DAMIENMy face looks so relaxed and my body so calm but my internal body is racing. Shawna should be here any minute from now, and for some reason I'm nervous.I don't know if it's because this is the first time we'll be meeting up willingly since we separated. The other times are either coincidental or for a reason.But this time, I don't think there's much to say again. Everything is settled now so she's coming here for a random conversation.She soon walked in through the door, looking around immediately after she got in. I waved her over so she could see me. She looked as beautiful as she had always been.But I couldn't help but notice that she has lost weight, the recent happenings took its toll on her and it's so obvious.“Hey, welcome," I said when she got to me.“Hi.” She mumbled at me.She sat down across from me, her face looking around the restaurant. It's one of the most quiet places around here, people just mind their business.That could be because only rich people can a
SHAWNA“Do you think he's still coming?" We've been waiting here for quite a while and it just seems the private investigator we're meant to meet here isn't coming again.“Let's just wait for five more minutes, after that, we're gone," Liam said. He said this five minutes ago too, but this time around we're leaving if the man doesn't show up.I sipped the drink before me, it's almost finished now since that's what I've been drinking since we got here.I kept quiet and kept looking around the lonely cafe, it's one of the most low-key ones right now. It only gets filled up when it's weekend, morning, or evening. But it's at its best at this time of the day.“He's here." Liam's voice brought me out of my thoughts, I looked in the direction he was looking to see a man dressed in a blue polo shirt and black trousers coming towards our table.He got to us and sat down on the third chair beside us.“I'm very sorry for coming late, something held me down outside, it would have been violent if
SHAWNA“Please come over to my-" Her panicked voice went off just as it came, it's almost like the phone was snatched from her or something. I tried to call the number back immediately but it was switched off.There's something wrong with this, something is fishy. She sounded like she wanted to tell me something before the call ended.“What's wrong? Who was that? Are you okay?" Liam asked me after I dropped the phone. I looked at him with a frown etched into my face."I don't know, a woman called just now saying she's the lawyer's wife. She was panicky and all and she said she needed my help with something before the call ended abruptly.” I told him."The lawyer who just died?” He asked and I nodded."This is serious, and the call ended abruptly? That sounds suspicious.” He frowned."Exactly, it sounded like the phone was yanked away from her before the call disconnected. Now she's unreachable.” I felt restless. Anything could be going on with her right now, or is this some kind of p
EUGENE“What do you want to eat today?” My mom asked me, she had just walked out of the kitchen with an apron around her."I honestly don't know, I think I'm fine with anything.”I shrugged then went back to my phone.I was chatting with someone very important, his text came in earlier, saying that he had something to say to me. Even though the number is unsaved, I know who he is.My mom said something again but I wasn't even listening, my whole mind was on the phone I was pressing. After waiting for his follow-up text and I didn't get any, I dialed him directly.The phone rang and he picked up immediately, “Why aren't you replying to my texts?" I asked him."I was kind of busy. And I wasn't so sure about what I saw, I wanted to confirm.” He said."You should have just texted me that instead of raising my hopes.” I hissed.“I'm sorry ma." “Do whatever the fuck you have to do, that's what I'm paying you for after all. And don't keep me waiting." I ended the call with him.I huffed in f
DAMIEN“What you're telling me now is that you still haven't found out who the woman in question is?" I asked my doctor.“It's proving harder than I thought it was, whoever it was did a hard job of keeping themself hidden. It's not meant to be this hard actually." He answered.What I don't understand is why anyone would want to use my sperm to formulate a fetus. I have an intuition on who it could be but I don't just want to conclude yet.“What are you going to do then? I need to know who's doing this.” I was trying so hard to keep myself at the moment, I badly wanted to lash out at him to just do his job.But I know how hard it can be to uncover things like these too.“Just try harder, you know how important this is, just do your thing,” I told him.He tensed up a bit, "Yes, I'll try more. And once I get any information, just anything, I'll let you know immediately.” He said.“Yes, and-" I was interrupted by the ringing of my phone, I looked down to see that it was Eugene calling me.
