Zoey stormed into her bedroom, cursing loudly and angrily. She didn’t care if her fucking dad heard. She felt like killing someone. She grabbed a flower vase from her dressing table and threw it across the room. It smashed against a wall. The books on her dressing table also went flying and many other things too. She really wished they were landing on Chris Richards head. Then she grabbed a pen from her table and began stabbing her pillow, imagining it to be Adele. She was angry and humiliated. That bitch Adele was going to come from no where and have a top position in her company, while she was a nobody in the same company. No! Never! Her dad had gone too far. She would get back at him and the bitch. She didn’t care what it took. Both of them would pay for her humiliation. When she was tired of destroying things she sat on her bed and buried her face in her hands. Her phone rang. She glanced at it and saw it was Karen calling. She ignored it. Craig came in. He whistled at the
Adele’s Pov We drove home in silence. I was still too shocked to say anything. I glanced at Dan, he was still wearing the same frown he’d worn when he had gotten into the car. From the frown and the time he had wasted, I guessed a huge argument had happened after Jay and I had left. I sighed. I still couldn’t believe I was going to be working at RICH INTERNATIONAL. And it had been so easy that I was a little uneasy. What was Chris up to? And why was he insisting I go to the financial department, the same department my dad wanted me to go to in the beginning. Was it a coincidence? I didn’t think so. Or had my dad persuaded him to do it? More likely. Well Dad was in for a huge let down. I had chosen a department where I couldn’t get him any information. I felt excited at my new position, and also a little scared. The Richards siblings weren’t happy about it, not even Zoey who I thought was my best friend. Would I survive surrounded by all that hostility? Jay was asle
Adele’s Pov Mommy can Mr. Dan go with us to the beach today?” Jay asked as I helped him dress the next morning. “No honey. Mr. Dan is busy. You and I are going to have fun today.” “Are we going to see grandpa Jason?” I hesitated. Dad had asked me to come but I didn’t want to, I didn’t want to tell him about the job offer just yet. I wanted to delay talking to him and hearing his angry complains when he heard I wasn’t in a place where I couldn’t carry out his plan. Jay repeated his question. “No sweetie grandpa Jason can’t see us today. But I will take you round town and give you a great time. I promise.” “Would we go to the beach again?” “Yeah honey, but first I want to talk you round town. Then there is something important I want to show you.” “What?” He asked. “You will see it very soon.”. I pinched his cheek lovingly and we went downstairs. Dan was at the tables. He looked up as we came in and mumbled good morning. “Can you teach me swimming again
Adele's Pov It was the problem of who to look after Jay while I was working. There was no Rachel to help me now. I would have to hire help. It was the only thing to do, even though I felt uncomfortable leaving him with a stranger. I tried not to worry, reminding myself I would only be a phone call away and when I was home in the evenings I would give my son my full attention. But first I would tell Dan my plans. Not that I cared for his opinion, but it was the right thing to do. I had to catch him before he left for work, so on Monday morning I knocked on the door of his room. “Come in.” He said. I went in and stood staring at him like a statue. He had a towel round his waist. The sight of his muscular upper body literally took my breath away. I couldn’t breath, all I could do was stare. “Can I help you? Or did you come to stare at me?” He asked smiling a little. I found my voice. “I need to talk to you.” I stammered. “I want to hire a Nanny for Jay since I wi
“When were you going to tell me?” Jason asked his daughter. “Tell you what dad? What are you talking about?” “That you had gotten a job at RICH INTERNATIONAL! Or were you trying to hide it from me?” Adele had been about to open her front door. She paused, her heart racing. “No I wasn’t trying to hide it. Chris offered me the job this morning.” She lied. “Really? So how come it already made it’s way into the news?” “It is in the news?” She asked alarmed. “Sure, how do you think I found out?” “Well I don’t know why it’s there so soon, but anyway I planned to tell you.” She stammered. “We will meet tomorrow as planned.” “Hold on Dad, it isn’t-“ He had already hung up. She yelled in frustration and went in. Her dad was in for a big surprise if he thought he would get RICH INTERNATIONAL through her. She was surprised her employment had made news though. She brought out her cell and went to the news blogs. She found it in the business section and smiled a lit
Adele’s Pov Dad was smiling broadly as I walked over to his table. “Hey Dad.” I said quietly. I wasn’t looking forward to this meeting. “Hey sweetheart, you final did it. I knew you would. Once you got Dan to fall for you I knew he would agree to whatever you asked. But why didn’t you insist on the finance department?” I frowned at him. “I didn’t do anything Dad. Dan didn’t talk to his dad. Chris offered me the job without me asking. I thought maybe you spoke to him.” “No. I don’t want this linked to me.” “So why did Chris give me the job so easily?” I wondered aloud. “Who cares? You got the job. That’s what matters. It isn’t the department we wanted but it is a start. Now all you have to do is gather info on the company. Stuff like, what new designs are they developing, who are they doing business with and whatever financial information you can get.” “How am I going to get information sitting at my desk?” I asked annoyed. “Board meetings, talking to co worke
