Chapter 79

ALISHA POV

"Are you sure this is going to work?" I whispered to myself, staring at the small recording devices in my hand.

Nadia’s voice echoed in my mind, her instructions clear as day: “Place these where they’ll pick up everything. Under his desk, his chair, anywhere close to where he talks the most.”

I had nodded obediently when she gave me the devices earlier, but now, sitting in Richard’s office alone, I felt the weight of the task pressing on me.

“This better be worth it,” I muttered, carefully turning one of the recorders over in my hand.

I stood up from the chair, scanning the room for the best places to hide and place the devices, which won't easily get the eyes of someone or Richard.

Richard’s desk was the obvious choice. It was large and imposing, the centerpiece of his office.

Slowly, I crouched down and felt around the underside of the desk. My fingers brushed against the smooth wood, and I found a small corner where the device could stick without being easily noticed.

But come to think of it, why would Nadia want to plant such devices in Richard's office? What if I'm being caught?

Then I remembered something…when Nadia handed me the phone and recording device, Nadia was putting on a hand glove.

Oh, yes I need to clean my fingerprint from the device.

“There,” I whispered, pressing it firmly into place so it would stick together with the object.

I moved to his chair next. It was a tall, leather swivel chair, the kind that screamed authority. I knelt down again, attaching the second device carefully to the underside of the seat.

“This is ridiculous,” I said under my breath, wiping my hands on my jeans as I stood back up.

The third device was trickier. Nadia had said to cover all angles, so I decided to place it near the curtains by the window. As I moved closer, the heavy fabric brushed against my arm, and I shivered slightly.

“Almost done,” I said, trying to reassure myself.

I tucked the last recorder into the folds of the curtain, making sure it was hidden but not muffled. Standing back, I surveyed my work. Everything looked untouched, just as it should.

But now what? I glanced around the office, the silence pressing in on me. Richard wasn’t here, and I had no idea when he’d be back.

I haven't spent a boring day like this before but today

“This is so boring,” I muttered, flopping back into the chair I had been sitting in earlier.

The room was neat and orderly, every item in its place. It was a stark contrast to the chaos in my mind. I drummed my fingers on the armrest, debating whether I should just leave.

But where would I go? Nadia had made it clear that this was my job till I destroyed Richard's reputation, and if I messed it up, there’d be consequences. Still, the thought of sitting here alone for who knew how long was unbearable.

“Maybe I should go look for him,no I shouldn't leave this office else he will start to suspect that I am alright.” I thought aloud, my voice breaking the stillness of the room.

But then another thought stopped me. What if he came back while I was gone? That would look suspicious.

“No,” I said firmly, shaking my head. “I’ll stay. I’ll wait.”

I stood up, stretching my arms over my head. My eyes wandered around the office, taking in every detail. The shelves were lined with books, awards, and framed photos. His desk was immaculate, every paper stacked neatly, every pen in its place.

Curiosity got the better of me. I walked over to the desk, running my fingers lightly over the surface. The wood was smooth and cool to the touch.

I opened one of the drawers, half expecting to find something interesting, but it was just filled with more papers and office supplies.

I moved to the shelves next, picking up one of the awards and reading the inscription. “To Richard Carter, for outstanding leadership.”

“Of course,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.

I put the award back and turned my attention to the photos. There was one of Richard shaking hands with some important-looking man, another of him at a company event, and one that looked like it had been taken at a family gathering.

For a moment, I felt a pang of something…jealousy? Regret? I wasn’t sure. But it passed quickly as another thought took its place.

“This,” I said to myself, looking around the room, “is my chance. My opportunity.”

I leaned against the desk, crossing my arms as a plan began to form in my mind. Nadia had her own reasons for wanting these recordings, but why should I settle for being her pawn?

“No,” I said, my voice growing stronger. “I can do better than that.”

I could turn this situation to my advantage. Richard was wealthy, powerful, and single.

If I played my cards right, I could secure a future for myself…one where I’d never have to worry about money or rely on anyone else again.

A wicked smile crept across my face as the idea solidified. I’d make sure I stayed close to him, close enough to build trust, close enough to make him see me differently. And eventually…

I touched my stomach absentmindedly, the plan forming fully now. If I could get pregnant with his child, he’d have no choice but to keep me around.

“This is perfect,” I whispered, the excitement bubbling up inside me.

I could already picture it: living in his house, enjoying his wealth, being part of his world. And Nadia? She’d be left in the dust.

The sound of footsteps in the hallway snapped me out of my thoughts. My heart raced as I quickly moved back to the chair, trying to look casual.

The door didn’t open, but the moment of tension lingered. I leaned back, my mind still spinning with possibilities.

This was it. My golden opportunity. And I wasn’t going to let it slip through my fingers.