DAMIENAfter getting off the phone with my investigator, I entered my car and drove off without having anywhere in particular in my mind.I didn't have anything to do again for today, why don't I just go over to a bar to cool off? That's the only relaxing way I could think of after the stress of the week.I steered my car towards the direction of a bar around here, it's not the one I go to normally. But I guess I'll just try this one out today.I got there in no time, it's not so far from Eugene's office. On getting in, I was wowed by the interior, no one would have thought it would be this good.These organizations need to start working on their exterior looks too, doing it for just the interior wouldn't do anything to attract customers.I walked further into the bar and picked a seat on the far right side of the bar. I sat down with my legs crossed and face relaxed, patiently waiting for a waiter or something.Looking up, I saw a slouched-over figure directly before me. I had no ide
EUGENEI stormed away from him with anger thrumming through me, he had some nerves to ask me that question. I get it that he saved me from being embarrassed.But even at that, that question just did something to me, it annoys the fuck out of me. I don't know if it's because it's true, or I'm just mad at myself for going to him for help in the first place.If my stupid assistant had just said why my attention was needed in the office, I'd have escaped all these. I'd just have to come up with a reasonable excuse, I wouldn't have shown up at all.I'll visit my assistant's case later, I need to take care of Shawna now. Maybe I'll just transfer all the aggression to her. I dialed my investigator's number, he'll have to ask me one or two for me.He picked up almost immediately, “Help me find Shawna's current location, I need to pay her a visit.” I said."On it ma'am, I'll text you the address once I get it.” Then he hung up. This is one of the things I kind of hate about him, no one hangs u
DAMIENThe moment the car's tire started moving, I ran behind them with my full strength. I tried to catch up with them but they drove off in different directions.I don't know who is behind the steering wheel, the faces are so unfamiliar. They were employed by Eugene but at the expense of what?Shawna’s shout for help kept ringing in my head, it had long been submerged by the car going farther.I stood in the middle of the road with clenched fists and frustration thrumming through me. What is Eugene up to this time around? Fuck, I Shouldn't have been so careful.I thought she needed help, fuck! She tricked me again.To think that I thought she changed for good, is she planning on kidnapping Shawna now or what?Then she's so dumb, I just realize how dumb and stupid she is. Why would anyone even think that way? I saw her and I know what she did!I'll think about that later, what's more important now is saving Shawna. She's still very drunk and at this point, I don't trust Eugene as one
RAMONI leaned against my bike, arms crossed, eyes fixed on the house. The street was quiet except for the distant hum of traffic. I checked my watch for the tenth time. She was taking too long.Then, finally, a cab pulled up. Phoebe stepped out first, followed by her brothers.Her eyes widened when she saw me. "Ramon?" She rushed over. "Have you been waiting here this whole time?"I shrugged. "Figured I’d see what was going on."She smiled, a little tired but still warm. "That’s… really sweet."Her brothers exchanged looks. I already knew they didn’t like me. Not that I cared.One of them, the tallest, sighed. "Look, man… we don’t like you."The other crossed his arms. "Yeah. But… thanks. For saving her."I smirked. "Wasn’t looking for your approval, but you’re welcome."Phoebe sighed, already exhausted. "Can we not do this right now?" She turned to me, eyes hopeful. "Come in."The tallest one immediately shook his head, arms crossing over his chest like a human wall. "No way."The o
SHAWNAThe phone buzzed in my hand, and I frowned at the screen. Eugene. We hadn’t spoken in a while. I hesitated for a second before answering."Come to this location," Eugene said without preamble, then rattled off an address."What? I’m busy right now," I said looking so confused."Just come, Shawna. It’s important."The line went dead before I could ask anything else.Zaverio, who had been watching me, raised a brow. "What was that about?""I don’t know," I admitted. "But she sounded serious.""Then we go."The drive was tense. Neither of us spoke much. My mind raced with possibilities. What did Eugene want? I had a lot on my plate at the moment. Why the secrecy? When we arrived at the rundown warehouse, Kyle and Eugene were already there, waiting."What’s going on?" I asked as we stepped closer.Kyle crossed his arms. "We’ve been trying to help you. But there’s only one thing left to do now.""And what’s that?"Eugene gestured toward a door. "Confront him."I glanced at Zaverio,
EUGENEI let out a long breath, my chest tightening with frustration. “This isn’t fair, Kyle. Shawna’s done nothing wrong, and yet she’s the one getting torn apart. Meanwhile, the real criminals get to walk free.”Kyle nodded slowly, his expression dark. “Yeah. And if we don’t do something fast, this thing will bury her.”I leaned forward, pressing my palms against the table. “The worst part? She doesn’t even deserve this. She worked hard, followed the rules, and now her whole reputation is on the line because of a lie.” I clenched my fists. “It’s infuriating.”Kyle studied me, his eyes sharp. “You really care about this, don’t you?”I scoffed. “Of course, I do! I may not have always been on Shawna’s side, but I know she’s not guilty. And I can’t just sit back and let them ruin her.”Kyle leaned back, rubbing his jaw again. “The way things are going, it won’t be long before she’s facing real charges. If that happens, we might not be able to help her at all.”I swallowed the lump formi
