Paige POVI raised the vase above my head, ready to bring it down on him with all my might. But just as I was about to strike, a sudden realization hit me. What was I doing?immediately Jack stooped and landed me a hot slap, dragged me by the hair and dragged me back to the room despite my screams and gave me another slap that landed me on the floor. The taste of blood filled my mouth as I hit the floor, the pain of Jack's slaps still ringing in my ears. I struggled to sit up, my body trembling with pain and fear.Jack loomed over me, his eyes burning with rage and disgust. "You've crossed the line, Paige," he spat, "You've gone too far this time."I struggled in pain and wiped the blood from my mouth.Jack's expression darkened, and he reached down, grabbing me by the arm and dragging me to my feet. "I'm not going to put up with your nonsense any longer," he said, his grip tightening as he shoved me against the wall.I winced in pain, but I refused to show weakness. "You fools you c
Selena POVMy phone beeped and I quickly picked it up. I've sent someone to track Mateo down and I haven't gotten a reply yet. I quickly picked up the phone to see the latest information from my informant only to see a video. I clicked on the video and saw myself being rough handled by Mateo. I screamed as my phone fell from my hand and I quickly placed my hand on my mouth. I stared in horror at the scene playing out on my phone screen. My eyes widened as I watched Mateo manhandle me, my helplessness showed on the video, I could move, I just lay there and he did whatever he wanted with me. The video continued to play, revealing the terrifying ordeal I had gone through when I got unconscious.The last few seconds of the video played out, and I realized Mateo was more dangerous than I had ever imagined. I had thought I was safe with him only to realize I’m in danger. I tried to process what I had just seen. The image of Mateo's cruel face and I could feel his grip on her arms from the
Paige POV "I can't give you that much money, because I don't have that much money," Selena replied back through the message and I laughed.I thought for a while and sent her the next text. "If you don't have the money, then I have no use for you. The videos will be released in 48 hours." I sent.I know this will bring out the fear in her, finally i'll be able to leave Jack at least she needs to pay for everything she did to me. I laughed wholeheartedly and lay on the bed waiting for my alert. Selena would be desperate to keep the videos private, and she would do almost anything to prevent the release with only 48 hours to come up with the money,I’m confident i'll have the upper hand. I imagined the look of terror on Selena's face, the way she would beg and plead for mercy. I slept off, woke up and went about my day. At midnight, I waited for Jake’s return but he didn’t come back. “Well that’s his problem, all I need now is get the money I need from Selena and leave this place.” Th
Selena POVI sat in my apartment waiting for the news, I placed my hands together praying this works out. Just then my phone rang and I immediately picked it up. "How is it?" I asked impatiently. "We did it, we made sure the videos couldn't be posted online and when it persisted we hacked the device the videos are on and destroyed it." I sighed in relief hearing that. "Who owns the devices I got the messages and videos from?" " It's a burner phone so we couldn't find the information of the person who threatened you!" "Alright, all you need to do now is find Mateo." “We will soon”I hung up the phone, and sighed in relief. With the videos gone and the threat neutralized, I felt I could finally breathe again. Despite knowing the matter was far from over. The identity of the person who had been trying to blackmail me remained a mystery, and until they were caught, I wouldn't be able to relax fully.Finding Mateo was key. He was the only person who had access to the videos. He might
Selena POVIt's a girl my age. I stood up and took a good look at her from head to toe. How did she know Mateo and how did she get my contacts? I wonder. " I know you might be wondering how I got you contact, I'm not surprised you're curious. Let's just say I have my ways. And as for Mateo, well, he owes me his life."His life? This girl knows Mateo, and she had managed to find me. Was she a part of his disappearance? A friend, or an enemy?"What do you want from me? Why did you get my contact and want us to meet? And Why are you here?""I'm here because Mateo owes me his life like I said earlier, And I intend to collect it.""I don't know where Mateo is, I can't help you with that. i'm in search of him myself "" I heard you both are dating, and I saw the video of him dancing with you at your business school dinner party. That's why I'm here. I shouldn't say this but I need to, "she added. “Mateo did me dirty and the only way is to pay with his life!”"I'm glad you're honest,"“Are
Colin POV It's been months now and I feel much better, and I can work now. I've tried contacting Olivia for months now and it hasn't been reachable. I know her parents are the masterminds behind this. "How do you feel now?" Andrew asked and I smiled." I feel really better" " Better enough to go find the girl who took care of you? huh!" Andrew teased. " How did you know about that?" " you wrote it in your journal" he points at my journal on the cabinet. " What about drilling manager? Did you tell him?" " He knows about it already and he saw it, he agreed to allow you go, but you will need to come back to pay back what you owe?"Of course I'll come back, I have a lot to make up for. But first, I need to find her. Do you still have her social media handle?, i lost everything since i lost my phone, I recall you took it then”“Yes I did, and I checked it, a week ago but she hasn’t posted for months at all, not even once. And I think to find her it's worth checking her family's bus
