Chapter 5: A Dangerous Shadow

Emily woke up the next morning with an uneasy feeling she couldn't explain.

The image of the black SUV she thought she had imagined lingered in her mind.

After taking a deep breath, she pushed the thought aside.

"You're overthinking," she whispered to herself.

Today was another busy day at Steele Empire, and she refused to let fear distract her.

By eight-thirty, she was already seated at her desk, reviewing Dominic's appointments.

As expected, his calendar was completely full.

"Good morning, Miss Hart," Dominic said as he stepped out of the elevator.

"Good morning, Mr. Steele."

"Anything urgent?"

"Your ten o'clock board meeting has been moved to eleven."

"The legal team requested additional documents."

"I've already prepared them."

Dominic nodded with approval.

"Excellent work."

Emily smiled politely.

She was beginning to understand his personality.

He rarely praised anyone, but whenever he did, he meant it.

Around noon, Marcus entered the executive office carrying another security report.

"Dominic, can we talk?"

"Inside my office."

Emily noticed both men looked unusually serious.

Curiosity tugged at her, but she focused on her work.

Inside Dominic's office, Marcus placed several printed photographs on the desk.

"The same SUV appeared outside the building again this morning," Marcus explained.

"Security traced it through nearby cameras."

"The license plate is fake."

Dominic's jaw tightened.

"What about the driver?"

"Still unidentified."

"Do you think Emily is the target?"

"It's too early to say."

"But whoever it is has been watching the building for two days."

Dominic looked through the glass wall toward Emily's office.

She was answering calls completely unaware of the conversation.

"Increase security immediately," he ordered.

"Quietly."

"I don't want her frightened."

"Understood."

The afternoon passed normally.

Emily attended another executive meeting and completed every task Dominic assigned.

Just before lunch ended, she received a call from reception.

"Miss Hart?"

"There's someone here asking for you."

"For me?"

"Yes."

"He says he's an old friend."

"Did he give a name?"

"Daniel."

Emily frowned.

"Daniel Brooks?"

"That's correct."

"Please send him up."

A few minutes later, a cheerful young man stepped off the elevator carrying a bouquet of sunflowers.

"Emily!"

"Daniel!"

They hugged warmly.

"Congratulations on the new job," Daniel said.

"I wanted to surprise you."

"You didn't have to bring flowers."

"They're friendship flowers, not romantic ones," he joked.

Emily laughed.

"Coffee after work?"

"I'd love to, but I'll have to check my schedule."

"Your boss works you that hard already?"

"He's demanding, but fair."

At that exact moment, Dominic stepped out of his office.

His eyes immediately landed on Daniel.

"Miss Hart," he called.

"A moment, please."

"Excuse me," Emily said to Daniel before walking into Dominic's office.

"You wanted to see me?"

"Who's the visitor?" Dominic asked calmly.

"A college friend."

"Daniel Brooks."

"He came to congratulate me."

"I see."

There was a brief silence.

"You have lunch scheduled with the finance department in twenty minutes," Dominic reminded her.

"Would you prefer to cancel it?"

"No, sir."

"I'll ask my friend to come another day."

"That would be best."

Emily nodded and returned outside.

"I'm really sorry," she told Daniel.

"Work is a little crazy today."

"No worries."

"We'll celebrate this weekend instead."

"Deal."

After Daniel left, Marcus entered Dominic's office with a knowing smile.

"You looked jealous."

"I was being practical," Dominic replied.

"She's working."

"Of course," Marcus said, clearly unconvinced.

"Nothing more?"

"Nothing more."

Marcus simply laughed before leaving.

Late that evening, most employees had already gone home.

Emily stayed behind to finish organizing documents for the next day's board meeting.

"You're still here," Dominic said as he walked past her office.

"Almost done."

"I'll leave once I finish these files."

"I'll wait."

"Sir, you don't have to."

"The building is nearly empty."

"I'd rather you didn't leave alone."

Emily looked at him with surprise.

"Thank you."

Half an hour later, they left together.

The underground parking garage was unusually quiet.

Dominic walked slightly ahead while Emily searched for her car keys.

Suddenly...

"Watch out!"

A loud engine roared through the garage.

A black SUV sped directly toward them.

"Emily!"

Dominic reacted instantly.

He grabbed her waist and pulled her out of the vehicle's path just seconds before it sped past them.

The tires screeched violently across the concrete floor.

"Are you alright?" Dominic asked urgently.

Emily's hands trembled.

"I... I think so."

"Did you see the driver?"

"No."

"It happened too fast."

Security guards rushed into the garage moments later.

"Mr. Steele!"

"Are you injured?"

"Call the police," Dominic ordered.

"Seal every exit."

"Yes, sir!"

Emily's breathing remained uneven.

Dominic gently placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.

"You're safe now."

"I promise."

She looked up at him.

For the first time since joining Steele Empire, she saw genuine concern in his eyes.

This wasn't simply a CEO protecting an employee anymore.

Someone had deliberately tried to hurt her.

And Dominic had risked himself without hesitation to save her.