Chapter 5 Protecting What’s Mine

"I'm not moving in with you." I faced Bernard in the dim garage lighting. "I meant what I said about working together, but that doesn't mean I need your protection."

Bernard's jaw tightened - another tell. "Diana-"

"No. I'm done with the half-truths and manipulation." My grip tightened on my phone, the recording app still running. "I'm not that naive girl from five years ago who needed your guidance. I've built my own power now."

"You think I don't know that?" His voice held that dangerous edge, the one that used to make me yield. "That's exactly why you need-"

"Need what? Your surveillance? Your control?" I let out a sharp laugh. "I've spent five years learning how to protect myself. I don't need a guardian angel with trust issues."

The elevator dinged behind us. Mike stepped out, tablet in hand. His eyes darted between Bernard and me, reading the tension.

"If you won't tell me what's really going on," I continued, watching Bernard's face carefully, "then we keep this strictly business. The merger, the press, all of it - just corporate strategy."

"You know it's more than that." Bernard moved closer, but I held my ground.

"Is it? Because from where I'm standing, you're still playing the same games." I met his gaze steadily. "Only difference is, this time I know the rules."

Mike cleared his throat. "Sorry to interrupt whatever power play is happening here, but we need to discuss Ashley's stock transfer. The paperwork's ready."

"Not now, Mike." Bernard's voice carried that quiet authority that used to silence boardrooms.

"Actually, yes now." I turned toward Mike, deliberately putting my back to Bernard. "The company doesn't stop just because you've decided to play protector."

Mike's lips twitched. "Transferring her shares to me - that's quite a trust fall. Or is this just premium hush money for whatever you're planning?"

"Can't it be both?" I matched his light tone, ignoring Bernard's presence behind me. "Consider it hazard pay for five years of creative accounting. Though if you ever betray me like Ashley did..."

"Please." Mike gave an exaggerated eye roll. "I've spent five years watching you build this company from nothing, done the books, kept the secrets. Pretty sure I've earned that trust." He paused, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Besides, after handling the fallout from just one night of your 'reunion negotiations' with Bernard, I deserve hazard pay. Those expense reports for broken furniture aren't going to file themselves."

"Mike." Bernard's warning tone would have intimidated anyone else.

"What? Just stating facts." Mike glanced between us again. "Though if you two are done with your 'we're not getting back together' drama, we have actual work to handle."

"Work sounds perfect." I headed for the elevator, shoulders straight. "Coming, Mike?"

"Diana." Bernard's voice stopped me. "This conversation isn't over."

I turned back, letting him see my smile. The ostensible one he'd taught me years ago. "You're right. It's just beginning. But this time? I'm the one asking the questions."

The elevator doors closed on Bernard's frustrated expression. Perfect.

"Trouble in paradise already?" Mike asked once we were alone. "That's got to be some kind of record, even for you two."

"Focus on the share transfers." I kept my voice professional. "I want everything ironclad before the news breaks."

"Ah yes, the 'give Mike millions in company shares' plan." He tapped his tablet. "Not that I'm complaining, but is this really just about loyalty? Or are you making sure I won't ask too many questions about whatever you're planning with that hotel clerk?"

"You know me too well."

"Five years of friendship will do that." His voice turned serious. "Though maybe before you go full investigation mode, consider that Bernard might actually be trying to protect you from something real?"

"Mike-"

"Hey, just playing devil's advocate." He held up his hands. "Though I've got to say, in the five years you were apart, I never saw him lose control like he did with that clerk. Whatever's going on, it's big."

"Exactly." I pulled up the share transfer documents on my computer. "Bernard Jones doesn't do anything without a reason. He doesn't lose control, doesn't show weakness, and definitely doesn't beg anyone to move in with him for protection."

"Unless he's actually worried about you."

"Or unless he's trying to keep me close to control whatever's coming." I signed the first document with more force than necessary. "Five years ago, he documented everything about me. Now he's hiding something just as big. The only difference is, this time I'm going to find out what it is before he can use it against me."

Mike was quiet for a moment, watching me sign papers. "You know, most people would just talk to their ex about trust issues. Maybe see a couples therapist. But you two? You turn it into corporate warfare with a side of espionage."

"We're not most people."

"Clearly." He gathered the signed documents. "Though for what it's worth? The way he looks at you when you're not watching... that's not calculation. That's something else entirely."

"Don't."

"Right, right. Staying in my lane." He headed for the door, then paused. "Just... be careful, okay? Whatever game you're playing with that clerk investigation - Bernard's right about one thing. Some doors are better left closed."

"Since when do you agree with Bernard?"

"Since I watched him spend five years making sure you succeeded while pretending he wasn't involved." Mike's voice was gentle. "Maybe instead of investigating him, you should ask yourself why the most controlled man in business loses that control every time you're involved."

After he left, I stared at my phone. Three missed calls from Bernard.

"Delete." I muttered, hitting the button harder than necessary. Another message popped up: "The penthouse security system is already updated for you. Don't make me regret offering this protection."

"Still trying to control everything, Bernard?" I spoke to the empty office, already typing in my access codes to the hotel database. "You of all people should know better."

My phone buzzed again. Mike this time.

"Please tell me you're not already investigating the hotel clerk."

"Would I do that?"

"In a heartbeat. And we both know how Bernard will react."