Office Intertwined⚝

Chapter 31 - Corporate Crisis

1 week later...

As the chilly wintry morning arrived, Kass and Jason were bundled up in their cozy and warm clothes, preparing for another day at the office. Kass was swathed in layers of scarves and coats, but Jason insisted she wear even more. "Jason, I'll overheat in all of this!" Kass protested, attempting to peel off a scarf, but he gently prevented her.

"You won't be saying that when you catch a cold," he replied with a protective frown.

Anne, their trusty chauffeur, got the pair bundled into the back of the sleek black car and drove them to work. Upon arrival, they were met with an unusual sight at the staff entrance. The area was congested with police officers and perplexed staff members. Jason and Anne exited the car, and Jason held Kass's hand, guiding her through the crowd to the front.

"What happened?" Jason inquired of the police officer guarding the door."There's been a break-in, sir. For your safety, please stay back," the officer replied, not realising that Jason was the CEO.

"I'm the CEO. May I pass?" Jason asserted, and showed his ID. The police officer instantly allowed them through without further questioning.

Entering the building, they made their way to the elevator, which bore signs of vandalism with its shattered mirror. Upon reaching the staff floor, the state of the place was in disarray. Potted plants lay broken, desks were a mess, and worst of all, it seemed that Kass's desk was the primary target. An investigator led them to her desk, where her files were ripped and scattered, her computer was in pieces, and stationery was strewn about. There, a blood-red letter caught their attention, ominously reading, "We found you."

Kass stared at the chaos, feeling numb and vulnerable. Jason, unsure of how to react, glanced between the letter and Kass before deciding to take her away from the scene, giving her some much-needed space to collect herself.

Jason took Kass into his arms, embracing her tightly in the quiet office room, away from the chaos of the crime scene. He gazed into her watery eyes, his concern evident. Kass was trying to maintain composure, but her emotions were threatening to break free, and Jason was acutely aware of her struggle. He knew he had to be a source of comfort for her; seeing her cry tore at his heart.

"How do you feel?" he gently inquired, holding her trembling hands. Kass was on the verge of tears, and her voice quivered as she spoke. "He's not going to stop until he kills me, Jason." Her words were laced with fear, and Jason felt a sinking feeling in his stomach. He couldn't dismiss the possibility entirely; after all, Kass knew her father better than anyone.

Jason lifted her arms and wrapped them around his neck, cradling her in his embrace. Their heads close, he wanted to comfort her and let her know she wasn't alone. Kass couldn't hold back her emotions any longer. She let out a sob, followed by a series of cries, and Jason held her tightly as she released the pent-up fear and sorrow.

Once the crying subsided, Jason gently sat her on his lap in a nearby chair, never letting go of her. He held her close, his fingers running through her hair with tenderness. "Kass, you know whatever happens, I won't stop protecting you," he reassured her, clasping her cold, clammy hand with his large, warm ones. "You know Oliver and Anne would say the same. Everyone here cares about you, and we won't let harm come your way."

Kass gazed up at him, her teary eyes still sparkling with vulnerability. "Remember when we first met?" Jason chuckled, recalling those initial encounters. "You tripped over yourself, and I just had an instinct to help you." He grinned and added, "And the camping trip – that was a deal-breaker for me. You really opened my eyes, Kass."Kass's worries momentarily took a back seat as she remembered those precious moments they had shared. "You mean the world to me," Jason confessed, his heartwarming smile adding depth to his words. "I don't have to say it twice. Looking back now, I realize how life-changing you coming into my life was."

Kass leaned into his embrace, the butterflies returning. "Remember when I held you on that lonely night?" she asked, her voice filled with affection. Jason couldn't help but tease, "I'm not going to forget it." His eyes shone with warmth as she continued, "You make me feel comfortable – something I struggle to be wherever I am. With you, I can be myself, and I don't have to hide."

Kass's tears had dried up, and she embraced him, her words a soft affirmation of their connection. "We're literally meant for each other," she whispered, and those words stirred something deep within Jason. He was overwhelmed by a surge of happiness, but he chose to let the sentiment linger unspoken, knowing that some feelings were best conveyed through actions. 

Kass had a way of making him feel vulnerable, but it was a vulnerability he treasured because it was rooted in trust and support.

He couldn't let anything happen to her. He'd rather die.