Chapter 22

Skai’s POV

I transferred the clip to the drive, my evidence. They thought I'd be fired instantly. Jokes on them.

The table turned; I never knew Mia could be involved. She's a wolf in sheep's clothing. Same as me but with a different. Now, I know how moths feel when they fly to flames. The flames are worth the burn.

Juliano's rule replayed in my mind: 'Don't trust any individual.'

A strong wave of hate took over me, but that wasn't the only thing. Something else, something completely immoral, gripped me, too.

Out of the control room, I took the elevator to the CEO's floor. The air in his corridor was laced with silence and authority. My pulse thundered in my ears. I walked with confidence, head up.

I knocked twice and opened after his permission.

I entered, confidently this time, not when I had concrete evidence against me and I couldn't even look up. Ashamed of myself.

The CEO was seated on his chair, holding a bottle of whiskey. He looked at me with the same eyes – calculating. I wouldn’t be surprised if he calls me Skai once more.

His stormy eyes pierced through my soul with dark emotions flickering beneath the surface.

“Good day, sir,” I bowed slightly.

He glared at me. “Are you here to submit your resignation letter before you're fired shamelessly? It'd be so nice not to press charges.” He smirked.

‘You wish’, I said to myself.

“No, sir. I'm here with the proof.” I moved closer as I slid the drive on his table like a weapon. My weapon.

He looked at me, and without saying a word, he plugged the drive into his personal system as the footage played.

I stood trying to read his expression, if this wasn't a new thing in this company, if he was used to Aver framing people. He showed no emotion, not surprised. Strange.If roles were reversed, he would have done something.

I wouldn’t be surprised if he had something with Mia. He didn't react. There's something about his demeanour that screams fear. It didn’t move me. I've seen worse.

“Is that your only evidence?” He asked as if he really wanted me out of there.

“I found Mia's ID card in my office, something left behind.”

Would he even question them? He does anything he wishes.

He could be corrupt all he wants. Hell, he could order a war that will slaughter half the nation and starve the other half, and the ones who remain alive will still chant ‘Long live the king.’

It’s not out of love. No. It’s out of fear.

One has to be in the battalion so they can take down the king.

He said, “If I find out these proofs are fake, I won't take it lightly with you.” I don’t know why I thought he’d show a bit of remorse. There’s no remorse.

I walked out of his office with the cloud of my eyes gleaming with triumph.

A fresh page. A blank book.

It's closing hour, and I was on my way home when I saw Carlo standing beside his car with his legs crossed. He beckoned at me as I walk closer, he guided me to the passenger seat, giving a golden boy smile.

His gleaming eyes fixed on mine with so much ease, like it was an everyday occurrence.

I entered without thinking twice. Not thinking if he wanted to kidnap me. Well, if that was the plan. I was ready to know the hideout; maybe it was the one his father was talking about.

My brows scrunch as he walked over to his seat as I looked at him through the windscreen. Silence hung in the air . He has always drove carefully since that day.

His expression was unreadable as he tightened his grip on the wheel as if he wasn't the one that smiled at me minutes ago.

Seconds stretched. The air slowly thickened.

I felt the weight of his stare at intervals, and he was focused on the road. I turned my head slightly, stealing a glance at him. My gaze strayed to the window as I watched the birds flying.

He cleared his throat loudly as I looked at him, ”I'm sorry.” He ran a hand over his face.

“Uhmm”, I thought I misheard.

“I'm sorry I doubted you and kept my distance.”

“You went from ignoring me without a reason to apologising; are you okay?” brushing the damp strands of hair from his forehead.

A low chuckle escaped his lips. I've never seen him laugh before.

He looked so carefree. So handsome.

As if he was replaced with someone else. His chuckle faded, but the remnants of amusement lingered in his expression.

There was something in his eyes – something raw, something soft.

“What’s the relationship between you two?”

“We used to be friends. Somehow, we became sex partners; it's complicated and nothing serious. I didn't know she'd come after you.”

“That was one of the times I needed you the most. No one believed me. Even you?” I sounded personal.

Carlo threaded his fingers through mine and placed our intertwined hands on his hard thigh. My breathing cracked at the amount of tenderness in his touch. It was almost… normal.

My cheeks flamed at the attention he draws towards me.

The walls I've carefully built cracked, just slightly. The car halts, and that was when I noticed I'm at my destination. The journey felt so long.

He looked at me and leaned in. I thought he wanted to kiss my hand; he tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

I moved back a bit; my back hit the seat, sending a slight pain down my spine.

His gaze was unwavering, unfaltering.

He kissed my cheek.I swallowed hard, my mind racing.

“We can talk over lunch next time. Goodnight, my princess.

It’s time I go for the second option.

Lure. Wait. Attack.

Gah. I’m beginning to like him.

Get hold of yourself, Skai.