A deal with the devil

A deal with the devil

Alicia's POV

The heels of my designer stilettos clicked sharply against the cold pavement, echoing in the quiet alleyway as I approached the lit café.

This was far from my usual scene, but some things had to be done in the shadows, away from Leonardo's watchful eyes.

I hated the stench of these backstreets. The grease from a nearby diner mingled with the sour odor of garbage, making my nose wrinkle in disgust.

I pulled my fur-lined coat tighter around me and pushed open the café door, immediately hit by the stale aroma of cheap coffee and desperation.

He was waiting for me in the corner, seated at a rickety table with a chipped coffee cup in front of him. Derek Stan. Olivia's stepbrother.

The man who had proven to be both a disgrace and a necessary ally.

My private investigator had brought out information about him and he'll be useful to get rid of Olivia from Leonardo's life.

As long as that bitch is out of our lives for good, then I have no problem working with the worst men of them all.

He looked up as I approached, a smug smirk curling on his lips. His dark eyes held that familiar glint of malice, the same one that made Olivia crumble under his gaze.

"Alicia Hayes," he drawled, leaning back in his chair. "You've graced me with your presence. I must be special."

"Don't flatter yourself," I snapped, sliding into the chair opposite him. The metal legs screeched against the floor, grating on my nerves.

His smirk widened. "Always so charming."

"I don't have time for your games," I said sharply, folding my hands on the table. "Did you get what I asked for?"

Derek raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "What's the rush? We haven't even had a proper conversation. How's Leonardo? Still tangled up with my dear stepsister?"

My nails dug into my palms as I fought the urge to lash out. "That's none of your concern."

"Oh, but it is," he said, his tone dripping with mockery. "You see, Olivia has always been a thorn in my side. She's good at playing the victim, isn't she? Fragile little Olivia. Everyone falls for her act."

"She's not the innocent flower she pretends to be," I said, matching his venom. "But we both know that, don't we?"

Derek's smile turned predatory. "You're not wrong. And you think I'm going to help you take her down?"

"I don't think, I know," I replied coldly. "You want her out of the picture just as much as I do."

He chuckled darkly, leaning forward. "And what's in it for me, Alicia? You don't think I'd do this out of the kindness of my heart, do you?"

I reached into my bag and pulled out a white envelope, sliding it across the table. "This should be enough to motivate you."

Derek opened the envelope, his eyes lighting up as he counted the crisp bills inside. "Well, well. You've got my attention."

"Good," I said. "Now, tell me what you found."

He leaned back again, tucking the envelope into his jacket. "Your girl has been busy. She's got secrets, Alicia, secrets Leonardo doesn't know about. And if I were to...leak certain pieces of information, it would ruin her."

I narrowed my eyes. "I need specifics, Derek. No vague promises."

He smirked. "Patience, sweetheart. I've got proof of her little extracurricular activities. Let's just say Olivia wasn't always the innocent employee Leonardo thinks she is. But if you really want to make her squirm, we can dig a little deeper."

I leaned forward, my voice low and dangerous. "I don't care how far you have to dig. I want her gone, Derek. Permanently."

His smirk faded, replaced by something darker. "Careful, Alicia. You're treading into dangerous territory."

"I don't need your lectures," I snapped. "I need results."

Derek tilted his head, studying me. "You've got fire. I like that. Fine. I'll give you what you want but don't forget, I'm doing this for a price. If things go south, I'm not taking the fall."

"Then don't screw it up," I said coolly. "I've already started planting seeds in Leonardo's mind. He's beginning to doubt her. Your information will push him over the edge."

Derek chuckled again, a sinister sound that made my skin crawl. "You're playing a dangerous game, Alicia. But I'll give you this, you've got guts."

I stood, adjusting my coat then picked my hermes bag that sat prettily on the coffee table. "Just do your part, Derek. I'll handle the rest."

As I turned to leave, his voice stopped me.

"Alicia," he called, his tone almost amused. "Do you ever wonder if you're fighting a losing battle? Leonardo doesn't love you. Even if Olivia isn't in the picture doesn't mean he'll come to you. He never will."

I froze, his words cutting deeper than I wanted to admit. Without turning around, I said, "Love is irrelevant. I'll win because I always do."

The drive back to my apartment felt endless, though my mind raced the entire time. I opened the folder again as soon as I was alone, scrutinizing every detail.

The photos were damning, but they weren't enough. Derek had been right-this wasn't enough to tear her down completely.

I needed something more personal, something that would destroy not just her reputation but her spirit.

My phone buzzed on the table, pulling me from my thoughts. The name on the screen made me smirk.

"Leonardo," I said sweetly as I answered.

"Alicia," his voice was clipped, annoyed. "What do you want?"

"I just wanted to remind you about the gala next week," I said, my tone saccharine. "We'll be attending together, of course."

There was a pause, and I could almost hear him grinding his teeth. "Alicia, I've told you before-"

"I'm your fiancée, Leonardo," I cut him off. "It's expected. Don't embarrass me."

He sighed, his frustration evident. "Fine. But don't make a scene."

"Of course not," I replied, hiding my satisfaction. "I'll see you then."

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