Nathan began his morning with a long, refreshing shower, preparing for another busy day. As he toweled off, his phone buzzed on the counter. He picked it up and smiled when he saw the name flashing on the screen—Kelvin, his younger brother.
"Kelvin!" Nathan answered with a grin. "Calling me this early? You must miss me."
Kelvin laughed. "I miss annoying you, big bro. Anyway, how's the almighty Mr. Reed doing? Still brooding around your mansion?"
Nathan chuckled. "I'm doing just fine, thank you. How's life in Australia? Still pretending to be a genius?"
"Of course," Kelvin joked. "By the way, my graduation party is next month. Don't even think about skipping it. You better show up… and bring Mom too."
At the mention of their mother, Nathan's face darkened. He quickly came up with an excuse. "Uh… next month? I might be swamped with work, Kelvin. You know how it is."
Kelvin sighed loudly on the other end. "Nathan, I know you're just trying to dodge Mom. Look, I get it. But I want you there. Please? Don't make me beg."
Nathan couldn't resist his brother's plea and reluctantly gave in. "Fine, I'll be there. But don't expect me to bring her."
"Fair enough," Kelvin replied cheerfully. "Oh, one more thing—have you proposed to Elena yet?"
Nathan laughed nervously. "Not yet, little brother. But soon. Maybe after your graduation. How about that?"
"Make it sooner!" Kelvin teased. "I want to be the cool uncle at your wedding before I start my next adventure."
After wrapping up their call, Nathan smiled to himself, feeling both amused and slightly pressured. But his moment of peace was short-lived as a knock came at his door.
"Come in," he called.
Allision, his favorite maid, stepped inside, looking slightly uneasy. "Sir, your mother is at the gate. The guards are following your instructions and aren't letting her in. What should we do?"
Nathan sighed heavily and rubbed his temple. "Wait for me outside. I'll handle it.
A few minutes later, Nathan stepped outside, dressed casually but exuding authority. Nine maids and seven guards stood at attention, knowing the tension that was about to unfold.
Mrs. Reed stood near the gate, her expression a mix of annoyance and hurt. As soon as she saw Nathan, she demanded, "Why wasn't I allowed inside? I'm your mother, Nathan!"
Nathan gave her a cold smile. "Mom—oh, sorry, *Mrs Reed*—you're not allowed inside because this is my house. My property. You have your mansion, your own life, and your own company to keep you busy. You're not welcome here."
Mrs. Reed was visibly stunned. "Nathan, why are you treating me like this? What have I done to make you hate me so much?"
Nathan's smile disappeared. "Hate you? You've destroyed so much of my life, Mom. You tried to control me. You destroyed my marriage with Katrina. You ruined Dad. And now you're trying to ruin things with Elena. I'm done letting you interfere in my life."
Tears welled up in Mrs. Reed's eyes. "Nathan, I didn't kill Katrina! How can you think that of me?"
Nathan's voice was cold. "Because you did. You drove her away with your controlling behavior, just like you tried to control Dad. And now you want to do the same to Elena. I won't let that happen."
Mrs. Reed's voice rose in frustration. "You're a fool, Nathan! You're letting love blind you."
Nathan stepped closer, his voice low but firm. "I was a fool back then—for trusting you. For letting you destroy everything. But not anymore. Elena is the woman I love, and if you so much as lay a finger on her, I'll make sure you regret it."
Mrs. Reed, defeated and heartbroken, said softly, "You don't know the full story, Nathan. Investigate. Find the truth. You'll see I'm not the villain you think I am."
Nathan didn't respond. He simply turned and walked away as she called after him.
Back in the house, Allision watched everything from a distance, her heart heavy with what had just transpired. She slipped away to her room and pulled out her phone, texting Mrs. Reed:
*"Don't worry, ma'am. I'll keep an eye on him for you."*
Later that morning, Nathan headed to the office, but his workers could tell he was in a bad mood. Sharon whispered to Jessie, "Boss looks like he could snap at any moment. Better not mess up today."
Nathan worked through his meetings efficiently, but he couldn't shake the tension from earlier. As the day ended, Thomas entered his office. "Sir, there's a business meeting in Australia scheduled for Monday," he said.
"Good," Nathan replied. "Also, prepare a CCTV camera for me. I have some personal plans for it."
Thomas raised an eyebrow but didn't ask questions. "Yes, sir," he said before leaving.
After work, Nathan instructed Thomas to prepare the car and bring the CCTV equipment. On their way to Elena's house, Nathan explained his plan.
As Nathan and Thomas arrived at Elena's house, they noticed Aiden and Elena talking outside, smiling and having a light-hearted conversation. Nathan's mood shifted slightly as jealousy flickered in his eyes, but he maintained his composure. As Elena spotted Nathan, she stood up and walked toward him, greeting him with a warm and casual hug. Aiden couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy as he managed to greet Nathan with a calm and polite tone.
Nathan, subtly asserting his presence, asked Aiden why he had come by. Aiden responded with a smile, "Oh, I just came to say hi to Elena. We're friends now, and I thought I'd check on her." Nathan, wearing a faintly forced smile, replied, "Thank you for keeping my fiancé company."
Elena quickly caught on to Nathan's game and understood he was marking his territory. She decided to play along, giving Nathan a knowing smile. After a few minutes, Aiden excused himself, promising to visit Elena another time.
As soon as Aiden left, Elena playfully punched Nathan on the arm. "What was that about, Nathan? My fiancé?" she teased, laughing at his antics. Nathan grinned and said, "I'm just protecting you from bad guys. Can't have you running off with just anyone, can I?"
Elena rolled her eyes but couldn't help smiling. Nathan then asked her to dress up because he wanted to take her somewhere special and share something with her. Curious and slightly intrigued, Elena agreed. She quickly changed into a simple yet elegant pink short gown.
