Page 102 of Stuck with the Billionaire Celebrity

“Grace?” I rush to her side. “What’s wrong?”

She doesn’t look at me. Her eyes are fixed on her phone, still lying on the floor.

I pick it up, dreading whatever it is that could’ve caused that expression on her face.

"I'm not crazy, Grace. They let me out because they know you’re the one who lied. I’m free, and I’m coming for what’s mine."

My chest tightens, and a sharp wave of anger and protectiveness surges through me. I feel my jaw clench as I look back at Grace, who’s staring at me, her eyes wide and brimming with fear.

“He doesn’t know where we are.”

She nods slowly, her voice barely a whisper.

“They released him, Theo. They let him out, and he’s...he’s still fixated on this delusion that I’m the one who’s lying. He still…”

I pull her into my arms, feeling her tremble against me. I want to protect her, shield her from every trace of this nightmare. But I can’t pretend that the text didn’t unnerve me as well.

The thought of him lurking out there, waiting, watching, makes my stomach turn.

“No one knows where we are. No one else knows this place even exists, okay? He didn’t get released; he left. The police will find him and put him back in, okay?”

“Theo,” she sobs as she wraps her arms around me tightly.

“Grace,” I murmur against her hair, holding her tighter.

“You’re safe here.

I swear to you, nothing and no one will get to you while I’m here.

We can stay at the manor as long as you need, forever, if that’s what it takes.”

She pulls back slightly, looking up at me with a faint smile that’s more sad than reassured.

“I don’t want to live in fear of him, Theo. But knowing you’re here…it means everything.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe,” I say, cupping her face gently. “In fact, there’s something I want to show you.”

Leaving Grace in our room for a moment, I make my way downstairs to find Ernest. He’s in the study, reading by the fire, a sight that has always comforted me since I was a boy.

Ernest, with his calm, steadfast nature, has always been a grounding presence in this house.

“Ernest,” I say softly. He looks up from his book, arching an eyebrow in mild surprise.

“Everything alright, sir?”

I hesitate, choosing my words carefully.

“We’ve had a bit of a…disturbance tonight. I want to make sure Grace feels completely safe here. Would you…do you think you could help?”

He closes his book, the calm look on his face not shifting an inch.

“Of course, sir. Consider it done.

You know this house is impenetrable with the right precautions.”

He pauses, studying me.

“And if I may be so bold, sir... this young lady of yours is quite sweet.”

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