Cassie didn't sleep.
She lay in bed, eyes wide open, the glow of her phone still haunting her thoughts. The message repeated in her mind like a whisper she couldn't shut out:
"I know what you're hiding. You're not the only one who wants that baby."
She had blocked the number instantly, but the damage was done. The chill in her spine hadn't faded. Someone knew. And worse, someone was watching.
At five in the morning, she gave up on rest entirely. She pulled on a cardigan, padded barefoot to the kitchen, and poured herself a glass of cold water. The penthouse was eerily quiet. No lights, no footsteps, no staff.
Just her, alone with her anxiety.
She nearly jumped when Julian stepped in from the hallway.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.
Cassie glanced at him, surprised to see him without a tie or jacket. Just dark joggers and a black long-sleeve shirt. Casual. Real.
"No," she admitted. "You?"
"Rarely do."
He poured his own glass and leaned against the counter beside her. "Something happened."
She hesitated. "How would you know?"
"Because your hands are shaking."
Cassie looked down. She hadn't noticed. "It's nothing."
Julian tilted his head. "Try again."
She swallowed hard. Then, wordlessly, she passed him her phone.
The number was gone, but the screenshot was saved.
He read it. His jaw clenched. "When did this come in?"
"Just after midnight."
"Did you reply?"
"No."
He looked at her. "Good."
"Do you know who it could be?"
"I'll find out."
His voice was so calm, so controlled—it should have reassured her. But it didn't.
Cassie crossed her arms. "What if it's someone close to me? Someone from my old team? Or... someone from your side?"
Julian didn't flinch. "Then I'll deal with them."
The silence between them thickened.
"I want to know the truth, Julian. All of it. If I'm going to be part of this—part of your world—I need to know what dangers I'm walking into."
He didn't speak right away.
Then: "You already are."
---
By 8 AM, Julian's team had activated a full-scale digital trace. The number was unregistered, bouncing off encrypted relays. Whoever sent the message had gone to lengths to remain hidden. But Julian's people were relentless.
Meanwhile, Cassie kept up appearances.
She had breakfast with a stylized smile, gave brief feedback on a press release draft, and participated in a virtual board meeting where she pretended her life wasn't on the verge of collapse.
All the while, she felt watched.
Her phone buzzed around noon. Another unknown number.
I'm closer than you think. Check your balcony.
She froze.
For a moment, she couldn't move. Then, heart pounding, she raced to the guest suite balcony and flung open the doors.
Nothing.
No one.
Until she looked down.
Tucked against the base of a potted plant, half-hidden in the soil, was a single Polaroid photo.
Hands trembling, she picked it up.
It was her. Standing in Julian's penthouse, visible through the glass balcony door. The photo had been taken from across the street—from another building. She was in her nightgown. Vulnerable.
She dropped the photo and backed away.
Within five minutes, Julian and two members of his security team were in the room. Julian took the photo with gloved hands, his expression unreadable.
"We're sweeping the entire building," he said. "I've already contacted the security firm. Cameras will be checked. If someone accessed the adjacent roof or rented a room facing this unit, we'll know within the hour."
Cassie stood in the corner, arms wrapped around herself. "This is insane. Why would anyone do this?"
Julian looked at her. "Power. Leverage. Obsession. Take your pick."
Her voice was small. "I didn't think this would get... dangerous."
"It was always dangerous," he said quietly. "You just didn't see it yet."
She met his eyes. "And you did?"
"I've lived in it."
---
That night, Julian insisted she move into the master bedroom.
"It's the most secure room in the penthouse," he said. "Triple-reinforced glass. Direct emergency access. Two exits."
Cassie hesitated. "We agreed on separate rooms."
"We also didn't plan for threats. You'll sleep here. I'll take the guest suite."
She wanted to argue. But she was too tired. Too scared.
And deep down, she knew he was right.
Julian left her with a single look that said more than words.
He was taking this seriously. He wasn't just protecting their deal.
He was protecting her.
---
Cassie lay in the giant bed that night, staring at the ceiling. She had double-checked the locks, drawn the curtains, and kept a flashlight by her side.
But fear still lingered.
She thought of her child.
Of Nathan.
Of Julian.
And then, the door creaked open.
She sat up instantly. "Who's there?"
Julian stepped in, wearing only a white T-shirt and dark pants, barefoot.
"I heard something," he said.
Cassie blinked. "What kind of something?"
"I don't know. Maybe nothing. But I'm not taking chances."
He walked to the window and peered through the curtain, hand at his side like he was ready for a fight.
Cassie watched him, heart pounding.
"How can you stay calm?" she whispered.
"I'm not calm," he said. "I'm focused."
She got up slowly and joined him at the window. The city lights flickered below. Nothing seemed unusual. No movement. No danger.
But still.
They stood in silence, side by side.
Then Julian turned to her.
"If this is too much, say the word. I'll relocate you. Full protection. Off-grid if necessary."
Cassie stared at him. "No. I'm not running."
"You're pregnant. That makes you a target."
"That makes me a mother," she said firmly. "I'm not hiding. Not for them. Not for anyone."
Julian studied her for a long time.
Then, without asking, he reached out and touched her cheek. His hand was warm. Steady.
Cassie's breath caught.
"I won't let anything happen to you," he said.
And for the first time, she almost believed him.
---
The next morning, Cassie awoke to a knock.
She opened the door to one of Julian's assistants holding a plain white envelope.
"It was slipped under the lobby door," the woman said nervously. "No return address."
Cassie took it with shaking hands.
Inside was a single note.
Typed.
You're not safe with him either.