CHAPTER 36: ALWAYS PROVING SOMETHING

The door closed behind them with a soft click as Stefan and Ruby stepped back into his office. The walls, still echoing the earlier tension, now felt heavier with silence.

Stefan let out a quiet breath and walked slowly toward his chair, his fingers brushing against the edge of the desk as Ruby guided him with gentle touches.

He didn’t say anything at first. He simply sank into his seat, leaning back like a man who had just walked through fire.

Ruby remained standing, watching him. Her heart was still pounding—not from fear, but from the adrenaline of watching him command a room that had nearly turned against him.

It was both exciting and fulfilling. Though she didn’t know why, not that she cared why, all she knew was that she felt really proud of him.

"You really were incredible in there," she said softly, walking over and kneeling beside his chair.

He tilted his head in her direction, lips curving into a tired smile. "You think so?" he asked with a sigh.

She nodded. "You were composed, precise... and you didn’t let emotion cloud your judgment."

"But I was angry," he murmured. "So angry I could barely think straight when we got in there." His hand found hers on the armrest. "It just... infuriates me. That people like Richard are waiting for me to fail. What infuriates me more is the fact that he’s even family. How could he be waiting so eagerly and planning for my failure?"

Ruby squeezed his hand gently, her voice low. "But you didn’t fail, baby and you’re not going to anytime."

He didn’t answer right away. He simply let the silence stretch, staring at nothing—not that he could see anything— his mind elsewhere.

Ruby saw the shift in his expression. A flicker of something deeper than frustration—something that looked like pain.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked, wanting to understand him. What could be going on in his head? Did what Richard do get to him that badly? She mused, unable to stop herself from feeling sorry for him.

Not only did he have to deal with the fact that he could only see a year later despite having the money but he also had to deal with fighting against his uncle just to keep the company.

Was that what he was thinking or was it something else entirely?

Stefan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "My father," he said quietly. "He used to say that being a leader means carrying weight no one else sees. But sometimes, because of all these war, I wonder... if I’m carrying it the way he would’ve wanted."

Ruby’s heart clenched. "You are," she said quickly. "You’re doing more than anyone else would dare to. You care, Stefan. That’s not a weakness—that’s strength. Though I started this, I’m glad you’re even more determined to finish it and see that everything is done well."

His throat bobbed as he swallowed. "It just feels like I’m always proving something. To the board. To my family. To everyone and even to my—"

"To yourself?" she asked gently.

He was silent, knowing what the answer was.

Ruby moved closer and laid her head against his shoulder. His scent wrapped around her—clean, warm, familiar. "You don’t have to prove anything to me," she whispered. "Not ever."

His fingers brushed through her hair slowly. "Though it wasn’t this way before but now, I think you’re the only one who truly sees me."

"I see you, Stef," she said softly. "All of you."

They stayed like that for a moment—no words, just the quiet comfort of shared breath.

And for once, Stefan let himself feel—not just think, or plan, or worry—but simply feel her nearness, and her warmth as it grounded him.

A soft knock on the door broke the moment.

Naomi stepped in, her expression unreadable. "Sorry to interrupt," she said, her voice measured. "But... there’s something you should know."

Stefan straightened. "Go on," he urged while Ruby frowned, wondering why Naomi seemed to still be tense even though all issues has been resolved.

"Is there a problem?" she asked before she could stop herself, making Stefan’s brows knit in a worried frown.

"Not really. It’s just that one of the board members—Mr. Ashford—just called. He wants to speak to you privately."

Stefan arched a brow. "Ashford? He’s Richard’s closest supporter, isn’t he?"

"Exactly," Naomi said. "That’s what makes it... strange. He said it’s urgent."

Ruby exchanged a look with Stefan. "Do you want to meet with him?" she asked, wondering what he might want with Stefan.

Stefan didn’t answer immediately. He tilted his head slightly, thinking. "If he’s breaking ranks with Richard, it means something’s changed."

Naomi nodded. "Should I set it up?"

"Yes," Stefan said. "Have him come here. And Naomi... stay close. I may need someone to take notes."

Naomi gave a tight nod and left the room. Once they were alone again, Ruby stepped in front of him, her eyes narrowed with concern.

"Are you sure about this? It could be a trap."

Stefan gave a small smile. "Probably. But I’m not afraid of traps."

"Maybe not," she said. "But I am."

He touched her cheek gently. "You don’t need to be. I have you."

Ruby felt her breath hitch. How could this man—surrounded by pressure, betrayal, and expectations—still manage to see her?

"You’re reckless sometimes," she whispered. "You know that?"

He grinned. "You love that about me."

She rolled her eyes but didn’t deny it. Not because she it was true but because she somehow liked this part of him.

He reached out, taking her hand and pulling her gently onto his lap. "Just stay this way," he murmured. "Just for a minute. Before the chaos begins again."

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Ruby relaxed into him, wrapping her arms around his neck. "One minute," she agreed. "But you owe me coffee later."

He chuckled softly. "Deal."

As they sat there—locked in a rare moment of stillness—neither of them knew what Mr. Ashford would bring. But for now, it didn’t matter.