Chapter 7 Shadows And Secrets

• The morning sun cast a warm glow over the city as Natalie and Daniel prepared to head to McCloud Company. Natalie was lost in her thoughts, unaware of the storm brewing in Mildred's mind. Daniel, on the other hand, was more alert, knowing that Mildred was up to something.
• As they got into the car, Daniel glanced at Natalie through the rearview mirror. “You ready for today?”
• Natalie smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “As ready as I’ll ever be. Thanks for being here, Daniel. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
• Daniel’s heart ached at her words, the weight of his secret pressing down on him. “I’m always here for you, Natalie. You know that.”
• Meanwhile, back at the mansion, Mildred was on the phone with one of her bodyguards. “I need you to follow Natalie and Daniel today. Don’t let them out of your sight. Report back to me with everything you see,” she instructed.
• The bodyguard, a tall and stern man, nodded. “Understood, Ms. Mildred. I’ll keep you updated.”
• As Natalie and Daniel drove to the office, the bodyguard trailed them discreetly, maintaining a safe distance. Mildred’s instructions were clear: find out everything about their relationship and use it to her advantage.
• At McCloud Company, Natalie and Daniel went about their day as usual. Daniel stayed close, his protective instincts on high alert. He couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.
• After a few hours, Natalie finished her meeting and met Daniel in the lobby. “Ready to head out?” she asked.
• Daniel nodded, glancing around the room. “Yeah, let’s go.”
• They made their way to the car, unaware that the bodyguard was still tailing them. As they drove through the city, Natalie leaned back in her seat, letting out a sigh. “It’s been a long day. How about we grab some food and head to your place?”
• Daniel’s heart skipped a beat. “Sure, that sounds good.”
• They drove to Daniel’s condo, the bodyguard following closely behind. Once they arrived, Daniel parked the car and led Natalie inside. The bodyguard parked a short distance away, keeping an eye on the building.
• Inside the condo, Natalie felt a sense of calm wash over her. She loved spending time with Daniel; it was the one place where she felt truly at ease. Daniel, on the other hand, was more on edge than ever. He knew he needed to tell Natalie the truth, but he didn’t know how.
• “Make yourself at home,” Daniel said, trying to sound casual. “I’ll get us something to drink.”
• Natalie smiled, taking a seat on the couch. “Thanks, Daniel. You always know how to make me feel better.”
• As Daniel prepared drinks in the kitchen, he couldn’t shake the feeling of unease. He knew he needed to come clean to Natalie, but every moment they spent together made it harder.
• Outside, the bodyguard watched the condo, taking notes and keeping track of their movements. He was following Mildred’s orders to the letter, and he was determined to get all the information she wanted.
• Back in the condo, Daniel returned to the living room with two glasses of wine. “Here you go,” he said, handing one to Natalie.
• “Thanks,” she said, taking a sip. “This is nice, just relaxing for a change.”
• Daniel sat down next to her, his heart pounding. He needed to tell her the truth, but he didn’t want to ruin the moment. “Natalie, there’s something I need to talk to you about.”
• Natalie looked at him, her expression curious. “What is it, Daniel?”
• Before he could respond, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and saw a message from an unknown number. Frowning, he opened it.
• **Unknown: You’re being watched. Be careful.**
• Daniel’s blood ran cold. He glanced around the room, his paranoia intensifying. “I think we’re being followed,” he said, his voice low.
• Natalie’s eyes widened. “What do you mean? Who would follow us?”
• Daniel shook his head. “I don’t know, but we need to be careful.”
• Natalie nodded, her heart racing. “What should we do?”
• Daniel thought for a moment. “We should stay here for now, see if we can spot anyone suspicious. And if things get worse, we’ll figure out a plan.”
• Natalie felt a wave of fear and anxiety wash over her. She trusted Daniel, but the idea of being watched was unnerving. She just hoped they could get to the bottom of it before it was too late.
• Meanwhile, outside the condo, the bodyguard continued to watch, reporting back to Mildred with every detail. Mildred’s plan was unfolding, and she was determined to use every piece of information to her advantage.
• Inside, Daniel and Natalie sat together, their hearts heavy with uncertainty. They didn’t know what the future held, but they knew they had to face it together. As the sun set and the city lights flickered on, they braced themselves for whatever came next.