Morning came quietly, but Jace hadn't slept much.
Selena had already left her room by the time he stepped out of his own. Clara later informed him she was already at work—earlier than usual.
That only deepened the knot in his chest.
By midmorning, Clara knocked lightly on his office door. "Sir, Miss Melissa is here to see you."
Jace's eyes hardened instantly.
"Send her in."
The door opened, and Melissa walked in with practiced ease, dressed immaculately, her lips curved in a soft smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Jace," she greeted warmly. "Good morning."
He didn't ask her to sit.
The smile on Melissa's face faltered almost imperceptibly.
"What do you want?" Jace asked coldly.
Melissa laughed lightly, pretending not to notice his tone. "Is that any way to speak to an old friend?"
"You showed up uninvited at my grandfather's house," he said flatly. "And you spoke to my wife."
That wiped the smile off her face,and she looks painful.
"Your wife?" she echoed softly.
Jace stepped closer, his presence heavy. "This is the first and last time I will say this, Melissa. Whatever you think you know, whatever you've dug up, whatever game you think you're playing—stop."
Melissa tilted her head, eyes narrowing slightly. "I don't understand what you mean."
"I don't care," Jace replied sharply. "You will not meddle in my personal life. You will not approach Selena again. And you will not use my grandfather as part of whatever scheme you're cooking."
Her expression cooled. "You're protecting her now?"
"Yes," he said without hesitation. "Openly."
The word seemed to sting.
Melissa laughed again, but this time there was no warmth in it. "You're being dramatic, Jace. I was only concerned—"
"Concerned?" he cut in. "You crossed a line."
He paused, then added in a voice low and dangerous,
"I don't care what you know. Or who told you. If Selena is hurt because of you one more time, I won't be polite about this again."
Silence filled the office.
Melissa stared at him, disbelief flickering across her face. "You're choosing her."
Jace didn't answer.
He didn't need to.
Her lips pressed into a thin line. "Very well," she said finally. "Since that's how you want it."
She turned sharply and walked out without another word.
The moment the door closed, Jace exhaled slowly, running a hand through his hair.
Enough.
He glanced toward the empty corner of his office—the desk where Selena usually sat.
"I'll fix this," he muttered.
Later that afternoon, Clara returned with a message.
"Sir," she said carefully, "Chairman Arinston called. He wants to see you this evening. At home."
Jace stiffened. "Did he say why?"
Clara shook her head. "No, sir. Just that it's important."
Jace nodded. "I'll go."
He glanced briefly toward Selena's desk again, his jaw tightening.
That evening, Jace arrived alone at the Ariston family house.
Grandpa Arinston was already seated in the living room, his cane resting beside him.
"Sit," the old man said without preamble.
Jace obeyed.
Grandpa studied him for a long moment—the same piercing gaze that had once made board members tremble.
"You've drawn a clear line with Melissa," Grandpa said suddenly.
Jace didn't deny it. "Yes, Grandpa."
A faint smile tugged at the old man's lips. "Good. That girl has ambition—but little restraint."
Jace relaxed slightly.
Then Grandpa's expression turned serious.
"Now," he continued, "let's talk about your wife."
Jace straightened unconsciously.
"What are your plans for Selena?"
The question hung heavy in the air.
Jace hesitated—not because he lacked an answer, but because saying it aloud would make it real.
"Grandpa," he said carefully, "Selena is my wife. I intend to treat her as such."
"That's not what I asked," Grandpa replied calmly. "I want to know if this marriage stays on paper—or if it becomes something more."
Jace's fingers curled slowly.
He thought of Selena's quiet strength. Her restraint. The way she never asked for more than she was given.
"I won't let her be hurt," he said finally. "That's my plan."
Grandpa leaned back, nodding. "Reasonable."
Then he added, almost casually, "But your wife doesn't look like a woman planning to stay."
Jace's heartbeat skipped.
"What do you mean?"
Grandpa sighed. "She has a leaving air about her. Like someone who knows she doesn't belong somewhere permanently."
The words struck deeper than Jace expected.
"I suggest," Grandpa continued, "that if you want her to stay, you make it clear. Women like Selena won't beg. They walk away quietly."
Silence stretched between them.
"I understand," Jace said slowly.
Grandpa nodded, satisfied. "Bring her next time. Not as an obligation—but as a choice."
Jace stood up. "I will."
As he left the house, his resolve hardened.
Melissa had crossed a line.
And Selena—whether she realized it or not—was no longer standing alone.
Jace Ariston had made his decision.
And from now on, he would protect her—even from herself.