Adele’s Pov During break time the first thing I did was to call Brenda and asked if she’d picked Jay from school. “Yes, he is having lunch now. Like I said don’t worry. I have everything handled.” I could hear Jay talking in the background. “He want to speak with you.” Brenda said and gave him the phone. I spoke to him a little and told him I missed him and would be home soon. Then I hung up as Zoey came in. “Adele! You have an office?” She asked surprised. “Yeah. Your dad asked them to give me my own space. It has a pretty good view don’t you think?” Zoey was silent, staring out of the window. Then she turned with a big smile on her face. “It is beautiful. I am really surprised at my dad, he usually doesn’t care about the comfort of his employees. You are lucky.” “Yeah, your dad is really nice.” “He is. How about lunch. I am sure you have a lot of questions. I will be happy to answer them.” “Another time. I am not really hungry. Maybe I will have a
Adele followed Dan to his car. She was trying not to laugh as she remembered the way Chris had ordered Dan around. She hadn’t expected Dan to obey but he had, and he wasn’t too happy about it. “Where are we going?” He asked starting the engine. “Home. I asked the chef to prepare something for us.” “No. Dad said to take you to dinner so I will. Before you run crying to him again.” He sneered. “I didn’t run crying to him!” She said angrily. “He insisted I celebrate my first day at work and you join me.” “Sure he did.” “If you are going to be an asshole then stop the car. I will take a cab home. You can go back to work!” “Good. Trust me work is a lot more interesting.” Dan lied. He was angry with himself for the feeling of excitement he’d felt when his dad had asked him to take Adele out. He had sat in his office thinking he had made a mistake saying no when she’d asked him. When his father had called and demanded he take her he pretended to be pissed but he was sec
They turned. Adele was standing at the door. “What do I have to be told?” She asked looking from Chris to Rachel. “That i got the DNA result changed to confuse the cops.” Chris said quickly. Adele knew instantly she was being lied to. “Is that so?” She asked. “Yeah,” Chris said, “well now you know I better get going. Bye.” “Are you going to tell me what that was really about?” Adele asked Rachel after Chris walked out. “Chris told you already.” “Rachel, what is going on?” “Nothing. Come on let's not keep Jay waiting.” Still frowning suspiciously, Adele followed her to the living room. ** Dan was getting back into his car when Chris pulled into the car park. “Dad! I've been to the house Zoey told me you were here; I'm just coming from your office. Your secretary said you hadn't come in yet.” “Yeah, I stopped at your house. I was about to call you. I wanted to see you.” They rode the elevator to his office. “What's going on with Craig? Why was he arrested for Hal's mur
Chris was still in his office trying to make sense of his discovery, when his thoughts where interrupted by his ringing cell phone. He frowned when he saw Zoey was the one calling. “Hello? Slow down Zoey I can’t understand you, Craig has what? Arrested? Why?” He sighed. “I am on my way.” He called his lawyer and asked him to go to the police station, then went to join them. He first spoke to the cops, before he was taking to see Craig. “Dad! Tell this your dumbass lawyer to get me the fuck out of here.” Craig said angrily. “I haven't done anything wrong.” The lawyer rolled his eyes. Chris asked to speak to Craig alone and the room was emptied. “Get me the fuck out of here dad! Now!” “The cops said you were seen a few times, going to Hal Daniel’s room.” Chris said ignoring him. “What is the big deal? He is my friend. We have known each other from college.” “Before or after you dropped out and started being a pain in my ass?” Chris snapped. “Dad!” “If he is your
“Dad, do you have something to do with this?” Dan asked Chris when the detective had left. “Me? Of course not.” Chris said. “Really? Because I noticed you didn't show any surprise when the result was read.” Rachel said suspiciously. “Because I knew in my heart Adele was innocent.” “Really? Or is it because you did something like forging the result.” “Stop it Rachel. I didn't do anything. I swear.” “But this doesn't make any sense.” Adele said confused, “Hal is Jay’s father. I am sure of it.” Chris shrugged. “Well maybe there was a mistake with the DNA. Anyway, forget it. You are off the hook. The cops can look elsewhere for their suspect.” He stood up. “I have to go, see you guys later and don't worry about anything, I have it handled.” “Sure you do,” Rachel sneered. Chris left grinning. “He changed the results,” Rachel said, “I know him too well.” “Why won’t he admit it?” Adele asked. “Because he wants to keep you in the dark. So you don't get into trouble if he gets caug
