Page 125 of Stuck with the Billionaire Celebrity

Devon and Sarah, Rand Davis, and my and Theo’s staff are here. It’s a whole affair while also being the who’s who of Hollywood. So many celebrities have shown up tonight to support us.

It’s all so overwhelming and extraordinary.

“You’re doing amazing,” Theo murmurs in my ear later. “Everyone here is captivated by you.”

I glance up at him, my smile softening. “It’s not about me. It’s about them—the women who need this place. But thank you.”

He leans in, pressing a kiss to my temple. “Still proud of you.”

Before I can respond, a caterer approaches, her expression apologetic. “Miss Simmons? We’re having a bit of a situation with the meal. Could you come to the kitchen for a moment?”

“Of course,” I say immediately, stepping away from Theo. “I’ll be right back.”

His eyes narrow slightly, his hand brushing mine as I move away. “Be quick. And stay where it’s busy.”

I nod, offering him a reassuring smile before following the caterer. The hallway leading to the kitchen is quieter, the noise from the gala fading into the distance.

The caterer glances over her shoulder, her steps hurried.

“What seems to be the problem?” I ask her.

“The fish, it doesn’t look right,” she replies. “You also requested a certain cut for the steak, and the supplier messed it up. The chef is losing his mind.”

“Well, it’s an easy fix, I’m sure.”

As we approach a door near the kitchen, she gestures for me to enter. “Right through here, ma’am.”

Before we step fully into the kitchen, someone reaches out and grabs my arm, covering my mouth as they do. I try to scream and fight, but the grip is too tight.

Aren’t there people around watching? How come no one is shouting?

The room is small and dimly lit, more of a storage area than anything else. The door slams shut behind me, and my stomach drops.

“Hello, Grace.”

My breath catches in my throat.

Andrew.

He stands a few feet away, his smile cold and predatory. The sight of him sends a wave of fear crashing over me, my heart pounding so loudly I can barely hear anything else.

I instinctively take a step back, but there’s nowhere to go. The walls feel like they’re closing in.

“What…what are you doing here?” My voice trembles, betraying the terror I’m desperately trying to suppress.

“I came to see you,” he says smoothly, taking a step closer. “You’ve been avoiding me, Grace. That’s not very polite.”

My hands curl into fists at my sides, nails digging into my palms. “Let me out. Now. Before I scream.”

He laughs. “Oh, Grace. You think anyone out there cares enough to help you? They’re too busy drinking their overpriced champagne and patting themselves on the back.”

I move toward the door, but he’s faster. His hand slams against the wood, blocking my escape. “We’re going to have a little chat first.”

Panic claws at my chest, my instincts screaming at me to run, to fight, to do anything but stand here frozen. I glance around the room, searching for something—anything—I can use to defend myself.

“You can’t keep running from me,” he says, his tone darkening. “You owe me, Grace. You owe me everything.”

“I owe you nothing,” I snap, finding my voice. “You’re a liar and a coward, and you don’t scare me.”

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