Fenella’s POV“You're good?” Laird asked me.“Uh huh,” I replied with a quick nod. I adjusted the receiver in my ear once again. The receiver was silver with crystals on the outside. Designed to deceive others, it resembled a full earring that was fitted around the entire edge of the ear. The earring was paired with a matching pendulum choker necklace because they were a set of receivers and voice recorders. Laird was also wearing the same receiver, but his model was rigid and plain black.“Test.” A woman's voice sounded faintly in my ear.“Yes, I heard,” I answered. “Can you hear me?” I asked in reply.“Yes, I heard.” The woman at the other end of the receiver replied.“Can you hear it clearly?” Laird asked again to confirm.“Yes. I’m ready.” I answered with a long sigh.“Do you remember the safe word?” Laird asked.“Whitehill Academy.”“Ok.” Laird then sighed in relief again. His face was tense, with his lips slightly parted without a smile. I knew he was nervous, but I was determ
Fenella’s POVPerhaps because I was wearing black pump shoes that were pointy high, everyone looked small in my eyes. They watched me with their heads slightly upturned. But somehow I knew it was all just my imagination brought on by my soaring confidence.I felt great!Some people we knew, like Jemima Hors, Oscar de Ragetti, and other celebrities, immediately surrounded Alan and me. They immediately praised us, especially my appearance, which was considered elegant and luxurious for a gala dinner.“Oh, Fenella, I'm so happy to see you again, darling.” Oscar gave me a quick peck on both cheeks.“Yeah, I was afraid I'd never see you again after that commercial,” Jemima said with a chuckle.“Why? Do you think I'm going to kill myself like the people on my social media asked me to?” I chuckled, though my tone of voice was quite sharp as a sarcasm to those who left me alone when I was down.“Oh, of course not, dear. I'm glad you ignored those horrible haters. Besides, scandals pass like t
Fenella’s POVI widened my eyes. My mouth dropped open after hearing Amy's confession. I snorted then shook my head, still rejecting her confession. I needed more than this.“No. That's not true. I clearly saw the names of Gene's shareholders. Several investment companies, Alan himself, and Ms. Lola's children.”“Oh, please, please, Fenella. Stop being a no-brainer. No wonder everyone said you're just a dumb girl.” Amy growled in dismay after hearing me.“I've told you clearly. How can you still not understand such a simple matter? All those investment companies belong to Peter. It's all Peter's money. Even the shares in Alan's name are actually Peter's money. Alan doesn't own anything!”“Keep at it, Fenella.” The FBI commander's voice rang again in my ears faintly.“That's impossible. Even Gene's shares are actually Peter's money? How is that possible?” I mu
Fenella’s POV“Alan!”I called him back to seek confirmation of where he was taking me. The man kept silent and put his arm around me. He ran, and I was half dragged by his long strides.“Ourgh!”I fell into a tumble as my feet were no longer able to balance on my high-heeled pumps in the midst of a quick escape. Pain instantly pierced my ankle. I winced, and Alan immediately stopped.“Damn!”“Are you alright? Come on, Fenella. We need to go now. Can you stand up?” Alan helped me back to my feet. I put my hand on his arm and stood up. It was just that the pain was so intense that my ankle was now swollen and red.“I sprained my ankle.” I winced with tears gathering in my eyes.“It's okay, Fenella. Get on my back. We need to get out of here quickly before Amy snitches on Peter.” Alan crouched down so I could climb onto his back.“I can't, Alan. You go on your own. Just leave me alone. I'll be fine.” My breath caught as I shook my head.“No! We'll go together. We'll go as far away fro
Laird’s POVI pounded angrily on the glass door of the van in which the FBI commander and Prosecutor Golden were riding. They were all sitting relaxed in the car, while Fenella could be heard being hurt by Amy. Fenella's heavy breathing and the sound of Amy's roar that I heard over the receiver convinced me that Fenella was in trouble.This had all gone too far.“Amy's confession is enough, right? What the fuck are you waiting for? Arrest her now and save Fenella.” I growled at Prosecutor Golden.“Fenella is still holding out, Laird. We should wait until Fenella says the safe word. She can also gauge her capacity.” Prosecutor Golden raised his hand to calm me down.“If you don't help her now, I'll go help her.” My eyes narrowed, and I growled with a serious threat.“Laird, if you go in now, you'll ruin everything we've built up so far. Fenella is trying hard in there. All you have to d
Fenella’s POVOh my God.It wasn't Laird who stepped in to help me, but Peter. He wrapped his arm around my neck until I was pinned under his arms. Cold metal touched my temple. I glanced over and immediately saw a black gun pointed at me.“Let me go, Peter.” I growled even as my body trembled.“Shut up!” Peter snapped loudly, ringing in my ears.I closed my eyes tightly as I endured the pain in my ankles and muffled my fear. I raised my arms to let go of Peter's arms, but it seemed that emotional panic had taken over my body. Somehow I became helplessly weak and could only hold on to Peter's arm.“Please, Peter, please.” I said softly, asking him to let me go.“Peter, let her go. She doesn't know anything.” Alan tried to calm Peter down.“Yes? Then put the bag in the car and move away.”Peter clamped tighter and tighter around my neck, and the tip of the gun pressed harder and harder against my temple. I slowly looked at Alan, who put the black duffel bag into the back passenger seat
Fenella’s POV“Let go of me, Alan!”I struggled with all my might, but Alan kept his grip on my arm. He wouldn't listen to me and now forced me to follow him. Limping, I dragged my feet to get into the car.“I don't want to, Alan! Let go of me!” I held the car door with my hand. Although Alan tried to open the door, I held the door.Outside, Laird was still trying to crush open the door. It seemed that the door lock was no ordinary key. I bought my time as much as I could, waiting for Laird to come rescue me.“Fenella! Don't test me! Get in the car right now.”Alan threatened with the gun pointed at my forehead. I then pushed Alan with all my might, and he was furious. His free hand suddenly gripped my neck tightly.“Alan!”I tried my best to scream, but the man tightened his grip on my neck. He growled in front of my face.“Don't play games, Fenella. Please get in the car and drive. Or should I kill you now?”My face scrunched up, and I tried to catch my breath. My throat was sore,
Laird’s POVI was sure I was going to die. My body ached, my face and head hurt, and my stomach was especially painful. The final blow from Alan sent me flying into the metal shelf on the wall. The edge of the rack hurt my temples, and the pain grew stronger. Blood oozed from my temple.Although I wanted to fight the man again, my legs felt weak. I spurred myself to get up, but Alan confronted me. He raised the gun on the floor that we had been fighting over. My breath caught and the pain around my waist became more and more stifling.Slumped on the floor, I summoned up what was left of my strength to fight Alan again. I just didn't know if it would be enough to defeat Alan once and for all.The muzzle of the gun was pointed at my head. I looked into Alan's eyes, right in the center between the gun that threatened me. The man was grinning as if he had already won.I didn't want to give up. I had to save Fenella.My hand slowly reached for the shelf behind me. I don't know what I'm ho