“Rachael, what do you think happened in that meeting?.. it was strange, wasn’t it?” Damien who had a disturbing glint in his eyes asked Rachael who was trying hard to hide her smile.
“I can’t say anything about this, sir but I think they have a good reason for doing that” Rachael replied in haste but was too slow to revert her words. He had heard and was seething in unquenchable fury.
He abruptly stood up from his seat and threw a deathly glare at Rachael whose heart was beating erratically due to fear. “How dare you?” He yelled at the top of his voice. “I expected you to say something convincing at the meeting but you just kept mute like it was none of your business”
“But, you’re the boss. What were you expecting me to say?” Rachael’s eyes widened with amusement.
“You b….” He was about to curse when a hard tap banged against the door. “Who is it?” He shouted to the person who barged into the office with no remorse on his face.
“Sir, you need to see the news on the TV. it’s terrifying” the worker stuttered with great trepidation as he clenched his teeth to stop the noise it was making.
A drop of sweat trickled down Damien’s temple as he felt a sense of unease in his heart. He was reluctant to do as the employee had said but he also had no choice.
“Rachael, switch on the TV” he ordered with a stoic expression on his face and a frosty voice.
Rachael on the other hand, felt a surge of excitement in her heart the moment she heard the employee’s words. She knew something had happened and for a moment felt cheated that they had to do the deed without her. She wanted to switch on the TV so badly and jumped at the remote control when she got the order.
The face of the newscaster was seen on the TV
“Breaking news: At the center of a scandal, Mr. Damien Russo, the CEO of Russo enterprise faces allegations of plagiarism and conspiracy to commit murder. According to sources, Mr. Russo and his associate, Gina Marino are accused of stealing the project Phoenix launched by them, and in an unexpected turn of events, allegedly staged a fatal car accident to silence a key witness. Our investigation reveals a high level of corruption in the Russo enterprise as many snake-scale companies have reported them for bribes. His cohort, Gina Marino was also apprehended for the murder of her husband who was believed to have died in a fire accident. We will provide further details as the story unfolds”
Damien’s face turned ashen, drained of all colors. His eyes widened in horror as the truth dawned on him. He felt like he had been stripped naked, his secrets exposed for all to see. His reputation was shattered. The whole life he had struggled to build had been plunged to the ground by the headlines. The public was not going to take the situation lightly. They were going to drag him on the ground till he was arrested and sentenced to jail for God knows how long.
His jaw clenched in despair as he recalled what the newscaster mentioned about the small-scale companies he had meetings with. He could feel the stinging act of betrayal piercing through his soul. His gaze darted across the room to meet that of the employee who was already drenched in his sweat. But Rachael…
Rachael was filled with a sense of fulfillment as the words of the news anchor rang repeatedly in her ears. She was so excited that she forgot where she was. The broad smile on her face gave her away.
“Rachael, why do I feel hurt when I see that smile on your face?” He berated her, his breath her hitched as he feared what her answer would be.
Rachael knew she had been exposed and chose not to pretend anymore. He should feel the pain he caused her in multiple folds.
She smirked and replied “I’m rejoicing at the new development. It means your wicked and cunning act ends today, you and your associate”
Damien was stupified “So, you chose to become a traitor because I picked Gina over you?”
“Nah… Yeah, maybe it’s part of it but I just couldn’t stand to watch you two destroy the hard-earned lives of other people because of your greed and wickedness. You’re going to spend the rest of your life in jail. That, I’m sure is certain”
“You bitch. How dare you?.. I took you in when you were nothing and nurtured you to this level and this is how you repay me?” Damien yelled at the top of his lungs. “You will pay for this”
“Huh… No, I won’t. You’re going to jail, how do you want to make me pay?” Rachael’s voice was laced with sarcasm.
“There’s no way I’m…”
The barging in of the police interrupted his words.
“Mr. Russo, you know why we’re here. You have to come with us to the station for questioning” The police officer displayed his badge and and stated his business.
“You can’t take me with you. I’m the CEO of the Russo enterprise, you can’t embarrass me” Damien fired back in rage. “Besides, this lady here is also one of my associates, why isn’t she under arrest?”
A wide smile curved on Rachael’s face, her gaze lingering with mockery on him. She was about to reply to him but the policeman beat her to it.
“Miss. Rachael’s name was not mentioned by any of our sources. She also helped us with the investigation which makes her an ally”the officer explained, his voice stern and serious.
“That’s impossible, she’s been with me for many years” Damien protested with confusion in his voice.
“Please, move forward, Mr. Russo. If you don’t, we would have to use force” the police officer warned with a stern gaze which shut Damien up.
“Goodbye, Damien. Don’t worry yourself too much okay?.. you will still get to spend the rest of your life with your lover. She’s already waiting for you” Rachael stated, her voice filled with mockery and sarcasm. She jumped up in happiness the moment Damien was gone.