"Wait..." Nikolai uttered, silencing my footsteps.
What does he want this time? I hope he's not planning on doing anything foolish now, is he?
If he thinks he can outsmart me, it would surely be a mistake on his part.
I turned my gaze to him. "What, Nikolai?" I asked.
"As I said, the goods were delivered safely thanks to me, but there were some errors that almost occurred. Don't worry, I took care of it already."
"What errors?"
"Why don't you follow me, Mr. Hawthorne? I will show you."
A second thought I would think of was that, but what could be the sudden issue?
I nodded, following Nikolai, ready for any sudden change from him, for I trusted him not, and if I were to trust either, it wouldn't be a mafia lord like him.
A man who also understands tactics and logic, just like me.
Scarlet POVAfter I had left his office, his driver dropped me off at my house, claiming it was his boss's order. Weird, but alright.I got out of the vehicle, my legs slowly approaching the door with a creak. I opened it slowly. My gaze caught sight of Mom, Dad, and Evelyn seated, just like they were expecting my arrival. I chose to ignore them, walking up to my room, only to be drawn back by his call."I have some announcements to make, Scarlet..." My Dad said.What else does he want to say this time, and why wait for my arrival to do so? Curious, I approached him, my eyes fixed as I sat on the couch."I have come to a conclusion about who should attain ownership of the restaurant..." he said.My Dad owned a popular restaurant. He and Mom had managed to take care of it. Back when I was young, Mom always told me I would be the next to take it to great heights. I guess the time was finally here.Though I wanted to work at the Kensington Global Innovation as the Chief Technology Officer
Three weeks After. "You're mine... There's no escaping from that," he uttered, tightening his grip on me. His scent reeked of alcohol; precisely, he was drunk. His eyes darkened with desire as he shoved me onto the bed, pinning me down. I tried resisting, but it was of no use; his brute strength was too much for me to resist. He callously took what he wanted, leaving my body aching as he fell to the other side of the bed, asleep. It had only been three weeks since we had traveled, following his plan not to draw too much attention. But these three weeks had been a hard time for me; I was just his tool, a tool of desire meant to entice him, nothing else. Still, the truth lies; I knew what I was getting myself into when I signed the contract. I had it all, so why? Why do I feel like I've just been used? I mean, this was a gain-gain for both of us. He had managed to secure a job for me at Kensington Global Innovation within a blink during the weeks—a job I had been pushing throug
As his voice faded, I left the wall, retreating back to the restaurant. My eyes fluttered, hoping he didn't see me. Mistakenly bumping into someone, I was stunned. With a simple apology, I stood at the restaurant front, gently awaiting his return from his call. After a few minutes, my eyes caught his approaching figure as I stood up, dusting my clothes. The closer he got, the more uneasy I felt, his last sentence echoing in my mind. "What are you doing out here?" he asked. "Just wanted some air. Can we go back to the mansion? I need to rest," I uttered. He hesitated before giving a nod. Alexander Knightbridge walked out after him, ending some discussions with Sebastian. As he then approached me, his presence made my legs instinctively step back slowly. "Can't wait to have you at my office tomorrow, hmmm, Mrs..." "Scarlet," I uttered sharply. He gave a slight chuckle, extending his hand for a handshake. My thoughts paused before I stretched back my hand, shaking his. His soft gr
I checked out the file's details and found that he had been selected by his party to lead the project if given. My mind was filled with confusion and anger – I didn't want anything to do with him after he betrayed me. I wanted him to pay for what he had done.I remembered Alexander's words about being in charge of supervising the project and ensuring its success. I decided to use this power to make Aiden's life a living hell while secretly ensuring the project's success for Kensington Global Innovation. With a sly smile, I began planning my strategy.I would set impossible deadlines, assign the most challenging tasks to Aiden's team, and constantly scrutinize their work. I would make sure they felt the pressure of my presence at every turn.I pushed the other parties' files aside without a second glance. I did some research on Aiden's party using the laptop on my desk, gathering every piece of information I needed. After a while, I sighed and leaned back in my chair, taking a break.
