Chapter 8

The following week passed in a flurry of activity and work, but the project’s progress brought a sense of accomplishment to everyone involved. Aria and Heathen had managed to build and improve operations, gaining the trust of King Enterprises’ board and employees.

However, they knew the war wasn’t over. Marcus might have backed down for a bit now, but his threat lingered like a shadow over their every move because he won’t back down easily.

Late evening in following week, Aria sat in her office, reviewing the revised project timeline and material. Her desk was filled with endless blueprints, contracts, and a steaming cup of hot coffee she had barely touched.

The faint chit chatter of the office cleaning staff echoed in the distance, but otherwise, the whole floor was silent.

A knock at the door broke her focus and she came out of her trance.

“Come in,” she called, her voice filled with fatigue and tiredness.

Heathen stepped inside, his undeniable presence filling the room. He was carrying a bunch of files and important documents.

“You’re still up here,” he said, his tone softer than what he use with others.

Aria looked up from her laptop and leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples tiredly. “Just trying to make sure everything works properly and stays on the track. What about you? I thought you’d left hours ago.”

Heathen smirked, pulling up a chair across from her. “I had some important business calls to make. Besides, I knew you’d still be here.”

She raised an eyebrow in surprise, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Am I that predictable Mr. King?”

He gazed at her with so much intensity and replied “More like dedicated,” placing the folder on her desk.

Aria tried to control her racing nerves and chuckled lightly at his reply.

Anyways what made you come here?

“I’ve been reviewing Harper’s reports again. There’s something that doesn’t sit right with me.” He replied.

Aria straightened her posture, her curiosity peaked. “What is it?”

He opened the folder, revealing a series of documents and blue prints marked with red highlighter. “These shipment delays weren’t just about sabotaging the project. There’s evidence suggesting Marcus was diverting materials to another site entirely.”

Her brows furrowed as she scanned the papers. “Another site? For what purpose?”

“That’s what I intend to find out,” Heathen said, his jaw tightening. “If Marcus has been using our resources to fund another venture, it could mean he’s planning something bigger and far more damaging.”

Aria’s mind raced. “Do you think he’s trying to undercut King Enterprises? Or worse, create something that competes directly with us?”

Heathen’s expression darkened. “It’s possible. Whatever it is, we need to uncover it before he gets too far.”

She nodded, the weight of the revelation settling over her. “I’ll help you. We’ll figure this out together.”

A flicker of appreciation crossed his face. “I knew I could count on you.”

Their eyes met, and for a moment, the tension between them shifted. The room seemed smaller, quieter, as if the chaos of the world had been left outside the door.

Feeling the tense atmosphere Aria tried to break it.

“Let’s start tomorrow,” Aria said, breaking the silence. “We’ll dig into these records and find out where those materials went.”

Heathen stood, his gaze lingering on her for long moments. “Get some rest tonight. We’ll need to be sharp for what’s coming.”

She smiled at him, watching as he left the room. Despite the challenges ahead, she felt a renewed sense of purpose.

The next morning, Aria and Heathen met at a private office in the city, away from prying eyes. They had arranged to access additional records through a confidential source Heathen had secured.

The atmosphere was tense but focused as they sifted through files, emails, and financial statements. Each discovery painted a clearer picture: Marcus had been exchanging materials to a hidden project in the outskirts of the city.

“This site,” Heathen said, pointing to a location on a map. “It’s remote, surrounded by industrial warehouses. Perfect for something discreet.”

Aria’s eyes narrowed. “Do you think it’s operational?”

“Only one way to find out,” he replied, already reaching for his coat.

The drive to the site was quiet, both of them lost in thought. As they approached, the landscape grew more desolate, the towering buildings casting long shadows in the fading light.

Heathen parked a few blocks away, and they approached the site on foot. The air was thick with the scent of metal and oil, and the distant hum of machinery reached their ears.

“This is it,” Aria whispered, nodding toward a gated compound surrounded by high fences.

