Falling For My Billionaire Savior - Chapter 37: Chapter 37

"You knew Oliver escaped—why the hell did you come out without a bodyguard?" Mason demanded.
I stared at him, stunned, my mouth hanging open. It took me a while to respond, "I just thought the restaurant's so close to the office, and it's broad daylight. I didn't think Oliver would be bold enough to try anything."
Mason let out a cold laugh. "You thought? You also thought you'd be a housewife forever. How did that work out?"
I shot up from my seat. "Mason, you're way out of line. You can't say that to me. I've changed—I'm not the same person anymore."
Realizing I was too worked up, I sank back into the chair. The kale smoothie and dark chocolate almonds in front of me sat there like they were mocking me.
So I started eating the almonds one by one and took another sip of the smoothie, which was already turning bitter from oxidation. Tears rolled down my cheeks and dropped straight into the cup. I felt completely wronged.
What gave Mason the right to say that? I'd been through so much these past few months. Hadn't I improved a lot already? And yet here he was, acting like I was still worthless.
Mason probably figured I'd reached my limit. He waved over the server and had him clear away my food. Then Mason asked for the menu again.
"I'll have another kale smoothie," I said defiantly.
Seeing me throwing a tantrum, Mason simply made the call for me. "Bring her the exact same meal I'm having."
"Of course, sir. Right away," the server replied.
After the server left, Mason's expression turned serious again. "This isn't real change. All you've changed is your appearance. What you really need to change is that gutless kindness of yours.
"You need to understand this—mercy toward your enemies is the same as cruelty toward yourself. Forget about forgiveness. True success is making your enemies too scared to even haunt you after they're dead."
I nodded, kind of understanding what he meant, but I didn't take it to heart. I thought Mason was just being dramatic. I had no idea his words would come true so fast.
Mason said, "You're staying at the company. I need you to help me with one more thing. Xander embezzled a lot of money. Oliver's scandal gives us the perfect opening to dig it out."
"Okay." I nodded.
In the end, we went over a few more details. Even though I acted like I wasn't convinced, I had to admit to myself that Mason really did think things through better than I ever could.
After lunch, we stepped out of the restaurant. Mason offered to walk me back to the office, saying, "Come on, I'll walk you back."
I knew he was worried about my safety, and that touched me a little. I actually wanted Mason to walk me back too, but I still acted stubborn. "No need. It's not that far away. I'll be there in no time."
"Better safe than sorry. Stop talking nonsense," Mason said.
"Fine." I didn't argue anymore and walked beside him. On the way back, I got plenty of envious stares when I was with Mason.
We made it to the company entrance without a hitch. I smiled, "See? I told you everything would be fine, but you didn't believe me. This time, I win—"
Before I could finish, Mason suddenly pulled me into his arms. The next second, I saw the flash of a knife.
My heart jumped. Before I even had time to react, Mason had already pushed me aside and was wrestling with Oliver.
Oliver had been hiding around the corner with his back to me. He lunged out without warning and went straight for me with a knife. The blade was at least eight inches long.
My heart was pounding. That was close. If Mason hadn't insisted on walking me back, I might've already been bleeding out on the ground.
Mason and Oliver were locked in a fight. They were about the same height, but Oliver had a knife. I yelled in panic, "Mase, watch out."
Each time the knife slashed by, it came dangerously close to Mason, but never touched him. Still, it scared me half to death. I shouted at the top of my lungs, "Somebody help. Help us."