Taking the next step

Rayna's POV.

I guess I hit a nerve when I said those words because the silence afterward was almost deafening. I could feel it; it had been long coming. However, deciding not to say a thing about it didn't mean that I didn't know what was going on, or what he was up to. I just wanted to give him a little more time to clean up his mess before I would act. However, he must have taken me for a fool because of my silence. Not just him, but every other person who's worked with him or better still, who helped him in some way would feel the heat. 

“What are you trying to say?” he asked, his formerly calm face was disturbed by a hard tightening of his jaw. “Why would you think that I channelled the money to a different purpose.”

“I don't know, you tell me.” I said, looking him straight in the eyes. “Besides, it was an innocent question. All you have to do is give me an answer. Did you do so or not?” 

After staring at me with a cold gaze for a while, he suddenly let out a bark of laughter as if he'd lost his mind. On the other hand, I crinkled my face in confusion as I exchanged puzzled glances with Sera and then returned my attention to him almost immediately.

“Do you have another issue aside from your deteriorating eyesight?” I asked, with a tinge of curiosity in my voice. “If you do, then I would kindly request that you visit the hospital immediately to get checked.” 

“There will be no need for that.” he said, his voice suddenly as hard as steel. “I have no other health challenge. However, I didn't take that money. But, if you do have some evidence against me, then be my guest.” 

Assessing him based on the words he said, I could only help but wonder how I employed someone like him in the first place. Of course, he came in with the innocent look on his face. You know, the kind of look that meant he couldn't hurt a fly. Besides, he seemed responsible and did quite a lot in his early days as a starter. However, I guess that was all a facade. Having gotten to this point, he'd begun to show his true colors. Well, I don't blame him. And I have no problem with him showing his true colors. However, if it doesn't match the company's color, then he would have to use the door.

“So, what you're trying to say now is that you have no idea how a million dollar disappeared, is that it?” I asked, narrowing my gaze at the words. 

“In a nutshell? Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying.” he said, as a cynical smile pushed his lips to the side. “Can I have my seat now?” 

I could have said no to his request but then, I didn't want to stretch the issue anymore and cause further chaos between the members. Besides, what I'd on him was less than an evidence. If I needed to rope him, then I had to get something more than that. 

“Of course, you can.” I said, forcing a smile through my lips. “Have your seat, please.” 

“Thank you, ma'am.” he said, settling on his chair.

“I guess that will be all for today.” I said, tilting my head to both sides as I glanced at every one of them with a smile. “In that case, the meeting is dismissed.” 

As if waiting for me to say the words for a long time, immediately I did, the members picked up the documents on the desk in front of them and then made for the door in groups of two's. While others slurped what was left of their coffee before proceeding to exit the room. 

Before long, everyone was out excluding Sebastian who remained on his chair as if he wanted to have a personal discussion with me which I didn't think so. However, even if that were to be the case, he was the last person I would choose to give my attention to. He could only do this much, but not for much longer. 

Righting himself from the chair, he pulled at his collar, took a few steps away from where he sat as he approached me. When he got to where I was seated, he dropped his gaze to me as a cynical smile pushed his lips to the side as if trying to say ‘you will have to do better’ then he walked past me and then exited the room. In situations like that, what would follow next would have been a pat on the shoulder, but he wouldn't dare to do that.

“Are we just going to allow him to have things go his way, ma'am?” Sera asked, her voice laced with concern. “I don't like him; he is getting way ahead of himself.”

“Well, there's nothing much we can do now.” I said, turning to face her with a smile. “However, he would walk into my perfectly set trap soon enough.”

“What do you mean by that, ma'am?” she asked, with a tinge of curiosity in her voice. “Do you have something in mind?” 

“It is only a matter of time before his eyesight gets better, or don't you think?” I asked, pushing the chair back as a rather dangerous smile pushed my lips to the side. “Come on, there are other things to do.” 

Exiting the boardroom, I ambled towards the hallway, took a right turn, proceeded with a few steps before I arrived at the elevator. Lifting a hand, I pushed a button and immediately, the doors swung open. Together, we stepped in, but this time, Sera pushed the button and then the door closed. 

“I need a favor from you.” I said, pushing a button on the keypad to the side. “And I need answers at best before tonight.” 

“Alright ma'am, what is it?” she asked, with a raised brow.

“I need you to gather information on Zane Winehall and the company.” I said, with a meaningful look in my eyes.

“Do you suspect him?” she asked, her brows taking a quizzical dip. 

“I just have this unsettling feeling and I want to be sure that I'm doing the right thing.” I said, with a subtle nod of my head. “Also, that girl from earlier, remind me her name again.” 

“Are you talking about the girl on a topknot hairstyle?” she asked, narrowing her gaze at the words. 

“Yes, that one. Can you bring her to me?”