Ragnar to lock on Connor. I want eyes on his every twitch. Every move reported."

"Yes, Boss."