Colin POV"I came here for one reason mom, to get the girl i really want"There was a long, tense silence as mom took in my words confused. "You came back...for a girl? After everything you said? After everything you put us through when you left all of a sudden? You didn’t even come back because of me but instead because of a girl?"I stood my ground, determined to make her understand. "Mom, it's not just any girl, It's Olivia. She came to me when i thought the world was over, when i thought i would never be happy, when i concluded i was born to be miserable mom, she came into my life and made me see the bright light again, and I can't stop thinking about her. I know I was wrong before, but I've changed.”"Changed?, well I hope that's true," Mom snapped.I really don’t have the strength to quarrel with her right now after the long journey. "I'll go inside now," I said to her and walked past her. “ Colin, come back here we aren’t done yet!” Mom yelled. I threw my bag into my room and
Selena POVOn our way to the hotel i got a text from Ben "Make sure you both check in at the seven star hotel Burj al Arab" "The seven star hotel Burj al Arab? Why?" I replied."That's where Mateo is right now with his new client, we were able to track him down, make sure it's Burj al Arab! And also you both should dress in a way he won't catch on" he sent. "We will" I replied. " Take us first to the nearest boutique," I said to the driver who nodded. We stepped out of the taxi and I took a moment to adjust my sunglasses before heading towards the boutique with Bianca in tow. We got everything we needed and head out."I hope this disguise works," Bianca muttered, adjusting the headscarf she had just bought to cover her hair. "I feel like a spy or something."I laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "Well, we kind of are spies, in a way. And let's be honest, Mateo deserves a little bit of subterfuge.”“He deserves more than death.”We made our way back to the taxi and directed the dri
Aviva POV “Please, Aviva,” Levi pleaded, “There has to be another way. You don’t have to do this.”I stared at him, “I’m sorry, Levi, But this is the path I’ve chosen. I won’t betray Elara.”, deep down I know fully well I can't place my mom's life in danger. I turned away from Levi, my heart in pain I couldn’t quite place it. I knew I’d hurt him, but I couldn’t back down. I owed Elara too much for that.Elara had promised me so much, a new life, a fresh start. But at what cost? Was it worth sacrificing my relationship with Levi? Was it worth the risk of losing everything I’ve worked for?For days I threw myself into my work at Global Reach, trying to bury my doubts and misgivings beneath paperwork and meetings. But no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t escape the nagging feeling that I’d made a terrible mistake. But at least, I got to give mom the better life she had given me. my phone rang and i glanced at it to see the caller Id Levi but i avoided the call. for days Levi had been
Levi POVI left the cafe, my mind was racing. I knew that Armstrong was right. I didn't have much time. Global Reach Enterprises was circling like vultures, waiting for ByteForge Technology to fall.But there had to be another way, a way to save my company without giving in to Thier demands.I pulled out my phone and dialed Dad's contact, i had promised myself i would never asked Dad for help but i guess i need to break my promise. “Hello Dad,” I said when he answered. “I need your help." “Levi?” Dad asked in surprise, “What is it, son? What’s going on?”I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what I was about to say. “Dad, I’m in trouble. ByteForge is in trouble. I’m about to lose everything.”There was a long pause, and then Dad spoke. “I see. And what can I do to help?”" I want to know the real owner behind Global reach Enterprise, they want ByteForge , like there are desperate and any silly move from me might ruin everything, i want to know who i'm fighting not shadows" “T
Levi POVI sat in my office, replaying all that Aviva had said to me a while ago. For the past months my company ByteForge Technology has been going through a severe rough patch, is the breach thing Aviva talked about the cause? I sat down wondering.I paced around my office. Aviva’s words echoed in my mind, and I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The security breach she mentioned could be the work of a disgruntled former employee? Or could it be something more sinister? As the CEO of ByteForge Technology I have to take this seriously. If someone was targeting our company, we needed to be prepared. But was Aviva telling the truth? Or was she part of something more nefarious?My thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door.“Come in,” I called, returning to my desk and trying to appear composed.My assistant, James, entered,“Sir, we’ve been contacted by Global Reach Enterprises. They want to speak with you about a…potential collaboration.”“Potential collaboration?
