CHAPTER NINTEEN

A disgusted look was plastered across Jeffrey's face. Lucas and Lizzy were so engrossed in their moment, moaning loudly within the soundproof office walls, they hadn't even noticed his entrance.

Jeff couldn't believe the level of shamelessness unfolding before him.

"How shameless can one be?" Jeff's voice thundered, drawing their attention.

Lizzy wished the ground would open and swallow her at the moment; she hastily grabbed her clothes from the floor and ran out of the office, her face burning with embarrassment.

Lucas, however, showed no ounce of shame. He zipped up his trousers lazily and smirked.

"You want to join the show, brother?" Lucas sneered.

"How shameless can one be? No courtesy for the office or any iota of respect."

Lucas shrugged, that devilish grin never leaving his face. "Said the man who can't let go of his brother's wife. Talking of courtesy, nothing stops you from knocking. You just cut off my enjoyment."

Jeff clenched his fists. He knew exactly what Lucas was trying to do, push him to the edge, but he wouldn't let him win.

Jeff slammed a thick file onto the desk, making Lucas jump slightly.

“Hey…careful with that.”

"Can you explain this loophole? Because it’s not adding up."

Lucas, now fully dressed, leaned back casually.

"And why should I explain to you? It was a business gone wrong. We all make business mistakes."

"First, you will explain because I am the CEO of this company. I have the most shares, and I call the shots. Secondly, this isn't a mistake; it's embezzlement. You will account for every dime... or.."

"Or what?" Lucas barked, rising to his feet.

"I will sell off your shares and pay off the missing money."

Lucas’ face contorted with rage. "You can't do that! I have as much right here as you think you have!"

"Then watch me," Jeff said coldly, turning on his heels and storming out.

Lucas roared and hurled the file across the room. "Damn it! You won't have the last laugh, Jeff! You won't!"

*******************

Jeffrey returned to his office, sipping hot coffee, trying to calm his raging nerves. Fred burst inside, panting.

"You really need to see this," Fred said, thrusting his phone toward him.

Jeff's eyes darkened as he read the headline: JEFFERY LU'S PRIVATE LOVE STORY: MODEL ANITA SHOWS OFF MASSIVE ENGAGEMENT RING IN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW.

"Damn it!" he cursed, slamming the cup down. "Everybody is just getting on my last nerve."

Without another word, he stormed out.

******************

Jeff drove at breakneck speed to Lu's estate. He knew Anita would be there.

He went straight to her room without knocking. Anita was lying down on the spa table, a masseur attending to her.

"Leave, all of you," Jeff ordered authoritatively, his voice brooked no argument.

Anita giggled and waved her hand. "You heard my fiancé. Leave."

Once alone, Anita, wearing only a silk robe, sashayed toward him.

"Oh, my Jeff…"

He pushed her away roughly.

"Ouch! Do you want to hurt me?"

"Just what the hell do you think you're doing?" he thundered.

"I was having a body treatment. You don't want your wife-to-be looking stressed, do you?" she said sweetly.

"Don't play dumb with me!" His voice rose. "How dare you grant such an exclusive interview without my permission? And what are all those lies? I never gave you a ring!"

"You mean this?" she asked coyly, flashing a massive diamond ring.

"Come on, darling. You were too busy to get me one, so I got it myself. Isn't it beautiful?"

Jeff's blood boiled.

"I’ll say this once: You have three days to cancel this engagement yourself. Make up any story you want to save your brand. If you don't, I’ll call the press myself, and trust me, you’ll lose every endorsement you have."

With that, he stormed out.

"You can't do that! Jeff! You can't!" Anita screamed after him, but he was already gone.

*********************

After the last class, Angelie ran toward Damien, panting heavily.

"Wait! I've been trying to catch up with you, but you kept going"

Damien pulled out his earbuds, smiling. "Sorry, I was listening to music, I didn’t hear when you called."

"It's okay. I just realized I haven't thanked you properly., You have been a great help to me these few weeks."

“I’m grateful.”

"It's fine, Angelie," Damien said, genuinely.

They were still chatting and smiling when Angelie's phone vibrated. She checked it casually at first, but as she read the message from an unknown number, her face drained of color.

She lost her stamina, and she almost fell down, but Damien caught her just in time.

"Angelie! Are you okay?"