He gave a nod. “It was Duncan who I asked to tap Arthur’s phone. Besides being a successful businessman, that bastard is also an expert with computers, hacking and all. He also did something to Arthur’s phone for us to hear every conversation when his phone was with him, even when he wasn’t on a phone call. As he is a partner in some of my companies, when I told him about Arthur, he was more than willing to throw that leech out of the business.”

Though he showed that he didn’t really like Duncan, I knew they were good friends.

“When Arthur was planning to get rid of me, Ivanov also wanted Balakin out of his way to have their company all to himself. When I made him listen to Arthur and Ivanov’s conversation, he agreed to help us. I knew the contract would be beneficial for both of us, so I wanted the contract, but without Arthur’s plan in it. And Mr. Balakin wanted the same. So, he agreed to sign the contract as per their plan. Not for their benefit, but for our gain. And it would also let Arthur believe he was winning. So he would play his next move and face defeat.”

Suddenly his demeanor changed, those strong shoulders of his tensed.

“When I left in my car with Mr. Balakin as per their plan and Duncan stayed back to keep an eye on them until they left the hotel, I found out you were there.” His breathing came out deep as he tightened his hold on me. His eyes watched me as if he feared I’d disappear at any moment. “Duncan sent a recording of Arthur’s phone call to Mr. Balakin’s phone where he was talking to you and then giving orders to his dog to...kill you.”

I ran my fingers through his hair to calm him down, pressing my forehead against his.

“You don’t know how I felt at that moment, Rosebud.” He gulped, staring into my eyes. The redness in his eyes and the moisture in there made my heart clench. “I felt my heart stop beating the moment I heard him giving orders to kill you. I…”

I squeezed his hand. “I know. I’m sorry, even I was scared. Terrified actually. I thought I could sneak out quietly before they would even notice me, but unfortunately, they did. Thank God Duncan got there at the right time.”

“It should have been me. I should’ve been there to protect you rather than trying to proceed with my plan to defeat him. I should’ve protected the most precious person in my life. But…” His hands curled into fists. “I failed. I failed to protect you.”