Chapter 004: Unsettling

Ada 

"To start, I'd like to thank you once again for your bravery," Mr. Manney begins dramatically. "You saved my son's life, and for that, I'm indebted to you for life, Miss Johnson. Please, if there's anything I can do for you, let me know right away."

After he says this, I don't quite know what to say to him. A visit from them is the last thing I ever thought would happen. I'm glad I didn't give them a fake address when I applied for the job the same way I gave them a fake name, otherwise, I would've been in some trouble now, I think, and would've ended up losing all credibility. 

It would be easier to focus on Mr. Manney if his brother-in-law weren't looking at me like I'm a piece of shit standing in his way. His eyes are studying me deeply. Whenever I glance at him, I find him staring at me with an expression that's somewhat dehumanizing. He's so arrogant. So conceited. 

"I'd...if I could get my job back, I'd be much obliged," I tell him as humbly as I can.

"Why, of course," he claims. "The job is yours, if you still want it."

Relief swarms me, and I breathe easier than I have in hours. "Thank you, truly. I promise I'll do better next time."

"Of course," he says, smiling. "Everyone deserves a second chance. We can't walk about the earth like we're flawless and perfect. It's human nature to make mistakes, the same way it is to give people opportunities to prove themselves. To tell you the truth, I'm quite ashamed of how you were treated by my family."

Maximilian Loxley shoots him a glare before settling his unsettling gaze on me again, and I hold it for a few beats before saying, "Of course. Thank you, truly."

"Now, for your reward. What do you want?"

My cheeks feel warmer immediately, and I give my head a shake. "Nothing apart from the job. Thank you, it really means a lot to me."

"But there must be something you want," Mr. Manney argues. "Anything. Name it, and it's yours."

"Really, there's nothing I want," I insist. "I did what anyone in my position would've done. He's safe, and that's a gift in itself. I didn't do it for a reward, nor for none in mind. I'm only glad that he's alright. Please."

I say this in a resolute tone, hoping to convince him that I really don't want anything, but he says to his brother-in-law, "Max, help me convince her."

"If she wants to act all high and mighty, then that's up to her," he says, narrowing those icy blue eyes at me. His tone is riddled with disdain, and I realize that I despise this man. I do. It's very easy for me to put him in the same boat as his father. He's rude and condescending, and I want him out of my apartment. "We've groveled enough, don't you think?"

"I'm not doing this to appear high and mighty, Mr. Loxley," I cut in, directing my words at him. "I genuinely don't feel like what I've done warrants a reward, that's all." 

"I didn't ask for the reasoning behind your answer, Miss Johnson," he replies coldly, so much that a shiver races down my spine and nausea curls in the pit of my stomach. "You'll do well not to address me directly in the future, or you will be fired, regardless of whether or not you saved my nephew's life."

"Max," Mr. Manney says, sounding disbelieving. "What's the matter with you?"

"Meet me outside," he says, moving past me. "I find the stench of this place offensive."

His words cut right through me. It honestly feels like someone threw a bucket of ice-cold water right at my face. After he closes the door, Mr. Manney approaches me and says, "I'm sorry about that, I really am. There's nothing wrong with how the place smells. I actually find your apartment very charming."

"Thank you, sir," I say. 

"No, call me Ed," he claims. "And your first name is?"

"Naomi," I say, giving him my fake name. Naomi Johnson."

"Right, Naomi," he says. "In his defense, he doesn't do well with guilt, and that's how he is. He's a brute. Take no offense."

"None taken," I lie. I've certainly taken offense to the way he treated me. What the hell is wrong with him? How can someone be so supercilious and pretentious? I don't think I've ever met someone like him.

"Great," he says. "I'll respect your wishes, but if you ever change your mind, well, you know where to find me. I'll be living at the house until further notice. My father-in-law's sickness is unexpected and unpredictable, and my wife wants to be as close to him as possible in case something tragic happens."

"Of course," I say. "Thank you once again, Mr. Manney."

"Edmund," he reminds me before backing away and heading toward the door. I hold it open for him, and he tells me, "See you tomorrow, Naomi."

After closing the door, I sink against it and sigh. Thank heavens that things went well for me. The universe must be on my side. Earlier today, I felt more hopeless than I ever have in my entire life, and now, I'm beyond hopeful. I'll have to watch my back, though. Maximilian Loxley clearly has something against me and he won't hesitate ton fire me if I make another mistake. I'll have to ensure that I do things correctly this time around. 

No more mistakes. 

I lock my door and lie on the couch, where my phone is. I was on a call with my mother when I became aware of their presence. I call her again, and this time, she answers sounding worried. "What is it? What happened?"

My mother is aware of all my plans. I fill her in on what happened, and she's in disbelief. She says, "Oh, honey. Are you sure you'll be okay? Harry and I are so worried about you. Will you come see us tomorrow after work?"

"Yes, I'll be there," I promise. "I love you."

After hanging up, I sit with the phone against my chest, and I think about what I'm going to do tomorrow. I'll keep my head low for a few weeks, then, my planning will start. Gathering evidence and finding roof of Reynold Loxley's involvement in my father's death won't be easy, but it's a risk I'm willing to take. 

I don't care if he's sick and dying.

I'll make him pay for ruining my life and taking my loved ones away from me, and I don't care about what I'll have to do to succeed.