SHAWNAI stared at the screen, my hands cold and shaking. Greg Dawson’s words echoed in my head.“She told me to cut costs. Said to ‘make it work’ no matter what.”Lies. All of it.I fumbled with my phone, trying to find his number. I dialed, pressed call. It rang once. Twice. Then, it said the same thing.“This number is no longer in service.”I swore under my breath, trying again. Same result. I tried another number, one I had from years ago when we first worked together. Straight to voicemail.“Damn it.”Phoebe was watching me, her face tight with worry. “Mom?”I exhaled sharply. “He’s not picking up.”Jasper paced across the room. “That’s because he’s too busy lying on national TV.”Zaverio sat on the armrest of the couch, arms crossed. “We need to get ahead of this.”Billy scowled. “How? The guy just threw Mom under the bus.”I pinched the bridge of my nose. “I need to find him. I need to talk to him.”Before anyone could respond, my phone buzzed. A new number. I answered fast.“
SHAWNAPhoebe and I barely made it through the front door before I saw them waiting, Jasper, Billy, and Zaverio. Their faces were tight, eyes scanning me and Phoebe like they were expecting the worst.Jasper stepped forward first, his brows furrowed. “You okay?” His voice was tense, but there was something else there too and that was concern.I sighed, rubbing my face. “No. But that doesn’t matter right now.”Billy’s eyes flicked between me and Phoebe. “What happened?” He took a step closer to Phoebe, checking her over like he expected to see injuries. “Are you hurt?”Phoebe shook her head quickly. “I’m fine.”“You don’t look fine,” Jasper muttered, folding his arms. His eyes narrowed on her clothes, the dust on her jacket, the faint scratch on her arm. “What the hell happened out there?”Phoebe hesitated. I could tell she didn’t want to say it.Zaverio, silent until now, gave me a knowing look. “Trouble?”I exhaled sharply. “A crowd recognized Phoebe on her way to the warehouse.”Bil
PHOEBEI couldn’t tell where we were going. I could barely think.“Car. Now,” Ramon ordered, his voice sharp.I barely heard him over the shouting, but I nodded, running when he did. We pushed past people, dodging debris. My heart was hammering so hard it hurt.Finally, we broke through the crowd. Ramon yanked open the car door, practically shoving me inside before slamming his own door shut.“Lock the doors,” he said, breathless.I did.For a second, we just sat there. The chaos outside continued, but inside the car, it was silent except for the sound of our breathing.My hands were shaking. My whole body was shaking.Ramon’s jaw was clenched. His knuckles were white against the steering wheel. “That was bad,” he muttered.I let out a shaky laugh, though there was no humor in it. “No kidding.”He exhaled through his nose, his grip loosening just a little. “We’re going home.”“No.” My voice was stronger than I expected. “Take me to my mom.”“Phoebe…”“I’m not leaving her there.” I tur
PHOEBEI was halfway through reviewing the latest architectural sketches when my phone buzzed, vibrating insistently against the wooden desk. I barely glanced at the screen before answering."Hello?""Phoebe, have you seen the news?" Billy’s voice was tight with urgency.A strange sense of dread curled in my stomach. "No, why? What happened?"There was a pause, too long. My fingers tightened around the phone."Check now," Jasper’s voice cut in, sharp with worry. "It’s bad. Really bad."I fumbled for the remote with one hand, my other gripping the phone like a lifeline. My heart pounded as I pressed the power button.The screen flickered to life, and I felt my breath hitch.Lancaster Empire was plastered across every channel, the words BREAKING NEWS flashing in bold red banners beneath a flurry of images. Protesters flooded the streets, waving signs that screamed MURDERERS and JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS. News anchors spoke in grim tones, standing in front of the remains of our warehouse,
SHAWNAI gripped the edges of my seat as Zaverio, my company consultant, maneuvered through the crowded streets, the Ministry of Works building looming ahead. My mind raced with unanswered questions, frustration simmering beneath my skin.“How the hell did this happen so fast?” I muttered, running a hand through my hair.Zaverio, calm as ever, kept his eyes on the road. “That’s what we’re here to find out.”I exhaled sharply, trying to steady myself. The moment we arrived, I wasted no time marching into the grand marble building, Zaverio right behind me.We were immediately met by our contact, Jonathan Pierce, a man who had been working within the ministry for years. His expression was grim as he led us into a private office.“Jonathan,” I said the moment the door closed. “Talk to me. What’s going on? How did this spiral out of control overnight?”He sighed, rubbing his temples before meeting my gaze. “Shawna, as of now, Lancaster Empire is under mandatory shutdown.”My stomach twiste
SHAWNAI stared at the legal documents spread out before me, my fingers gripping the edge of the table so tightly my knuckles turned white. The words blurred together, but their meaning was crystal clear. We weren’t just being sued, we were being accused of cutting corners, of using substandard materials that led to the warehouse collapse.“This is insane,” I said, my voice low but sharp. “Why would we sabotage our own investment? That warehouse was one of the most expensive projects under Lancaster Empire. We spent billions on it.”The words tasted bitter on my tongue. The mere thought of someone accusing us of negligence, of deliberately cutting corners, made my blood boil. The Lancaster name had always stood for excellence, precision, and integrity. Now, all of that was under attack.Bryan, my grandfather and one of the sharpest legal minds I knew, sighed heavily. He adjusted his glasses and ran a hand through his silver hair. “That’s what makes this accusation dangerous. The publi