My Protector: The Billionaire's Hidden Devotion

ncé, Curtis, and my jealous cousin, Chloe. He promised me t

ered my reputation, and

ent," but I knew the truth.

wisted satisfaction as my world burned. They took everyt

y bones. I couldn't understand how I had been so bl

d to save my family's failing company. On one side is Curtis, the charming serpent who destroyed

be a fool. I know e

pte

ixing with the sharp tang of disappointment. I watched the two men across the table, their smiles as di

g me to pick the right one. I knew these men. Not just from this life, but from a past that

He was a fortress, built of steel and silence. Rumors painted him as cold, ruthless, a man who measured success in stark

n open book, a confident smile always ready. He was the rising star, the man everyone loved. He spoke of partnership, of shared dreams, of a

you won't ruin e

teacup rattling against the saucer. It wasn't a voice I heard, but an impression, a sudden, intr

icture of supportive affection. Her eyes, usually so quick to criticize, were fixed

d. She was laughing at something Curtis said, a light, tinkling sound. Nothing seemed amiss, no

mart. But you're just a pawn

sical blow, stealing the air from my lungs. It wasn't just a fleeting impression; it was a conne

d chance, for both of us, and the stakes were higher than I could have ever imagined. My ability, a strange g

m as the only path forward for Wolf Industries. She saw herself as his indispensable partn

r family' s struggling tech firm. "Ellie, you have to decide. The Beckers offer stability. Mr. Small, he offers

th numbers. She knows what's best." Her smile didn't reach her eyes. She always thinks

betrayal, the slow, agonizing crumble of everything I thought I knew. Curtis, with his char

armth. She had yearned for his affection, for a shred of recognition, but found only his impenetrable facade. She' d tried everything, from grand gestures to petty manipulations, but his heart remained locked away.

lusion, until the cracks appeared. The stolen ideas, the shattered reputation, the public humiliation. He had used me, discarded me, leaving me broken and alone. And Chloe, my jealous cousin, had stood by, watching w

me, I w

My father blinked, surprised. Chloe's smile faltered, replaced by a flicker of disbeli

of nature, an intimidating presence that promised no easy path. But after what I'd just heard, after what I rem

intensity. His eyes, dark as obsidian, met mine. They held no warmth, no welcome, just a piercing scrutiny. I felt a tremor of apprehension. This man w

as a wall, thick and unyielding. Nothing. Just a vast, echoing silence. He was a void, a blank slate that refused to yield its se

ther. Not Arjun, but Curtis, who was now laughi

chose him. Good. Th

s a mask for a chilling calculation. The thought was brief, but potent, a snapshot of pure, unadulterated ma

gers brushed against the cool, expensive fabric of his suit jacket. His muscles tensed beneath my to

till, his expression unreadable. I knew, then, the choice I had made. Between the charming serpent and the silen

easily swayed, was now a sealed vault. I would build my own empire, on my own terms. Not for love, not for redemption, but for survival. I would e

Chloe's with Curtis, a celebration of what she believed was her triumph. In my previous life, Arjun hadn't even shown up to our wedding. He' d be

things were

gesture. Their happiness, however ostentatious, felt paper-thin. She caught my eye across the opulen

ou look exactly the same." Her voice was honeyed, but her eyes were sharp. "Are you excited to finally be Mrs. Beck

so happy. And yes, I'm thrilled. After all, a secure future is far more appealing than a pr

oed in my mind, laced with a smug satisfaction. She was convinced I was me

ing big plans for us, for our future. He says he'll conquer the world for me." She paused, her voice dripping with mock sympathy

gaze flickered to Curtis, who offered me a polite, almost pitying smile. She still doesn't get it. She's so blind. The thought

She had expected me to crumble, to show some sign of weakness. My composure clearly i

her veiled threat. No, Chloe. Not this time. My turn i

u that Mr. Arjun Becker has been called away on urgent business. He sends his deepe

peculation. My hand instinctively tightened around my glass. This wa

rk on her face. "See, darling? Some men just aren't cut out for romance." Then, she pulled Curtis close, kissing him deeply, passionately, for all

head high. This wasn't the pas

them pity. This is