The Billionaire Who Saved Me - Chapter 49: Chapter 49

I flashed Mason a thumbs-up. "Way to go, Mase!"
Mason turned away with a scoff. "Save the flattery. Just stop creating messes for me to clean up. You're not some omnipotent goddess—know your limits." He strode toward the door, then yanked me along when I didn't follow.
"Hey! I wasn't done talking." I wrenched free outside, rubbing my wrist. "You've got a grip like a vise."
"Get in. We'll talk there," Mason's tone brooked no argument as he marched to the vehicle.
I could tell he was pissed. His strides were so long that I had to jog to keep up. Even after we sped off, his jaw stayed clenched.
Jack had taken my car back, leaving me stuck with Mason's mood.
"No more solo meetings with men," Mason bit out.
So that was the issue. Was he... jealous? The realization sent a giddy thrill through me. I murmured, "Jack was with me the whole time. It wasn't solo."
"Jack doesn't count," Mason snapped. "Elena is being reassigned as your shadow. Where you go, she goes."
"Yes, sir!" I barely contained my glee. The gloominess from earlier completely lifted.
After weeks cooped up at home, first from the miscarriage, then the sprained ankle, and now wedding preparations, I had missed Elena terribly.
But reality intruded. I asked, "What about the newspaper fallout?" A new number wouldn't erase the scandal.
Mason said, "I'll handle it."
I was still worried. "And the orphanage? Even with state oversight, those vultures might—"
"Not your concern. I'll deal with it."
I wanted to say something else, but he cut me off. "Step foot here again before the wedding, and I'll claw back every cent of that donation."
Immediately, I promised, "Fine. I'll stay away."
Mason leaned back, eyes closed.
"Control freak," I muttered.
His eyebrow twitched. "What did you say?"
Flattery came easily. "I said you're devastatingly handsome, impossibly generous, and—"
Just then, there was a bang, followed by a sudden jolt. The tire had actually blown.
I shrieked and dove into Mason's arms. He held me tight until the truth registered—no assassins, no kidnappers. He shoved me off instantly. "Stay here."
The driver stepped out to change the flat tire, leaving me sitting in the car with Mason's thunderous expression. I kept my head down, nervously twisting my fingers.
Once we were back on the road, I realized we weren't heading home. "Sir, you're going the wrong way." I pointed out.
"No mistake, Ms. Gordon. Mr. Knight's orders. We're heading to Knight Villa."
"What? Mason, why didn't you tell me?" I barely swallowed back a "Hell no!"
Mason finally opened his eyes. "Delilah wants us for dinner. We'll check the room and see if anything needs changing before you move in."
I grimaced, plucking at my ill-fitting clothes. "I can't go like this. And I can't show up empty-handed." Nadia's frumpy clothes might as well be a bullseye for Joey's snide remarks.
Mason finally noticed my outfit. For a long moment, he just pointed at me, speechless in anger.
I scooted as far away as the seat allowed.
With a sigh, he relented. "Go to the mall first."
The driver replied, "Yes, Mr. Knight."
An hour later, I emerged transformed—outfitted in designer wear and laden with gifts for the Knight family.
Knight Villa sat in the city's most exclusive enclave. I had only heard about it before, but I had never actually been here.
I had heard tales of this place, where fortunes were measured in square footage, where imported marble lined the streets, and even the rare plants in the greenbelts could rival those in a botanical garden.
Rumor had it that the security guards here earned five-figure salaries, all ex-military.
I was still lost in thought when Mason nudged me. "We're here."
Knight Villa was a sprawling four-story mansion with immaculate gardens. The front yard boasted flower beds and a charming swing set, while the backyard remained a mystery for now.
Mason said, "The backyard is my grandma's greenhouse. Most of the veggies my family eats are homegrown."
I shot him a glare but stayed silent. It was uncanny how he always seemed to read my mind, though I'd later realize it wasn't mind-reading, just my terrible expression management.
At the sound of the car, a servant rushed to greet us. Stepping into the villa, I was momentarily stunned by the opulence, despite my preparations.
"Wipe that surprising look off your face," Mason muttered.
I smoothed my expression into polite serenity, pretending not to notice that even the entryway shoe cabinet was designer.
The living room buzzed with laughter. The entire Knight family was gathered.
Helen swooped in the moment we entered, all smiles. "Mase, Kate, we've been waiting forever." Her tone dripped with faux concern.
"My apologies, Mrs. Knight," I said sweetly. "I was picking up gifts, hence the delay." A perfectly timed apology to preempt her passive-aggressive jabs.
"Good girl. No need for formalities among family," Helen chuckled.
"Manners matter," I countered, our exchange as hollow as it was rehearsed.
From the living room, Delilah called out, "Kate, come here. We were just talking about you."
"Coming." I linked arms with Mason, greeting Martin first before settling beside Delilah. I chuckled, "Let me guess. You're mocking my clumsiness?"
The newspaper on the table told me all I needed to know about their topic.
Joey's expression turned sour, though she wasn't as impulsive as she used to be. Her smile was brittle as she nodded at us. "Mason. Katherine."
"Joey," I beamed. "You look even lovelier than last time."
Her grin turned more genuine, though her barb remained. "Not like you, you're naturally flawless. Even 'frugality' can't dull your glow."