Chapter 6

“How could you do this to me, Adrianna?? You should always watch your back because I will be back and I will stop at nothing but to hunt and perish your soul!!” 

That was Lance's final words to me as I dropped the receiver suspended from the opposite side of the glass that separates visitors and prisoners. Lance on the other side, looked at me with dead eyes. That was the scariest face he had ever worn. 

I can remember how loud and repeatedly my heart beat up until this day. 

Lance is back and he will surely get his revenge but when?? And how ?? The thought of it always gives me a panic attack. 

I sat back at my desk, sipping my coffee and staring out the window, trying to calm my nerves down. The sound of my office door caught my attention but I didn't bother to look back. I knew it was no other person but my father. I know him too well, his rigid footsteps always gave him away. 

“Why are you looking unprofessional this morning??. His gruffs. 

I turned to meet his stern face. It left no doubts that he was here for a serious business. I quickly compose my demeanor. “Nothing of a big deal Sir! I was only jogging through my memory” I replied to him with a monotonous voice. 

“ Adrianna, I need to remind you about the stakeholder meeting which is in three days. I have all numbers and projections ready, and I'm confident that we but most especially you, can convince the shareholders of the future progress of the company and also get them to invest more.” his voice booms with authority, I could not help but to let out a sigh. As if he noticed my frustration. He raised his eyebrows while narrowing his eyes to mine. 

“ Before I forget, don't let anything get in the way or else I will stop at nothing but to destroy you, irrespective that you are my daughter.” 

I felt a surge of frustration at my father's words. I knew he was still worried about my past mistakes, and the way I let my emotions jeopardize his company. I knew he knew that I still harbored deep feelings for Lance Hamilton, his sworn enemy. 

I nodded, setting my coffee down and giving my father my full attention. “I know Father and I will make you proud, I have been preparing for weeks.” 

“Perfect” words I love to hear. With that he stands on his feet, his eyes running through the office for the last time before turning to leave. But I hesitantly called his attention with a shaky voice. “I understand what's at stake, but there is something else I need to tell you. Something that might be a tr……..!!

“Save it, Adrianna!!” He cuts me short. “Do you think I have all day to sit and listen to your whining?? His voice was laced with annoyance. “ I have a meeting with the Ministry of Finance. His hands run loosely on his suit. “I will be on my way now.” with that his tall imposing figure exited the office. 

I couldn't help but slump on my office chair. Without even looking I knew that my face was wrinkled with fear and worries. “Why is nobody worried about Lance's release?? 

“ oh maybe because you are his target! Have you forgotten you did not only bring the final evidence that got him convicted, but you also lied and accused him of assault? My mind attacked me 

Feeling overwhelmed, I quickly loosened the two collar buttons on my shirt. My mind couldn't help but drift back to the events that happened five years ago. 

( flashback )

I stood outside Lance’s office, my heart racing with anxiety. My father's words kept echoing in my head. “If you truly love your lover and want to save him just hide this in his office. And make sure it is convincing!” 

I took a deep breath pushed open the door and slipped in quietly. My eyes scanned the room taking in familiar surroundings. Lance's office was always immaculate, every paper and pen placed in the right place. I spotted a folder on his desk, the one he always kept locked away. I knew it was the perfect place to hide it. My hands were trembling as I did so. I thought about my action but it was the safest option to keep Lance safe from my father's claws. 

Immediately I closed the folder, I heard a noise behind me. I spun around, my heart skipped a beat. Lance stood in the doorway, a look of concern on his face. 

“Adrianna, what's wrong? Are you okay? You look pale.” his voice was laced with concern as he took some steps closer to me and touched my face. 

I tried to play it cool but my voice shook.  “I….I don't feel well, I think I might be coming down with a fever.” 

Lance's expression softened His hands brushed through my hair before holding my hand. “Let me take you home, you can't be here while you're sick.” 

“But, I….” 

“No excuse Adrianna!” Your health first.” He interjects. 

I nodded, trying to hide my guilt and anxiety. Lance helped me to stand, and I leaned into him the more. The scent of his expensive cologne clung to my nostrils like a skin tag. As we made our way towards the door, I couldn't help but feel a sense of dread. What have I just done?? Am I truly helping Lance or foolishly endangering him?? 

Just as he reached for the door handle, it burst open and a team of uniformed men rushed into the office. My Father followed suit, a smug look on his face. 

“ What is happening here?? Lance demands. We shared a confused look before my eyes darted to my Father. 

“ FBI” A man who I assumed was the leader of the operation shrill. “Mr. Lance Hamilton, we have a reason to believe that this department has been involved in some……unsavory activities and w…..

“That's impossible! Lance's voice thundered…..He immediately rushed to my father's side, in the hope of clarification but was quickly apprehended by two men. 

I couldn't process what was happening. “He's innocent, you shouldn't hold him like that…..

I tried to grab the men, to release Lance from their grip but was stopped by their leader. “Miss Houston, I will advise you to stay out of this. We have been authorized by the federal government to carry out a thorough search.” 

With that, he signals his men and a search begins. I felt a surge of fear as I realized what was happening. The evidence I planted was to be used against Lance. I quickly looked at my Father who stood with an unbothered face.

“We have found the evidence, sir! One of the men reported catching our attention. 

“That's not possible, I don't have a hand in whatever that's going on here.” Lance's eyes narrowed, and he looked at us accusingly. “ Boss, what is happening? 

“Daddy! Please you need to help Lance, he's innocent! I almost shouted and tears quickly pooled in my eyes. 

“I fear there is nothing I can do at the moment but trust me, Lance. You're my favorite employee and I wouldn't let anything happen to you”— I will get you a good lawyer. 

I watched, frozen in horror, as the FBI closed in, handcuffed him, and led him away. I knew I had been manipulated by my father to make a mistake that could ruin an innocent man's life.  

The sound of the closed door brought me out of my frozen state. I made a quick move to run after Lance, to confess that he was innocent and that I was the one that planted the false evidence. 

But my Father's strong hands held me back. “Are you stupid” he growled and a hard slap followed which landed me on the ground.  

Tears fell profusely from my eyes. “ Father, please, he is innocent, you set him up! I pleaded but he was already leaving the office. He stood at the door and glared at me. 

“Don't even try to ruin my plan or else I will end not only your life but that of Lance! He firmly stated. 

“P….Please Father, why are you doing this?? Lance has been devoted to you! I whispered. I could barely hear my voice.

“Someone has to take the fall, Adrianna—-And it's definitely not me!”.  With that, he bangs the door. 

“Lance, I'm sorry!! I'm sorry. I kept on repeating those words. I had made a terrible mistake but I will redeem myself.