Alexander’s POVThe office grew silent, the night’s emptiness echoing around me as I slowly stood up from my desk. I left and entered my car, driving home. But what was the rush? Who was I expecting, anyway?I slowly opened my door, entering my mansion as I sat down, placing a bottle of whiskey in front of me. It was all about getting drunk now.I wanted it all—the power, the money, the influence—but what did I get? Sebastian had it all.I hated him. He had everything I desired, and now, only to find out he’s married? How could his life be so perfect while mine drowns in misery? And what did I have? Eva?She was just a mere stepping stone I saw for receiving her father’s help. I needed her to further my growth, but she proved useless in recent times and now she speaks of love? Really? Love?I cradled my hands, recalling her warm touch... Scarlet. Oh, my. Her eyes seemed to draw me close. I was quite shocked to learn that Sebastian had married. I mean, he had lived a lonely life and alw
Two weeks later...Scarlet's POVA knock echoed on my door, resonating in my ears. "Come in," I uttered. It was Emily, slowly walking in."Mam, the party group has arrived...." she informed.Finally. After a week and a half of finalizing the deal with Nova Solutions, Aiden's party, the meeting for the project discussion was scheduled for today. I was set to lead the meeting.I let out a sly grin as I stood up from my desk. "I will be with you shortly, Emily. Thank you...." I said."Alright, Mam...."As Emily left my office, I gathered up some files of my research on the AI project needed for the meeting. As I braced myself, I knew it was the start of the first phase of my plan.I was sure Aiden must be so excited right now, but when he sees my face, that smile and excitement would wipe off within an instant. When he realizes what I plan on making him go through, he will regret ever taking the job....But I also knew I wanted the best for the company, so I wouldn't want to ruin this pr
Mehn....it just kept me craving if he just wanted me to please him, though there are many other girls out there. I mean, he is famous, handsome, and extremely wealthy. All girls would be throwing themselves at him in an instant, but he chose to sign the deal with me. But yeah, I am just overthinking this too much now.I am here right now, all under his power, but I don't plan on staying under his power for long. I aim for better, but first, I need to get my revenge plan rolling as planned. I shouldn't get distracted from that.I caught Aiden's glance as he retreated his eyes immediately; I returned a glance. He must still be in shock, isn't he? "How is this possible? How can she be the Chief Technology Officer of Kensington Global Innovation, and how can she be my boss?" All these thoughts must be swirling deep in his mind, breaking him into pieces as he tried to put things together.Really, I just can't wait to enjoy it all, every single bit of it. And when I'm done with you, I'm
Sebastian's POVGetting out of my car, I slowly walked toward the door, which creaked slightly as I entered. Raising my gaze, my eyes caught sight of Nikolai. What was that fool doing here?My eyes darted to Scarlet, who was standing nearby. If I was sure of anything, it was that they were engaging in a conversation.I hoped this fool hadn't..."What are you doing here, Nikolai?" I questioned aloud."Oh, you're here, Mr. Hawthorne. Well, I'm just here to give you some updates..." Nikolai replied."Let's talk outside..." I said, inviting him out of my mansion.I could sense Scarlet's curious stare. I wouldn't want her getting a whiff of my dealings. I had always told Nikolai and anyone else I worked with not to bring business home.I mean, what if he were seen on the way to my mansion by one of the media hounds craving the next top story? Now they would see a chance, assuming I was getting paid by a wanted mafia lord.I retracted my glance after Nikolai was out, as I also left the mans
I rushed into my room, my hands grasping onto my phone as I dialed up Darius's number, which persisted in ringing for a while before he finally picked up."Boss, are you alright, boss?" I heard his voice come through, a tensed and scared tone that my ears could grasp."What's happening, Darius? I just saw the news now?" I questioned, totally confused as to what was taking place. First, I was kidnapped by some men who I had little idea about, claiming their boss sent them, and now this news also of my men dead."I can't discuss it all on the phone, boss," he said.Something was fishy, just as I had suspected, and it seemed Darius knew more about this than I did. "Alright, Darius, let's meet up at the warehouse. I'm on my way now," I said."Alright, boss, please do be careful," Darius said before hanging up the call.It seems another new enemy has sprung out of their hole, and now I had to get my hands messy again. With all this, at least they didn't scheme and try to take my business d
My eyes flickered as they sprang open, gazing at my constrained state. My hands were tied against a chair as I found myself in an unfamiliar building. I had no idea where I was."Seems you're awake," a voice caught my attention, and I turned to see the same guy who had attacked me at the club approaching, bending a little."How are you feeling there?" he mocked. Really, I wanted to rip his jaws out, but damn, I was tied up. Whoever they thought they were, how dare they kidnap me and tie me down?"If you want money, then say it," I said, my gaze fixed on him, hoping to negotiate my way out of this. Once I was finally free from their grip, I would make them all pay and hunt them down. They dared hit me; I would make them beg for their lives."You still don't get what's going on yet, do you?" he uttered, as my eyes narrowed with my brow raising. "What are you saying? You don't have to beat around the bush. Just name the amount you want, and let's get this over with.""I don't need your m
