105As Nathan stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him, I felt a sense of dread wash over me. Our argument had been intense, and it was clear that he was not going to give up on his quest to get our daughter, Adele, back. I knew Nathan's temperament all too well, and I feared for our daughter's safety.I turned to Addison, my best friend and confidante. "We need to get Adele out of here, now," I said, my voice shaking with fear.Addison looked at me skeptically. "Chloe, are you sure this is necessary? I don't think Adele is in any real danger."But I knew that Nathan's outburst had changed everything. I couldn't take any chances with Adele's safety. "I know you don't believe me, but please, Addison, you have to help me.""Chloe relax, you are taking things a bit too hard. You are very stressed out right now and you are not in the mood to make any life changing decisions.""No." I said, walking into my bedroom to immediately start yanking my clothes from the wardrobe. "I
106I had just gotten out of the shower when the phone rang, it's shrill ringing snapping me out of my reverie."Hello?" I answered, picking the call. I didn't bother to check the caller ID, I already knew who it was. "They are on the move boss." Came the reply. The infamously gruff voice confirming my guess.Joseph "Mando" Ackerman, ex United States Navy SEAL, veteran of the Iraqi and Afghan wars, took an honorable discharge after he got wounded out on a mission to take out a cell of Taliban terrorists and now working as the chief of my security detail. Standing at a massive 6'5 and 240 pounds of pure muscle. He looked like a walking tank. "You are on their tail?" "Affirmative sir."I chuckled slightly, like most veterans, he kept the habit of answering like I was his commanding officer."Good, stick to them, don't be spotted, text me whatever location they get to when they stop.""Copy that boss." The line went dead.***I sat in my office, staring blankly at the computer screen
107I stepped into my living room and let out a deep breath. The familiar scent of home and safety enveloped me, but the memory of the airport still lingered in my mind like an unwanted guest, refusing to leave. Addison walked in behind me, holding my two-year-old daughter Adele in her arms."Are you okay?" Addison asks, concern etched on her face.I shook my head, trying to push back the tears threatening to spill over. "No, I'm not okay. That was a nightmare."The flight to New York had been cancelled. I had realized running away wasn't going to change much. Nathan would follow me anywhere and I still had business to conclude hear in North Carolina.Addison set Adele down on the floor and walked over to me, wrapping her arms around me in a tight hug. "Deep breaths Chloe," she intoned, "calm down."I nodded, pulling away from her embrace. "Nathan showed up at the airport. He must have somehow found out about my plans to leave."Addison's face contorted in a slight frown. "How did he
I stepped into the cavernous lobby of Azul Enterprises, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. This was it, the moment I had been waiting for. As I walked with David, my lawyer, towards Eduardo's office, I couldn't help but notice the grandeur of the building. It was evident that Azul Enterprises was a force to be reckoned with.Eduardo greeted us with a warm smile and a handshake, and we exchanged pleasantries as we made our way to his office. I immediately noticed how confident Eduardo looked, even as we walked into his territory. He knew he has us on the ropes. He knew we needed him, I didn't like that.Once we were seated, David started speaking about the acquisition that I was interested in, our flamboyant host cut him off almost immediately."Ah no business yet, I am a gracious host you see mi amigos." He said smiling widely, pressing a button on his intercom, he beeped his secretary. "Elizabeth dear, can you bring in some refreshments for our guests?""Mr Eduardo, it'
109I was sitting at my desk, staring at my computer screen when my phone rang. I picked it up to see Cameron's name on the caller ID."Hey Cam, what's up?" I asked."Nathan, I got some intel. Chloe has visited Eduardo," Cameron said, his voice tense."What? When?" I asked, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice."I don't know the exact yesterday, she went in with her lawyer, David. . The details of the meeting aren't clear, but it doesn't look good," Cameron said."How do you know this? Are you sure?" I pressed. Part of me still wanted it to be a lie, I still didn't want to believe Chloe was involved with the son of a bitch. Even after what she had put me through."Nathan come on, this isn't my first rodeo." Cam replied, sighing in exasperation. "I have my sources.""And how reliable are these sources of yours?""Very." He snapped back. I could tell he was losing his patience."I am sorry Cam." I apologized, I hadn't meant to antagonize him. "It's just... this is a lot on me.""
110I was sitting on the couch in my living room, trying to distract myself by watching some mindless TV after the disastrous deal with Eduardo. I just couldn't believe that I had messed up so badly. I had put everything on the line for that deal, and now it had all fallen apart. It was like my entire future was hanging in the balance.Suddenly, Addison walked in, interrupting my thoughts. "Hey, are you alright?" She asked, concern in her voice."Yeah, barely."Addison was quiet for a moment, thinking. Then she spoke up. "Chloe, maybe it's time for you to cut your losses and move on. North Carolina has been nothing but bad news for you.""Yeah," I said, smiling weakly. "You know what they say, never go back to an ex."We both shared a chuckle, the tension in the air loosening for a bit. I really needed as many laughs as I could get these days."Chloe, have you ever considered moving back to New York?" Addison asked out of the blue."What? Why would I move back to New York?" I asked,
111As I pulled up to Eduardo's sprawling estate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread wash over me. The last time I had seen him, he had tried to convince me to sell my shares in our joint business venture. I had refused then, but now he had new demands, and I wasn't sure if I was ready to hear them.But at this point, I really didn't care very much. I just wanted to get this over with and leave this damned state for good. Standing in front of the door and taking a few deep breaths, I promised myself to be on my absolute best behavior today. I couldn't risk antagonizing him and making the situation worse for myself.I rang the doorbell and waited nervously for someone to answer.The door finally swung open and burly looking guard in a black suit walked out. "Miss Montgomery?" He asked"Yes.""Raise your arms please, this will be brief." He replied, waving a sleek, black metal detector around me.As I raised an eyebrow inquisitively, he face an apologetic smile. "Standard proced
112As I drove my car into Chloe's neighborhood, my heart was pounding with nervousness. I was about to do something that could change everything. I had to plant a wire in Chloe's home to get the evidence I needed for Cameron, but I knew it would be risky. I had to be careful, or everything could fall apart.I parked my car outside Chloe's home and took a deep breath. I knew what I had to do, and I had to do it quickly. I walked up to the front door and rang the bell, hoping that Chloe wouldn't be home. But as the door opened, I saw Addison standing there, blocking my way."What are you doing here?" Addison asked, glaring at me."And a good morning to you too Addison." I replied, rolling my eyes."What do you want Nathan, you know you are not welcome here." She replied, ignoring my sarcasm and eyeing me with naked derision."Where is Chloe?" I asked, craning my neck to see past her."Out, on business." Addison replied, taking a step outside and shutting the door behind her. "Now what