Aviva POVElara’s laughter faded away as she walked out, I could practically feel the tension in the room. We all knew what was at stake, what would happen if we failed.“Okay,” Parker said, breaking the silence. “So we get in, find the backup server, and get the info. Sounds simple enough.”I knew it wouldn’t be that simple, not with the high stakes and the security precautions in place. But I also knew that Parker was trying to lighten the mood, trying to keep us focused.The three of us left the conference room, each of us lost in our own thoughts. I could feel my legs getting heavy, making every step feel heavy and slow.“Don’t worry, Aviva,” Armstrong said, putting a hand on my shoulder. “We’ve got this. We’re going to get the information and get out, no problem.” I nodded, trying to smile. But I couldn’t help but feel creeped out. Something about this mission felt…off.Soon it got dark and we made our way towards Byteford Technology headquarters, disguising ourselves as janitors
Aviva POV“A pleasure to meet you, Ms. Rutherford,” I replied, trying to keep my voice from shaking. “I appreciate the opportunity to discuss this position with you.”“Indeed,” Elara said, her gaze assessing me “I’m sure you’re wondering why we’ve reconsidered your application after all this time.”I took a deep breath, gathering my courage. “I am curious, Ms. Rutherford.”“Have a seat,” she gestured for me to sit. I sat down in the chair across from her, feeling as if I were being measured and weighed, Elara leaned back in her chair, her eyes fixed on me. “I’m not going to lie to you, Miss Rogers. We’re desperate. Our recent ventures haven’t been as successful as we’d hoped, and we’re in need of new blood.”A chill ran down my spine at her words. “And you believe I’m the right person for the job?”Elara smiled, a cold, calculating smile. “I believe you have potential, Miss Rogers. You impressed us during the initial interview, and your determination to find employment even after we
Aviva POVThe disciplinary committee was a panel of three stern faced executives, each with a folder of documents in front of them. Bianca took her seat at the head of the table.“Aviva Rogers,” she said, her voice clear and authoritative. “You stand accused of falsifying company records and conspiring with other employees to undermine the authority of your superiors. How do you plead?”I opened my mouth to protest, but the words died on my lips. I knew it was useless. Bianca had made up her mind.“We have compiled a significant amount of evidence,” one of the disciplinary committee interjected, “But we’re willing to offer you a deal. If you confess, we’ll let you leave with a slightly more favorable recommendation.”I glared at him, my hands balled into fists under the table. “I didn’t do anything wrong,” I replied instead of pleading, “I refuse to confess to crimes I didn’t commit. I was set up!”The committee members exchanged glances, “Very well,” Bianca smirked,“We will proceed
Aviva POV" She would not if we all work together, we can cover for you. Divide up the work so it looks like you’re doing it all yourself, but we’re helping behind the scenes. i promise we would do it just like you and no one will notice" Jeff advised.I hesitated. It was a risky plan, and part of me worried about the consequences if we got caught. But the alternative of failing to meet Bianca’s impossible deadline was even worse. I nod at least I'll be able to get a good night's rest. Feeling renewed with hope, I returned to my desk and began sorting through the files, dividing them up among Jeff, Clara, Dana and Sarah who suggested she would help. We’d have to work quickly and discreetly, and we can do it.The hours passed, we passed the files around, each of us working on different sections. We didn’t talk, didn’t even look at each other. Finally, the clock, near midnight, the last file was finished.“Are you sure no one will notice?” I whispered to Jeff as I placed the files ba
Aviva POVSwallowing hard, I got up from my desk and made my way to Bianca’s office, each step feeling heavier than the last.I entered her office, and Bianca was standing by the window, her back to me. She didn’t turn as I approached.“Close the door,” she barked. I obeyed. What have I done wrong now?“You will never humiliate me like that again,” Bianca hissed, finally turning to face me.“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I stammered, Bianca’s eyes flashed with rage. “You spoke to James,” she spat. “You thought you could go over my head and complain about your little cleaning assignment, didn’t you?”I blinked, my mind reeling. How did she know? “I…I didn’t…”“Liar!” she shouted.It's obvious she knew about it yesterday. Why bring it up now? Is she trying to drive to something? I wondered, staring at her. I stood there, paralyzed, as Bianca paced back and forth in front of me, her heels hitting the floor hard.“You think you can outsmart me? You think you’re special just
Aviva POVI felt so relieved and I felt like I could breathe again. “Thank you, James, I appreciate your help.”“It’s no problem, Miss, Bianca can be a handful, and I know Levi wouldn’t want you to be treated like that. But if she continues to give you trouble, you need to tell me. Don’t keep it to yourself. Now, why don’t you head back in there and start proving your worth?”. I nodded smiling, I turned and head into the department office when i suddenly heard my name from Bianca's office, "Aviva come over" she said loud and i sighed before heading there, i got into her office and she leaned back into her chair." I saw the strings you pulled, but take this, " she threw a file to work, " work on it and submit it tomorrow." I caught the file mid air, feeling the contents,“What is it?” I asked, curious piqued despite my wariness.“It’s a project for one of our biggest clients,” Bianca said, leaning forward. “I expect you to review the numbers, make sure everything is in order, and hav