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Jackson raised an eyebrow at her answer, but before he could tease her further, he remembered something Shane had told him.

“Shane mentioned that Justin contacted you. Is that true?”

His expression grew serious as he watched her, waiting for her answer.

Allison nodded. “Yes, he texted me. But Silas has assigned security to protect me, and he tightened security around Shane as well. So, everything is under control for now. Justin hasn't dared to approach me directly.”

Jackson rocked back and forth on his feet, watching Allison with a thoughtful expression. “What about the nightmares? Are you getting enough sleep now? Do you still wake up in the middle of the night feeling sick? And what happened today? Was it because of a bad dream?”

Allison answered his questions one by one, shaking her head each time.

“No wonder you're doing so much better now.” Jackson nodded, looking pleased. “I checked your vitals and your overall condition, and everything has improved significantly. You're not suffering from sleep deprivation anymore, either. You're getting plenty of rest.” He paused, then gave her a teasing look. “Ever since you married Silas, your health has improved considerably.”

Allison smiled, a warmth spreading through her chest at the mention of Silas. “I'm lucky to have found him. I'm happy.”

Outside the room, Silas had already ended his call, but he hadn't walked away. He'd overheard their conversation, and her words brought a smile to his lips. Happiness filled his heart at the knowledge that she felt that way about him. He'd wanted to make her happy from the moment she'd entered his life, and hearing her say it meant more to him than she could imagine.

“I just want this issue with Justin to end,” Allison continued, her expression turning serious. “And to make that happen, I need to confront him.”

Jackson's amusement faded. “Justin has been tracking you and Shane for so long, yet he only attacked Shane and hasn't approached you directly. Do you think it's possible he doesn't really want the business? What if he wants you instead?”

Allison dismissed the idea immediately. “He tried to convince my parents to marry me off to him when I was in college. That asshole was thirty-five back then, and I'd only just turned eighteen. My parents rejected him outright. That was ten years ago, and as far as I know, he only wants to steal the business he couldn't get his hands on back then. After my parents died, he wanted the entire company for himself. Somehow Shane and I managed to keep it.”

Jackson let out a breath and nodded, understanding her reasoning. “That's good, but I still think things are getting dangerous. You should tell Silas everything.”

Allison frowned. “I don't want him worrying unnecessarily. I can take care of myself.”

Jackson snickered. “Of course you can. Who would dare pick a fight with someone like you? You're more dangerous than Justin. Honestly, I'm worried you want to get your hands on him just so you can strangle him yourself.”

Allison rolled her eyes, laughing at his teasing. Jackson joined in, and soon she was laughing out loud with him.

Outside the room, Silas pulled out his phone and called Frank.

“Look into Justin's involvement in Allison's life. Everything from the moment he met her to the present. I want to know what the fuck he wants from her.”

On the other end of the call, Frank hesitated before responding. “Sir, don't you want to let Mrs. Black know that you've already involved yourself in this matter beyond arranging her security?”

Silas turned toward Allison, and the moment he saw her smiling, his expression softened. If she wanted to keep everything a secret to protect him from worrying, he would let her have that peace of mind. He would pretend he knew nothing.

His gaze shifted toward the empty corridor, and the warmth in his eyes gave way to a dark, determined look.

“I will always be by her side. As long as I'm with her, I won't let anyone hurt her.”

Chapter 15 Shane

That afternoon, Silas took Allison home. It was only after she'd assured him repeatedly that she was feeling fine that he finally agreed to leave for work.

When he returned that evening, he found her doing considerably better. The sight lifted his spirits, especially when he walked into the living room and saw her chatting happily with someone on the phone.

Allison ended the call as soon as she noticed him approaching. A smile spread across her face, and she stepped into his arms, hugging him tightly.

Silas wrapped his arms around her and kissed her cheek. “How are you feeling now? Are you sure you're all right?”

Allison nodded as she pulled away, smiling up at him. “I'm fine.”

She then excused herself to get a glass of water and headed toward the kitchen, with Silas following close behind.

She had just finished pouring the water in the glass when her phone began to ring.