Heathen scanned the area, his instincts sharp. “Stay close. We don’t know what we’re walking into.”

They slipped through a gap in the fence, keeping to the shadows as they navigated the compound. Inside, the scene was a flurry of activity. Workers moved between stacks of crates, forklifts hummed, and a large structure loomed in the center of the yard.

“Looks like a manufacturing plant,” Aria murmured, her eyes wide. “But for what?”

Heathen’s gaze landed on a nearby crate. “Let’s find out.”

They crept closer, using the noise of the workers to mask their movements. Heathen pried open the crate with a small tool he carried, revealing its contents.

“Construction materials,” Aria said her brow furrowing. “But why all this is hidden?”

Before they could investigate further, a voice rang out behind them.

“Well, well. If it isn’t my most favorite duo.”

They spun around to find Marcus standing a few feet away, flanked by two bulky guards. His smirk was as smug as ever, but there was a dangerous edge to his gaze.

“Didn’t anyone teach you that trespassing is a crime?” he taunted.

Heathen stepped forward trying to stand in front of Aria, his posture protective. “And stealing from King Enterprises isn’t?”

Marcus’s smirk faltered, but he quickly recovered. “You’re out of your depth,King. This operation is none of your concern.”

“It became our concern the moment you started manipulating our project,” Aria shot back, her voice steady despite the fear bubbling in her chest.

Marcus’s eyes flicked to her, his expression darkening. “You should’ve stayed out of this when you had chance, Miss Chen. Now, you’re in over your head.”

Heathen’s fists clenched his voice darkly low and dangerous. “If you even tried to think to lay a hand on her, you’ll regret it.”

Marcus chuckled, though there was no humor in it. “You’re brave lover boy, I’ll give you that. But bravery won’t save you here.”

As the tension heightened, Aria’s mind raced for a solution. She glanced at the open crate, an idea sparking in her mind.

“Marcus,” she said her tone sharp. “You’ve made one critical mistake.”

He raised an eyebrow and rolled his eyes, intrigued despite him. “Oh? And what’s that Ms. Chen?”

“You’ve underestimated us,” she said, reaching into her bag and pulling out a small recording device. “Everything you’ve said, everything we’ve seen here it’s all been recorded and would be enough proof to destroy your empire completely.”

Marcus’s smirk vanished in a second, replaced by a flash of panic and anger.

Heathen seized the moment, stepping closer. “And if you so much as think about silencing us, that recording will find its way to the authorities and your game would be over.”

The guards exchanged uneasy glances, their confidence wavering.

Marcus glared at them before turning his attention back to Aria and Heathen. “You think this is over? You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”

“Neither do you,” Heathen said coldly. “Now, back off. This ends here.”

For a long moment, Marcus said nothing and both of them were glaring at each other trying to provoke a reaction. Then, with a sharp gesture, he signaled his guards to stand down.

“This isn’t over,” he hissed, retreating into the shadows.

As the compound fell silent, Aria exhaled deeply, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Are you okay?” Heathen turned around quickly checking upon her, he asked, his voice laced with concern for her.

She nodded, her gaze meeting his. “I am. Thanks to you.”

Heathen’s expression softened and he placed a reassuring hand on her cheek trying to calm her down.

“We’re not out of the woods yet. But we’ll face whatever comes next together.”

And as they walked away from the site, the bond between them felt stronger than ever.

Heathen dropped off Aria at her apartment.

She thanked him for the ride and was about to leave when Heathen grabbed her hand pulling her back.

"Are you sure you are okay"?He asked his voice laced with concern.

Aria nodded curtly and replied calmly "I am fine no need to worry".

Heathen released a sigh and nodded his head before releasing her hand.

Aria opened the car door and went inside her house quickly and closed her door with a thud.Her heart was hammering against her chest loudly.

She definitely knew she wasn't alone who felt the spark when both of their hands met.She sighed loudly and closed her eyes tried shaking off this feeling because she wasn't ready to get a heartbreak.