The Bigshot's Superstar Wife-Chapter 97: A Moment

The hospital corridors were eerily quiet, the sterile white walls reflecting the dim overhead lights.

Elara sat stiffly on the bench, her fingers intertwined, while her mind replayed the events of the bombing.

Second Madam Demerin was now stable, and Lawrence had disappeared for several hours after receiving a cryptic call. The tension that lingered in the air when he left unsettled her.

She stood and was about to leave when she heard the sharp, rhythmic sound of footsteps approaching. Her heart sank. She knew that stride.

Lawrence Demerin appeared around the corner, his expression grim and his shoulders tense.

He held a thin holographic tablet in his gloved hand. His sharp blue eyes met hers, and for a fleeting moment, something unreadable passed between them.

"We need to talk," he said. His voice was low, but there was a distinct edge to it.

Elara instinctively took a step back. "I’m done talking to you," she said. "Your mother is safe. My part here is over."

"You don’t understand." He raised the tablet, tapping the screen.

A holographic projection appeared, displaying fragments of melted metal, circuitry, and a faint, swirling emblem. "This was recovered from the bombing site."

Elara frowned. "And?"

Lawrence’s jaw tightened. "This symbol was etched into the detonator." He zoomed in, and the blurry emblem sharpened into view. Her breath caught in her throat.

It was a crescent moon with jagged rays, an insignia she’d seen etched on the edge of the dagger her brother once carried.

"The Jericho family crest," she whispered.

Lawrence’s eyes locked onto hers.

"Exactly." He stepped closer. "The bombers knew you were here, Elara. The explosion wasn’t random. They were either after you, or trying to send a message."

The floor seemed to tilt beneath her. She swallowed hard. "That...doesn’t make sense. No one knew I was here except Mors."

"Apparently, someone did." He shut the tablet off. "I’m moving you to a secure villa near the Demerin estate. You’ll have round-the-clock protection until we understand the full picture."

Her pulse spiked. "No."

Lawrence blinked. "Excuse me?"

"I said no." Elara’s voice hardened. "I don’t need your protection. I can take care of myself."

"You nearly died today," he snapped. His calm facade cracked, and she saw the frustration burning in his eyes.

"That bomb could have killed you if you’d been a few steps closer. Whoever planted it won’t stop until they get what they want."

"I’m not some damsel for you to shove into a guarded cage." She crossed her arms. "I’ll handle this myself."

"Handle what?" He took another step toward her, his broad frame towering over her. "You don’t even know who’s targeting you. This isn’t a game, Elara. It’s war."

"And why do you care?" Her voice cracked despite her effort to remain composed. "You’ve made it clear you want nothing to do with me."

Lawrence opened his mouth, then hesitated. His fists clenched at his sides.

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"I care because innocent people are getting hurt. My mother almost died today. If you hadn’t been there, she would’ve bled out on that plaza. If they’re willing to target her, what makes you think you’re safe?"

Elara’s breath hitched, but she shook her head. "I won’t move into your estate. I refuse to be treated like some fragile object."

"You’re being reckless," he ground out.

"I’m protecting myself my way."

Lawrence raked a hand through his hair, visibly struggling to stay calm. "You’re stubborn."

"And you’re insufferable."

His lips twitched, almost as if he were about to smile, but it vanished in an instant. He exhaled slowly.

"At least let my team install security measures in your villa. Hidden ones. You won’t even notice them."

Elara hesitated. His offer wasn’t unreasonable. Still, the thought of him watching her house, or worse, coming by unannounced, made her chest tighten.

"Fine," she muttered. "But no bodyguards following me like shadows."

"I’ll consider it."

"Consider?"

"That’s the best I can do," Lawrence said with a shrug. "I’m responsible for your safety now."

"You’re not responsible for me," she countered.

"Try telling that to my mother," he said, his tone softening. "She’s already ordered me to ensure you don’t get killed under our watch."

Elara ran a hand down her face. Second Madam Demerin had been unconscious when she left, how had she already issued commands?

"Fine. Do whatever you need to," she said through gritted teeth. "But I’m not moving closer to you. End of discussion."

"Don’t be surprised if you change your mind later," Lawrence said as he turned away. "War has a way of making people rethink their choices."

She glared at his retreating back, her heart pounding with frustration and something uncomfortably close to fear.

The ride back to her villa was a blur. Elara sat rigidly in the passenger seat of the hovercar, gripping her wrist. Her pulse beat erratically beneath her skin.

The Jericho crest. The bomb. The calculated precision of the attack.

Someone from her family had betrayed her, or worse, was using her as a pawn.

The villa was quiet when she arrived. The air smelled faintly of night-blooming blossoms, but the floral scent did little to ease her tension.

Her optical brain buzzed as she stepped through the door. She tapped the device behind her ear.

"Elara Jericho speaking."

A familiar voice crackled through the line.

"It’s me."

Her breath caught. "Mors?"

"Yes." His voice was low. "Did Lawrence tell you?"

"About the crest?" she whispered. "Yes."

"Stay calm," Mors said. "I’m investigating it from my end. But Elara… this isn’t random. The council factions are moving faster than expected. And it seems our family might be involved."

Elara’s legs wobbled. She collapsed onto the nearest chair. "But why target me? I’m not part of the inheritance war."

"Maybe not directly," Mors replied. "But you’re here, close to me, and now close to Lawrence Demerin. That makes you a potential threat or an asset."

Her mind spun. The war she’d tried to avoid was dragging her in like quicksand.

"What should I do?" she asked.

"Lay low. Let Lawrence’s men handle security. Don’t trust anyone from our side who tries to contact you directly."

Mors hesitated. "And stay close to Lawrence. He might be cold, but he won’t let anything happen to you."

Elara clenched her fists. The last thing she wanted was to rely on Lawrence Demerin.

But as her brother ended the call and silence filled the room, she realized she might not have a choice.