Chapter 900

Chapter 900:
Stella’s eyes lifted toward him as she murmured, “Did you already feel the need for caution back then, when you turned this into a safe house?”
For most people, the thought would have seemed like unnecessary precaution. Then it struck her—William was not like most people.
A man of his stature had no choice but to weigh safety against every aspect of his life.
From the outside, Stella thought the cabin would be plain, yet the moment she stepped in, she was taken aback by its modern design.
Every corner revealed sleek minimalism paired with cutting-edge amenities. Large bulletproof windows framed the forest outside, making the hideout feel both secluded and serene.
After showing Stella around carefully, William handed her a small device. “You’ll stay in the main bedroom. I’ll use the guest room right next door. If you need me, just press this button. Security teams are stationed outside at all times.”
The effort William put into ensuring her safety touched Stella deeply. She studied his face, softened by the cabin’s warm glow, and whispered, “Thanks.”
William turned toward Stella, so close he could see the curl of her lashes and his own reflection in her eyes. His throat tightened, his gaze sinking deeper. “No need to thank me,” he murmured, voice rough. “Keeping you safe… that’s something I want to do.”
His fingertips brushed her cheek, warm and gentle. Stella’s pulse spiked. Heat rushed into her face, but she didn’t move away.
The air between them thickened, heavy with unspoken emotion.
William leaned closer, his lips hovering just shy of hers… then his phone buzzed. The moment shattered.
William’s brows pulled into a frown, irritation flashing before his eyes hardened at the caller ID.
Lᴀt𝑒st chαptєrs in
Stella caught the shift instantly. “What is it? Did something happen?”
“It’s Luca.” His tone was clipped. “I need to take this.” He had told Luca not to call unless it was urgent.
William listened in silence, his expression icing over.
“Understood. Keep everyone sharp—I’m heading out now,” he said, then ended the call.
Turning to Stella, his gaze was heavy. “One of our outer lookouts is down. It’s them—the organization. And they’re professionals.”
Stella’s face drained of color. Already?
They hadn’t even been at the safe house half an hour.
Without another word, William pulled her behind him and unlocked a concealed safe in the wall. From it, he drew two guns, pressing the smaller one into her hand.
“Keep this with you,” he ordered, voice low but steady. “And don’t leave my side. Not for a second.”
The metal was cold, slick with sweat from her palms. Stella’s chest heaved, terror clawing at her ribs. She had never faced anything like this.
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