The knock came at noon.
Firm. Rhythmic. Like someone who didn't believe in being turned away.
Hazel opened the door—and immediately regretted it.
A man stood there. Early forties. Impeccably dressed, but with the kind of expensive sleaze that made your skin crawl. His cologne hit before his voice did.
"Mrs. Blake," he said, smiling like a snake. "Long time no see."
Hazel stared. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"
His smile widened. "Oh, you know me. Even if you're pretending not to. Mind if I come in?"
She moved slightly to block the doorway. "Who are you?"
"Julian Crest," he said, casually adjusting his cufflinks. "Founder of Crest Communications. Old family friend. Former… business associate of your father's. And someone you threatened to bankrupt last year if he didn't pull out of that media merger."
Hazel's heart pounded.
She kept her expression calm. "I don't remember that."
Julian tilted his head. "No. You don't, do you? That's the thing, Erin. You used to be sharp. Unforgiving. Scary, even."
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"Now? You're soft. You smile at maids. You walk around without heels. And I hear you actually hugged someone at the gala."
Hazel didn't reply.
Julian leaned in.
"So here's my theory. Something happened. And I'm going to find out what. Because weakness like this?" He tapped her chest lightly, mockingly. "It costs people like me money."
Before Hazel could respond, a quiet voice spoke behind her.
"Take your hand off my wife."
Adrian.
He stood at the top of the stairs, gaze sharp as glass. He hadn't raised his voice, but something in the way he said it made Julian step back immediately.
Hazel turned slightly, relief blooming in her chest.
Adrian walked down slowly. No rush. No drama. Just a quiet intensity that filled the space like storm clouds gathering.
Julian gave a tight smile. "Mr. Blake. Always a pleasure."
Adrian didn't answer. He simply stepped beside Hazel, placed a hand lightly on the small of her back, and closed the door—in Julian's face.
⸻
Inside, silence returned.
Hazel turned toward him. "He said he knew me."
Adrian didn't look at her.
"Julian Crest," he murmured. "You threatened to ruin him for spreading rumors about your mother. He's been waiting for an opening ever since."
Hazel swallowed. "Did I really do that?"
He met her eyes.
And this time, there was no accusation in his gaze.
Only a slow, thoughtful calculation. And something else.
"Don't let him corner you again," Adrian said softly. "If he thinks he's found a crack, he'll make it a canyon."
Hazel nodded, heart still pounding. "You believe me?"
He didn't answer.
But his hand was still resting lightly on her back.
And it stayed there a little longer than necessary.