CHAPTER 4. A SNEAK

Chad Belmont rummaged through the files in the lower drawers. They were all accounts of the recent projects in the company.

He pulled out another drawer, raking it thoroughly.  This time, they were files from the architects. Plans and structures.

With a frustrated sigh, he kicked it close.

“Where is it?“ Chad Belmont ruffled his hair in confusion. Half an hour already but he wasn't close to finding the documents.

The thought that they might be in Arthur's apartment almost gave him a panic attack. Arthur's apartment was off-limits. He wanted solitude and was determined to get it.

Chad Belmont still found it a wonder that Ursula could get in.

But he wasn't Ursula and Arthur was never letting him in. So he just had to pray to whatever deity lurking above that those files are being confined in this office.

The door flew open, starling him to his feet. “Arthur, I was just...“ He trailed off at the sight of the petite, skinny lady. Gwen, Arthur's secretary.

“I'm sorry, Sir. Do you need anything? Gwen asked with her head bowed.

“I should be asking you that. Don't you think?“ Chad retorted, hinting at his frustration in his tone.

He was having the worst time of his life. The last thing he needed was a skinny stalker.

“I'm sorry, Sir.“ She bowed lower in apology. “It's just...“

“Just nothing! Get out of here, will you please?“ Chad thundered. Gwen scurried off, shutting the door behind her.

Chad went back to rummaging another set of drawers. Minutes later, he was slumped on a leather, swivel chair. His search was hopeless. The location of the files was still a mystery.

Chad Belmont checked his wristwatch. He groaned at the little time he had left. His phone rang instantly.

“You will have the documents in less than 24 hours. I assure you.“ Chad Belmont lacked the necessary confidence to make such assurance. The possibility of finding the files was narrowing with every fleeting second.

He listened in agitation at the person on the other end. The call ended like it never happened.

Chad Belmont unbuttoned his suit while letting his mind run wild. He needed those files. A lot was at stake. 

Within an hour, Chad Belmont had raked all the drawers in Arthur's office. No sign of the documents. Sweats dripped down his forlorn face. One last look around before he headed to the door.

With his hand on the doorknob, Chad Belmont took one last glance at the office. His wandering gaze fell on a portraiture on the wall. On impulse, Chad took down the portraiture. His brows creased at what came in sight. A safe.

A huge surprise to Chad, who had no idea that Arthur had built a safe in his office.

He ran his fingers on it. It was nothing like he'd seen before. There were alphabets randomly placed on it.

Chad had a quick thought of what the password could be. He tried Arthur's name but it was wrong. He tried Arthur's parents' name. Wrong. He was back to feeling frustrated.

Chad Belmont had turned to leave but quickly turned back to the safe. Skeptically, he tapped S.T.A.C.I.E. To his astonishment, the safe opened.

“What a pathetic romantic.“ Chad snorted. He took out the documents and was thrilled to find what he'd been searching for. The documents of Belmont island.

The faint, approaching footsteps got him acting rather quickly. He placed the fake documents he'd arrived with into the safe. Neatly, he folded the real documents into a small briefcase.

He returned the portraiture to its initial position.

“Mr. Chad.“ Gwen walked in. “You have some Russian visitors.“

“Thank you, Gwen.“ Chad Belmont was thrilled. The frustration was gone. Right now, he could pass up as the happiest man on earth.

Walking out of Arthur's office with the briefcase, Chad Belmont could only count the hours before everything changed in his favour. He was taking it all one after another. Soon, it'll all be his.

Chad Belmont met the Russians down the hallway. They exchanged greetings and he ushered them into his office.

“See that we are not disturbed.“ Chad Belmont signaled at his secretary. He closed the door firmly and headed to his seat.

“Gentlemen. What do I offer you? Coffee? Wine?“ Chad Belmont beamed, reaching for his telephone to place an order to his secretary.

“Business first, Mr. Chad.“ One of the Russians spoke in a strong, Russian ascent.

“As always, Mr. Rvanoski.“ Chad placed the briefcase on the table. “Here are the documents for Belmont island. You can confirm its authenticity with your lawyer.“

Mr. Rvanoski took out the documents from the briefcase. He scanned the documents skeptically. 

Chad Belmont waited anxiously. The documents were authentic. But if they claim it isn't, then the deal won't push through. That had him anxious.

