CHAPTER THREE: Change of plans

Antonio's POV

"No,I didn't sign those paper willingly. You forced me" Esmeralda shouted at the top of her lungs,tears streaming down her face. For I moment,I felt a ounce of pity for her,but I was quick to cast it aside.

It took Elena and I two years to gain her trust,and another two years to identify all of the Lawsons' fortune. She was quite secretive,even after claiming to love me. It was tough,but I managed to get what I wanted.

With this thought,a smile of triumph curved on my lips. "Esmeralda, nothing in this mansion belongs to you,not even the company. You have to leave."

"To where?" She asked, shivering in fear.

"To the streets, Esmeralda" Elena chipped in with disgust in her voice. "You need to learn how to live like us. Learn the ways of the poor and face retribution for your sins."

"You both are making a mistake" Esmeralda argued. "I never treated you badly. I gave you everything you asked me for. I did everything you asked me to do without complaining."

"That's it,Esme. Your pride and ego; it's annoying" Elena retorted with a snort. "Throwing you out to the streets is a good decision. The suffering there will humble you."

"Leave,Esme. Don't let me do this the hard way" I ordered with a stern voice. A part of me still cared for her,but I was infatuated with Elena. Unlike Esme,she gave me her body anytime I wanted.

Esmeralda sniffed and choked on her tears. She coughed repeatedly until her face reddened.

"Take it easy. I don't want you dying here in my territory" I smirked mockingly. I must say,Elena was meticulous with her plan.

I stared deeply at Esmeralda as she growled in pain. Instantly,the atmosphere in the room changed; it was tense. I watched as Esmeralda rose to get feet,stunned by the aura oozing from her.

She glared hard at me and snarled. "I'll call my lawyer and you two will pay greatly for this."

I was stunned for a moment,but gradually the laughter in my belly erupted. I clutched my stomach and bent over with tears of mirth bubbled up in my eyes. Elena was right- Esmeralda had everything in her grasps,but her naivety had restricted her in so many ways.

"We changed the lawyer too" Elena dropped the bombshell on my behalf.

"She's right. We've been planning this for years now. We wouldn't dare to make a stupid mistake like letting your family lawyer handle our case" I added, hoping she understood the situation.

"That's the end of our conversation. It's time for you to leave" Elena butted with impatience in her voice.

Esmeralda argued strongly "this is my house. I'm not going anywhere."

Her words has gotten Elena enraged. The fiery woman walked up to Esmeralda and landed a wicked slap on her face.

"Are you daft? You read the papers already" She yelled, breathing heavily and shifting her gaze to me. "Antonio, let's have the guards throw her out."

I marveled at her suggestions and searched my desk for the intercom. I pressed the green button and spoke "I need three bodyguards."

"You'll pay for this" Esmeralda said, clenching her fists.

I let out a throaty chuckle and stood up from my seat.

"Unless,you have any other properties which isn't on the paper,though, I'm sure you have none. You can't do anything to me in the next two decades" I stated the obvious truth.

A knock on the door attracted out attention.

"I'll get it" Elena offered and walked to the door, opening it. The three bodyguards I had requested for, marched in.

"Boss, we're at your service" the one in the middle said,his voice firm but polite.

"Throw her out" I ordered, pointing at Esmeralda who seemed dumbfounded by the way the bodyguard had addressed me. 

"Don't you dare" She roared, taking a defensive stance. I noticed the bodyguard's hesitation, slightly irritated by it.

"I'm your boss,not her. Throw her out!" I declared.

Immediately,the huge one grabbed her and placed her on his shoulders.

"No,let me go!" Esmeralda thrashed and kicked the bodyguard,but it clearly didn't affect the man, he didn't budge.

"You'll pay for this. I promise you" She yelled, looking so helpless. Her eyes were puffy and swollen as she glared at me. It seemed she has wasted all her tears for nothing.

Immediately the bodyguards left,Elena slammed the door hard and smile victoriously.

"Finally,some peace and quiet" She exclaimed, turning to me. "What's next?" 

"Nothing. Let's focus on taking full control of the Lawson Industries" I replied.

She clicked her tongue, seemingly in thoughts. "Nahh... That's too simple. I feel uncomfortable leaving her to roam on the street carelessly."

"But,you insisted we throw her out" I said, frowning. Her vicious smile made suspicion grow in my heart.

"Yes,I did,but that's because I had another plan in mind" She retorted with a smirk. 

With a mix of curiosity and great apprehension,I asked. "What plan,Elena?"

She walked up to me and twirled her fingers on my chest. Her smile widened, giving me the chills.

"Spill it out,Elena" I urged with impatience in my tone.

"Let's kill her" She declared.

"What?!" I exclaimed in shock. Taking Esmeralda's life was not part of the options I had considered.

Elena chuckled amusingly and replied. "I didn't say we're going to murder her with our own hands. We would just hire assasins to take her down."

"Is that too much? I mean one man is enough to kill her. Why an assassination group?" I questioned her,a bit confused and unconvinced.

Elena sighed deeply and explained. "Esme is a public figure. Assassinating her can make the public think it's one of her rivals behind it."

What she proffered was a good idea,but also a dangerous one.

"Are you sure about this? We can't afford to make a mistake" I uttered with skepticism in my voice.

"Leaving her alive is already a mistake. Let's end her and be at peace" She replied with a soothing voice. "I know a group that can help us."