Zoey was on the phone as she entered the dining room. “-I am glad you are okay. Don’t worry Dad will make sure everything is okay…yeah, I read the news on the blog, don’t worry they can only talk, everything will be fine. Don’t mention it, take care.” She hung up giggling. Craig, who was at the dining table picking at his food. looked at her suspiciously. “What is going on?” He asked. “I read Adele was arrested, then I read she wasn’t but was only invite for questioning. What’s the truth?” “The first one. The second is Dad trying to do damage control.” She laughed sitting down. “Spill, what is going on?” He asked impatiently. “Adele was arrested for Hal Daniels murder.” “Why?” He asked alarmed. “The murder weapon was found hidden in her office.” “Shit! Seriously?” “Yeah. The cops want to run a DNA test on her kid. For some reason they think Hal is the dad, which may give a motive. Crazy right?” She noticed Craig looked scared. “What's wrong?” “Nothing.” “Don’t
Dan watched helplessly as Adele was taken away by the police. “What the hell is going on! A gun in the office?” Zoey asked shocked. Dan didn’t answer. He rushed out and almost ran to Chris’ office. Zoey was right behind him. Hee burst in, startling Chris. “Dad the cops have arrested Adele!” “When? Why” Chris asked standing up quickly. “Just now. They found a gun in her office! I know she is being framed. We have to call a lawyer!” “A gun?” “Yes. The one used to kill Hal Daniels. We have to do something!” Dan insisted. “Calm down, I’m on it now.” He called his lawyer and picked up his coat. “Let’s go, the lawyer will meet us there.” He told Dan. “I am coming too.” Zoey said. “No. It’s okay, you stay here.” Chris said. She watched them walk into the elevator, then when the door closed, she began laughing. Yes! It had been so easy to plant the gun. She had waited until she saw Adele leave for a meeting, then she snuck in and put the gun behind the filling cabinet, before m
Adele's PovAter Zoey left, I sat staring at the blank screen of my computer. In my mind I was going over what I would tell Dan this evening. I wanted to tell him the truth without upsetting him so much. I sat there for hours, worrying and sweating. I wondered if my dad had heard about what had happened. I didn't think so because Chris had made sure the press kept my name out of it, but even if I had been arrested and sentenced to death, I knew my dad won’t care. He was still mad at me. My phone rang and I nearly jumped out of my chair. “Calm down,” I told myself as I picked up the phone. It was Dan. “Babe I am stuck in a meeting, you’ll have to have lunch without me. Sorry about that.” He said. “It’s okay, I understand. I love you.” “Love you too, see you later.” I hung up and swallowed nervously. I knew he couldn’t wait for this evening, but i was dreading it. I was happy he couldn’t take me to lunch because I wasn’t even thinking of food. The thought of it made me ill. I was
Zoey stared at the note. There was no return address. She turned it over and saw an address written on the back. The address looked familiar but she wasn’t sure. Then she looked at the key. It was clearly a key to a storage unit. That’s it! The address was a storage unit. Was this some stupid prank? Or was it for real? Whatever the case, who was responsible? Chris? Or maybe Craig? She put the note and key back in the envelope and put them in her drawer, but she kept thinking about it. If it was for real and would put Adele in jail, and maybe even destroy Dan, why not? But she had to be careful. If Chris found out she was still plotting he would throw her out for good. She went home for lunch, hoping Craig would be at home. She wanted to ask his advice without giving too much away. She found him slumped in a chair, staring into space, biting him lower lip. He jumped startled when she called his name. “What the fuck is wrong with you?” She asked annoyed. For the past few days Cr
“Are you sure you want to come in today?” Dan asked Adele the next morning, as she stepped out of the shower. “I do. I have gotten over the shock of yesterday. I am fine.” He nodded but he wasn’t convinced. Everything wasn’t fine. In his office yesterday he had thought about Adele’s story and it didn’t make sense. If Hal wasn’t able to attend the meeting, why didn’t Adele let his company know? They could have sent someone else. Driving all the way to see him was suspicious, he remembered the way she had looked when he had come into her office, the afternoon she’d first met Hal. Dan had guessed something was wrong but she denied it. He was so worried that he went to meet his Dad. Chris was on the phone when he came in so he waited. “The news has already gone round about the murder.” Chris said when he hung up. “I’m going to make sure I keep Adele’s name out of it.” “Don’t you think it’s strange?” Dan asked. “No. It was a public place, and the victim works for a big compan
Adele's Pov. I was still sitting in the hotel lobby, when Dan rushed in with Chris behind him. “Are you okay babe? Are you alright? What happened?” He asked anxiously. I had called him five minutes ago, as soon as I'd managed to pull myself together. I had almost fainted after seeing Hal on the bed, a bullet hole in his chest. My scream had attracted a passing housekeeper who rushed in, and when she saw the body, led me to the lobby, then called the cops. I was still shaking and scared as Dan hugged me. “I am fine. Really.” I said. “What where you doing here honey?” Dan asked. “Yeah, why are you here? What is going on?” Chris asked. I stared at them, tongue tied. I hadn’t thought about what I would say when this question was asked. “I found a dead body. Hal Daniel’s body in his hotel room.” I stammered. “Yeah but why were you there?” Chris asked. “He asked me to come and talk about the contract.” I said. “In his room?” Chris asked confused. “Yeah he said he