Ezekiel leaned against the edge of his desk, his piercing gaze fixed on the livestream projected on the wall. Daisy’s smile flickered on the screen as she laughed at something Veronica said, but he saw beyond it. That smile didn’t reach her eyes.
“Something’s troubling you,” he murmured, his voice soft yet commanding. His fingers curled into a fist. He turned to one of his men, who stood silently nearby. “Why wasn’t anyone aware of the ambush earlier today?”
The man stiffened. “It was an oversight, sir. We-”
“An oversight?” Ezekiel’s voice was razor-sharp. He stepped forward, his imposing presence suffocating. “There’s no room for oversight when it comes to her safety.”
The man dropped his gaze. “It won’t happen again.”
“It better not,” Ezekiel replied, his tone icy. “Find out who orchestrated it. Report back with names.”
As his subordinate scurried out of the room, Ezekiel’s eyes returned to the livestream. He watched Daisy’s every move, enthralled yet furious at how close she’d come to harm.
His phone buzzed, snapping him out of his thoughts. It was an alert from his secondary team stationed at the reality show’s production site. Another update about Daisy.
“She doesn’t even know how much I’m doing for her,” he muttered, a wry smile forming. His mind wandered to the past, to their first encounter, back when Daisy was still a spoiled socialite. He chuckled dryly. “Even then, I knew you were different.”
Back at the campsite, Daisy was in her room with Clara and Veronica, both of whom were excitedly discussing their next task. Clara had sprawled out on the bed, flipping through the day’s itinerary, while Veronica animatedly reenacted her favorite moment from the bonfire.
Daisy’s phone buzzed. She picked it up, her smile vanishing as she saw the name on the screen: Natalie.
“Who’s texting you?” Veronica asked, noticing the sudden change in Daisy’s demeanor.
“No one important,” Daisy said quickly, locking the phone and slipping it into her pocket. “Just an old acquaintance.”
Veronica shrugged and returned to her dramatic storytelling, but Clara caught the tension in Daisy’s features.
Once the room quieted down, Daisy excused herself, stepping outside to read the message.
Natalie: Miss me already, Daisy? You should. A little birdie told me you’re getting cozy with new friends. How sweet. But don’t forget who your real friend is-or should I say, was.
Daisy frowned, her fingers tightening around the phone.
Natalie: Don’t get too comfortable, darling. You know how much I hate being replaced.
Daisy rolled her eyes, typing back.
Daisy: Still playing games, Natalie? I don’t have time for your theatrics. Maybe find a hobby? It might help with the bitterness.
A few moments passed before Natalie responded.
Natalie: Oh, I’ve already found one: watching you. See you around, Daisy.
Daisy exhaled sharply, shoving her phone into her pocket. She forced a smile as she returned to the room, not wanting to worry Veronica and Clara.
The next morning, the trio gathered with the rest of the cast for breakfast. Daisy’s cheerful demeanor returned, but Veronica and Clara weren’t fooled.
As they sat down with their plates, Veronica leaned in. “Alright, spill. Who was that text from last night?”
Daisy laughed nervously. “It’s nothing, really. Just someone from my past being dramatic.”
Clara frowned. “You’ve been distracted since the bonfire. And that ‘someone’ clearly has you on edge.”
Daisy shook her head. “I’m fine. You two worry too much.”
Veronica crossed her arms. “You’re not fine, Daisy. And if you don’t tell us, we’re going to keep pestering you until you do.”
Daisy sighed, feigning exasperation. “Fine. If it makes you feel better, I’ll tell you. Later, okay? Right now, let’s focus on surviving today’s task.”
The two exchanged skeptical looks but let it go for now.
Ezekiel sat in his private study, the livestream still playing on a smaller screen. Daisy’s moment of hesitation outside the campsite the previous night hadn’t gone unnoticed by him.
He rewound the footage, watching as she checked her phone and her expression hardened.
“Who’s bothering you, Daisy?” he wondered aloud, his voice tinged with possessiveness.
The door to his study creaked open, and his right-hand man stepped in.
“Sir, we’ve traced the attackers from yesterday,” he said. “They were hired by someone connected to Natalie Ashton.”
Ezekiel’s expression darkened. “Of course, it’s her,” he said bitterly. “She’s been a thorn in Daisy’s side for too long.”
The man hesitated before speaking again. “Shall we take care of her?”
Ezekiel smirked. “Not yet. Natalie’s a useful distraction for now. Let her think she’s winning. But keep a close eye on her. If she crosses the line, she’ll regret it.”
He returned his attention to the screen, his fingers drumming against the desk. Daisy’s laughter filled the room, but Ezekiel’s eyes were fixed on her every movement, his obsession growing stronger.
“You’re mine to protect, Daisy,” he murmured. “No matter who stands in my way.”