Mr. Rvanoski finally looked up. “I think we've got ourselves a deal. “

Chad Belmont guffawed, leaning back on his chair. “I think we do.“

Mr. Rvanoski nodded at his subordinate. Immediately, he placed a bigger briefcase on the table.

Chad Belmont opened the briefcase. His smiles at the sight of the newly-printed dollar notes stretched from ear to ear.

“You can go ahead and count it.“ Mr. Ravanoski urged with a smile. 

“Nah. No need. We're all gentlemen. We keep our word.“ 

The Russians stood and had a handshake with Chad. “Call us when you get more deals for us.“

“Sure. Have a safe trip.“

*****

Ursula stepped out of the elevator, sashaying to Arthur's office. The hallway was dark and quiet. The moon illuminated some corners.

It was almost impossible to believe anyone was still here. But Ursula was convinced that he was here. She'd gone to his apartment but he wasn't there.

Knowing how much of a workaholic he was, it wasn't hard to guess that he was here in his company.

Ursula swung her hips in a perfect rhythm. Her short skirt flapped against her thighs with every move. Her blonde hair was in a neat bun. Her shirt was tied in a knot, a little above her navel. The upperparts of the shirt had no buttons, displaying enough cleavage for whoever cared to see. Her stiletto heels accentuated her smooth, long legs. She was clearly on her daily mission to seduce Arthur Belmont.

Ursula walked past Arthur's secretary, ignoring her attempt to stop her.

Damn the consequences! Ursula was determined to barge into his office, regardless of what he could be doing. 

She threw the door open in a loud thud, stepping in before he would try to stop her.

Ursula stopped midway at the echoing silence in the office. Her heart sank in disappointment.

She rushed out to the Secretary's desk. With a loud slam on the table, she asked. “Where the fuck is he?“

“I tried telling you, Ma'am. But you wouldn't spare me the tiniest second.“ Gwen gulped nervously, standing to her feet and putting more distance between them.“

“I stick to my species. Only circumstances like now make me risk talking to your kind. Now I repeat, where the fuck is Arthur?!“

“I don't know, Ma'am. He didn't come here today.“

“That's not possible. Arthur isn't in his apartment. This should be the only place to find him!“ Her desperation was clear as day but she gave no flying fuck. Arthur was toying with her. Something no one ever dared to do.

“Ursula, dear.“ Chad Belmont interrupted the duo. 

“Mr. Chad.“ Ursula forced out a smile. She knew the man but was only at an acquaintance level with him. They never got past 'Hi' and 'Hello'. She never thought it necessary to get close to him. Her interest was Arthur. Just him and no one else. 

“I could hear you from miles away. What could possibly be wrong?“

“I'm here for Arthur.“

“Ah. You are, ain't you?“ Chad Belmont chuckled. “My little nephew isn't here. I think he's at his apartment. “

“He's not, Mr. Chad. I already checked.“

“Please. Call me Chad.“

“I'm sorry, Mr...“

“Chad, Ursula.“ Chad Belmont cut her off, taking her hand in his. He placed a soft kiss on it. “Isn't it about time we moved past being just acquaintances?“

  

Ursula jerked her hand away from his. The whole thing was taking a detour to 'awkward' route. She wasn't up for that.

Needing to put an end to it, she said to the Secretary. “Tell Arthur I came. Goodnight, Chad.“ She turned to leave.

“Ursula dear. Let's talk.“ Mr. Chad smiled.

She halted. Turned. Met his eyes. Something in them unnerved her. “I'm sorry. But I need to leave.“ 

"It's about Arthur.“ Mr. Chad added. He knew that was the only thing that could convince her to stay. She was skeptical. Distracted by her thoughts. Chad took that moment of distraction to let his eyes dance over the spot they've been longing to be. Her cleavages. Soft, full and radiating.

Ursula was a hot dish. He always had a bulge down his flies from staring at her. But her insane obsession for Arthur kept him from going any closer.

But the last time he spoke to Arthur about her, his arrogant nephew had been nice enough to hint that she could probably just be after a Belmont, regardless. Chad could not let those words slide. If Ursula was as promiscuous as Arthur portrayed her to be, then he was more than willing to swim in her ocean. Been a while he was loved by a young blood. Ursula would be more than enough to thrust into every night. Take her through horizons of ecstasy. Have her scream his name like it was her favourite song.

All he had to do was play her into his web.

“Alright, Chad. Let's talk.“ Ursula finally breathed out.

Chad smirked. One at a time. And he'll take everything that belonged to his nephew. One at a time.