The weather turned violent just after 4 PM. A massive thunderstorm rolled off the coast, shaking the heavy glass windows of the estate. I was in the kitchen when the power flickered, then died completely, plunging the mansion into an oppressive darkness.

Before I could grab my phone, a loud, agonizing crash echoed from the upstairs hallway. I abandoned all the rules and sprinted toward the forbidden west wing.

I found Arthur collapsed against the wall near his bedroom. The man who commanded boardrooms with pure terror was on his knees, clutching the center of his chest. His face was pale, his breath coming in ragged, desperate, choking gasps.

"Arthur!" I dropped beside him. "Is it your heart? I need to call the private doctors!"

I pulled out my phone, hands shaking, but as lightning illuminated his face, I stopped. His pupils were dilated with sheer, unadulterated panic. He was staring at the window, flinching violently at the thunder as if the sound was breaking waves. He wasn't having a heart attack. He was trapped in a flashback.

"Arthur, look at me," I commanded, dropping my phone. I grabbed his trembling hands, ignoring his initial, bitter attempt to yank them away. I pressed his palms flat against my chest. "Feel my heartbeat. You are not on the water. You are safe. You are on dry land."

He fought it at first, a raw, angry sound escaping his throat, but then his eyes met mine. He squeezed my hands with bruising force, his chest heaving as he searched for an anchor in his storm. Slowly, agonizingly, his breathing began to match mine.

 "You are on dry land." 😭 Ruby figuring out it was a panic attack and stepping up to anchor him is EVERYTHING. The bitter billionaire finally let his guard down! What did you think of this intense moment? Let us know below! 👇 Hit ❤️ to send Arthur some healing energy, and share this emotional chapter with someone who loves a protective heroine! ⛈️❤️‍🩹