As she prepared to lock her front door, Nathan stopped her and handed the key to Thomas. "Hand it to him," Nathan instructed. "I've ordered some gifts for you, and they'll be delivered while we're out. I need Thomas to make sure everything is brought inside."
Elena chuckled, shaking her head. "Nathan, you spoil me too much. Why do you keep doing this?" she asked, slightly embarrassed yet flattered.
Nathan smirked and replied, "Because you deserve it. Now, no more questions, just let me do this."
She finally handed the key to Thomas, who accepted it with a nod. Nathan leaned over to Thomas and whispered, "Don't forget the plan."
With that, Nathan and Elena drove off together, leaving Thomas behind to carry out the instructions Nathan had discreetly given.
As soon as Nathan and Elena drove off from her house, Thomas stepped into action. Two men, who had been quietly waiting nearby, emerged from the shadows. Thomas gave them the go-ahead to begin installing CCTV cameras inside Elena's house. Following Nathan's strict instructions, they worked efficiently and discreetly, ensuring Elena wouldn't suspect a thing.
Meanwhile, Nathan drove Elena to a secluded and picturesque spot. The sun was setting, casting a warm golden glow across the serene landscape. They sat on a bench overlooking a small lake surrounded by trees.
Elena turned to Nathan, curiosity in her eyes. "So, what's this all about? Why are we here?"
Nathan smiled, his gaze soft. "Relax, Elena. I just wanted us to spend some time together. I'll be leaving for Australia on Monday for a business meeting, and I don't want you to miss me too much while I'm gone."
Elena chuckled. "Oh, Nathan, don't flatter yourself. I'll be fine. You just focus on your meeting and make sure everything goes smoothly."
They both laughed and teased each other, the playful banter easing any tension in the air. After a moment, Nathan grew more serious.
"There's something I want to tell you," he said, his tone softer now. "But I can't share it with you yet. I'll tell you when I'm back from Australia. Promise."
Elena tilted her head, intrigued. "A secret, huh? Now I'm even more curious! Fine, I'll wait... but you better not keep me in suspense for too long."
Nathan grinned. "You'll just have to be patient."
As they prepared to leave, Nathan asked Elena to wait in the car while he fetched something. When he returned, he held a small box in his hand.
"What's this?" Elena asked as he handed it to her.
"Open it and see," Nathan said with a mysterious smile.
Elena opened the box and gasped. Inside was a delicate silver chain, simple yet stunning in its elegance.
"Nathan... this is beautiful," she whispered, touched. "Why are you giving this to me?"
Nathan leaned closer, his eyes locked on hers. "I want you to keep it until I come back. Once I'm back from Australia, I'll tell you what it means."
Elena nodded, her heart racing. "I'll take care of it. Promise."
As they drove back to Elena's house, a thought crossed Elena's mind, something that had been bothering her since the last time they spoke about Nathan's mysterious girlfriend. She hesitated but finally asked, "Nathan, about your girlfriend... You said you'd introduce her to me. When will I get to meet her?"
Nathan glanced at her, a playful smile tugging at his lips. "After I get back from Australia. I'll introduce her to you then."
Elena forced a smile, though her heart sank a little at his words. "Alright," she said quietly.
Nathan noticed the slight change in her tone. "Elena, are you okay? Do you need to see your doctor?"
Elena quickly shook her head, offering him a reassuring smile. "No, no, I'm fine. Don't worry about me."
Nathan cracked a few jokes to lighten the mood, and soon they were laughing again, the tension fading.
Back at Elena's house, Thomas and his team had finished installing the cameras. They ensured everything was flawless and discreet, just as Nathan had instructed.
When Nathan and Elena arrived, Thomas approached Nathan and whispered, "Everything is set according to plan, sir."
Nathan nodded in approval, then followed Elena inside.
Elena's jaw dropped the moment she saw the pile of gifts waiting for her in the living room. "NATHAN!!!" she exclaimed, her voice echoing through the house. "This is too much!"
Nathan burst into laughter. "Mrs. Reed, why are you screaming my name like that? Do you want the whole neighborhood to know?"
Elena turned to him, hands on her hips. "Nathan, this is too much! I can't accept all this."
Nathan smirked. "You don't have a choice. Bestie to bestie, you're keeping all of it."
She sighed, finally giving in. "Fine, but you need to stop spoiling me like this!"
Nathan chuckled. "I'll try, but no promises."
A knock at the door interrupted their banter. Thomas quickly opened it, revealing Mia, who had just arrived. She walked in with a warm smile, noticing Nathan and Elena sitting together.
"Looks like you two are having a cozy little moment," Mia teased.
Nathan grinned. "You're right, Mia. I was just spending some quality time with my stubborn princess."
Mia laughed and sat down with them. "I love this energy. You two are so fun to watch."
Nathan suddenly stood up. "Well, since I'll be leaving for Australia soon, how about I cook dinner for my two favorite ladies?"
Mia's eyes lit up. "You cook? Now this, I have to see!"
Elena laughed. "Trust me, Mia, Nathan's cooking is amazing. You're in for a treat."
The three of them headed to the kitchen, where Nathan showed off his culinary skills. The aroma of delicious food filled the house, catching the attention of Thomas and the driver outside. They exchanged smiles, happy to see this lighter, happier side of their boss.
The evening ended with Nathan serving a feast he had prepared with love. Elena and Mia couldn't stop complimenting his cooking, and Nathan basked in their praise.
As Nathan left later that night, he glanced at Elena one last time before driving away, feeling content and fulfilled. For once, everything felt right in his world.
But as the night grew darker, the cameras installed in Elena's house silently recorded every moment, ensuring Nathan's plan for her safety was in motion.