pter 28: What’s Left After the Storm-2
+25 Points
Chapter 28: What’s Left After the Storm-2
“Where is he?” she asked. Her voice was thin, trembling. “Beckett…”
James’s expression didn’t change, but his gaze turned sharp.
“Gone,” he said simply. “You won’t have to worry about him again.”
Maya’s breathing quickened. “No-I need to know. He said things. He was going to-he…”
She couldn’t finish.
Jamie gripped her hand tighter. Ms. Janice rubbed her shoulder.
James stepped forward, voice lower. “Ms. Thompson, I promise you.. he’ll never come near
you again.”
She nodded slowly, but her eyes said otherwise.
A quiet knock broke the silence.
The door opened.
Monroe stepped in, a towering presence in a dark coat. Composed. Alert.
He bowed his head respectfully. “Ms. Thompson.”
James gave a short nod. “This is Monroe. Head of security for Blackwood Enterprises. He led the rescue operation.”
Monroe’s expression didn’t shift, but his tone was calm. Measured.
“It’s good to see you safe, ma’am. Rest assured, he won’t get near you again. Not now. Not
ever.”
Maya stared at him, wide-eyed.
Head of security?
They’d sent someone that high up… for her?
She was just an intern.
Her voice trembled. “Thank you, sir. I.. I’m sorry for all the trouble I caused. I didn’t mean to
be a burden.”
Monroe’s eyes softened. “You weren’t. You never were. We did what had to be done.”
1/4
Chapter 28 What’s Left After the Storm 2
+25 Points
She looked down, overwhelmed. They’d moved mountains for her. The security. The silence.
The effort.
Why?
Why her?
She glanced at Jamie again, brushing his messy hair from his forehead.
“You stayed up?” she asked gently.
He nodded with a sheepish shrug. “Couldn’t sleep without you. It didn’t feel right.”
She exhaled shakily and kissed his temple. “I’m here now.”
But her hands still trembled.
James noticed.
He turned slightly, quiet for a beat, then said, “We’ll give you some privacy. But we’ll be just outside if you need anything.”
Maya hesitated. Then looked up, heart in her throat.
“Thank you, Mr. Horton,” she said quietly. “And please… tell Mr. Blackwood thank you. I’m sorry for all the trouble I caused.”
James gave a slight nod. Then stepped out with Monroe, the door clicking shut behind them.
Just outside, the hallway was quiet. Dimly lit. Sterile. Cold.
But not nearly as cold as the fury still burning in James Horton’s veins.
He gave one last glance toward Room 614, then stepped away and pulled out his phone.
One ring.
Two.
“Speak,” came the low, clipped voice on the other end.
“She’s awake,” James reported. “Still shaken. But aware. She asked for Jamie first.”
“And?”
“She’s talking. Processing. Exhausted but coherent. No major injuries. Mild concussion and dehydration, but nothing life-threatening. She’s stable. Doctor will provide a full update by
morning.”
214
Chapter 28. What’s Left After the Storm-2
There was silence.
Then James lowered his voice. “She asked about Beckett.”
The pause on the other end turned to steel.
“I told her he’s gone. That she doesn’t need to worry. Monroe confirmed. She also… apologized. Said she was sorry for being an inconvenience. Asked me to thank you.”
Another pause.
Then Damien’s voice dropped lower.
+25 Points?
“She didn’t cause any trouble,” he said quietly. Then colder: “The only one who caused trouble is learning what worse than death feels like. And he’ll never have a chance to breathe near her again.”
James nodded once. “Understood.”
“Keep me updated.”
The line went dead.
James tucked the phone away.
Monroe spoke quietly beside him.
“She’s more worried about causing trouble than about what she’s been through.”
James exhaled slowly. “She’s too innocent for the world she just stepped into.”
He paused.
“I just hope… when she finally sees the truth-how she broke through everything the boss built around his heart-it doesn’t scare her away.”
A beat.
“Because if she leaves… it’ll break that man’s world all over again.”
And Maya Thompson may not have realized it yet-
But someone very powerful had just taken her survival personally.
Comments
Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.