Sebastian's POVI made my way out of the mansion, erupting in rage as I entered my car and drove off at that instant. How dare she? Why doesn't she just get it? Why doesn't she understand when I tell her to stay away? She speaks as though she knows what that woman did, how she made my every day a nightmare.The last thing I would ever want was to set my eyes on her again...I parked my car at a club as I entered, walking straight to the bartender. "Whiskey," I croaked as he poured me a drink. I gulped it in a swift motion, filling up another glass and downing that as well.The drink did little in calming me down, and neither did the music. I made my way to a seat, watching the display of dances from some of the ladies working in the club. Then, my eyes caught sight of one approaching me, sitting down near me. "Hi, wanna have some fun?" she whispered in my ear."I'm not in the mood," I said, giving her a furrowed brow. I wasn't here to make a night of desires. I was just here, hoping t
I led Sebastian's mother outside the church, and as we approached my car, I noticed Kaiden awaiting my presence. His eyes were fixed on Sebastian's mother, trying to guess who she was."She will be coming with us, Kaiden," I uttered."Wait, back to the mansion?" Kaiden asked, seemingly surprised."Where else would it be?" I said with a furrowed brow, prompting him to give a nod.I helped Sebastian's mother into the back seat before joining her. Kaiden started the car engine and began driving away from the church. The sun had already set. Upon arriving back at the mansion in the late night, I helped Sebastian's mother out and noticed Kaiden's gaze still fixed on her."What are you still waiting for?" I questioned, snapping him out of his trance-like state. "Oh, won't you be going out again, ma'am?"Honestly, what was wrong with him? After a long stressful day, why would I think of going out again? And anyway, I had made sure to attend to all my plans I had set for today."No, Kaiden, y
What was she doing here?"Mam, let's go…" Kaiden snapped. "I have to check on something first." I said, leaving no further response to him as I made my way through the streets, eventually entering the building. With my eyes slowly scanning each side, I searched for Sebastian's mother. Then I caught her seated in the front seat, her hands cradled together. As I approached her, I noticed her shut eyes."Please God, I know I don't deserve a second chance, but please, just please let him see me as his mother. Let him look at me once again with love pouring out of his eyes. All I ask is just for a second chance, a second chance to correct all my wrong doings and make things right." She kept mumbling, her tears flowing out with a cracked sobber tone."Why are you here, Mam? Why did you have to leave in such haste?" Kaiden's words came in a whisper, but those whispers seemed to cause Sebastian's mother's eyes to spring open slowly as they landed on me."Scarlet?" She uttered, her very expres
Scarlet's POVAfter the detective left, I gently stood up and made my way out, my eyes landing on Kaiden standing outside, awaiting my presence."Are you set to go, ma'am?" he questioned."Yes, Kaiden, let's go," I said, entering the passenger seat as he entered the front seat.I felt less bothered by his presence; I could let things slide for now. I had my aims and plans to see through."Where are we going now, ma'am?" Kaiden's voice came through.Since everything was set and my plan to uncover Evelyn's intentions was underway, my only thought was visiting my mom."Take us to the city mental asylum, Kaiden," I said."Sorry, ma'am, mental asylum?" he asked."Are you questioning my words? That's the next direction we're heading to. If you have a problem with it, I would surely love to go there myself without you bugging at my side," I said."Alright, ma'am, I will drive now," he said, starting the car engine and driving on, leaving the restaurant behind. Not long after, we arrived at t
The evening hours found me seated, checking through some documents placed on my desk. My attention was grasped by a call later; checking it out, it was Alexander.What could he be calling about?I picked up the call."Are you free tonight, Sebastian?" Alexander uttered."Why?""Just that I missed a friend and wanted to spend some time with him. How about dinner tonight at the restaurant near your office?""You mean the Oakwood Grill restaurant?" I questioned."Yeah, Sebastian."Really, what could it be that he had called and was now asking for a meetup? Friends? I wouldn't say so. I only saw him as a business partner, and he had proved to me how he handles the business well, which impressed me. So, I was simply only impressed by his passion and talent, and I lent a little help. But I guess he took it wrong.I don't have friends; I don't need any. Workers, maybe. Business partners, maybe. But friends? Not really happening.But it doesn't seem like a bad idea to catch up for dinner. And
I needed answers to all my questions, especially why he was with her.My fingers quickly dialed Rafe's number, calling him up. The call persisted, ringing for a few seconds before it was finally picked up."What could be the reason for receiving a call from you, Mr. Hawthorne?" Rafe's voice came through. "Do you need me to find someone for you again, or get some details?""Where are you now, Rafe?" I questioned, going straight to the reason why I had called."What do you mean, Mr. Hawthorne?""A question isn't answered with another, Rafe. Just tell me where you are now.""And why do you wish to know, Mr. Hawthorne? My whereabouts should be the least of your concern, but if you must know, then I strolled out a bit.""Strolled out?" I scoffed."Tell me, Rafe. Why were you with Scarlet today at the restaurant?" I questioned, noticing the silence that echoed after, as I could grasp a slow sigh through the call."It seems the hunter has also been hunted now. Were you spying on me, Mr. Hawt
Sebastian's POV "I am not selling this land for such an amount. You either agree to my price or just leave. I have many other things to attend to," the man uttered.I couldn't help but let out a slight chuckle at his words. I had returned to work today; my wounds weren't fully healed, which was evident, but my resting time had seemed to run its course, and it was high time I got things done, taking my business to the next level.Now, here I found myself discussing with this greedy fool. The project had to begin tomorrow, no matter what, and the land deal had to be finalized today for that to happen. But it seemed that wouldn't be happening anytime soon if I didn't show him his place."Mr. Ambrose, or what was it again?" I asked."Ambrose," he responded as I walked closer to him, placing my hand on his shoulder with a firm yet gentle touch."Whatever. I don't care. I just want you to know that the papers shall be brought to you this evening, and I hope you don't disappoint. Sign them