Natasha’s POV:
Suddenly, my phone rang.
I glanced at the side table, straining my neck to catch a glimpse of the Caller ID.
“ALLY 1?” I muttered aloud, my voice filled with anger and irritation.
Why the hell is he calling me now?
I pulled open the side table drawer, grabbed my business card, and tossed it at Zhao Feng. “Thanks for your services. Send me your account details, and I’ll make sure you’re well compensated.”
“But-”
“The job at The Peninsula, right?” I interrupted. And he nodded.
“We’ll discuss that when you text me.” I said curtly.
“Um… I…” He stammered, then rose from the bed and shuffled to where his clothes were scattered on the floor. He began dressing-slowly.
What the hell?
“Why the fuck are you still here? Get out already.” I snapped, my patience wearing thin.
He hurriedly pulled on his clothes, slipped my card into his pocket, and quietly made his way to the door. Just as I thought I was rid of him, his head popped back through the doorway.
“I really enjoyed-”
Before he could finish, I grabbed the vase from my side table and hurled it at him. “Get out!” I yelled, running my hands through my hair in anger.
The vase hit him directly on the head, and he quickly slammed the door shut behind him.
Still breathing heavily, I picked up my phone and opened my call logs. “Let’s see why you’re calling.” I muttered to myself as I tapped in my screen to send a message to the number that had interrupted my day.
“Why did you call? What’s wrong?” The message showed two ticks, confirming he was online. Almost immediately, the typing indicator appeared.
“When will you be back?” He asked.
“I highly doubt that you called just to check up on me. Please, get to the point.” I replied, cutting straight to the chase.
“I don’t give a fuck about your okay! I just wanted to know what our next plan is.” He pressed.
Shaking my head, I typed back. “I won’t be in Shanghai for long. It’s only a matter of time before the truth about Mr. Ali’s death comes to light. Until then, use your time wisely.”
Without waiting for a response, I turned off my phone’s internet connection and placed it back on the side table.
Ugh. I feel sticky.
I need a shower.
And a good massage-it’s been too long.
It’s also been too long since I had such good sex.
He wasn’t so bad, though.
Maybe I should keep him.
No, scratch that. He seems like the type who’d get attached, and I can’t deal with any clingy weirdo.
“Time for Phase 2 of my plan.” I said aloud, a wide grin spreading across my face.
I can’t wait.
Mirabelle’s POV:
What a joke!
I stupidly thought that he would actually return. I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, a chance to open up and confess everything to me.
But he bailed out the moment I gave him the option of not returning.
I guess he was just bluffing.
Trying to act nice so that I don’t suspect anything, but I know everything and I am more than willing to take the risk of destroying him.
I’m sure the kids and Grandpa Ed will understand.
The buzzing of my phone startled me, pulling me out of my thoughts. I glanced at the screen and saw it was Barrister Darielle calling.
She’s my personal lawyer, someone I’ve trusted for years. I called her yesterday, desperate for her legal guidance, but she declined my calls multiple times.
Now she is calling back.
I picked up, my voice higher than intended. “Darielle.”
“Mira, I’m so sorry for not answering yesterday.” She pleaded, genuinely. “I had an incredibly rough time in court yesterday. It’s no excuse, but I hope you can understand.”
I was about to bring up my scandal, when she asked. “I know all the crap on the internet is false, Mira. But what the hell is actually going on?”
I sighed, my voice softening slightly. “It’s fine. I’m just… I need your help. Everything’s falling apart.”
Darielle’s tone shifted. “I am always here for you, Mira.”
I took a deep breath, calming myself down. “There have been rumors circulating for days now, claiming I’ve been mismanaging funds. Then, last week, I got a call from a government representative. They told me that two of my companies were being shut down.” My voice cracked, but I pressed on. “But the news broke-articles, social media posts, all of them claiming that the reason my companies were shut down by the government was because I was involved in some fraudulent and illegal activities.”
I heard Darielle cuss then I continued.
“Another one of my companies…” I hesitated, tears burning at the corners of my eyes. “It was burned to the ground. There were only a few survivors, and even they were injured. Now some workers are threatening to sue me for breaching security measures. I know I can handle that with a hefty compensation, but how do I handle the fact that I’m about to lose another company because they’re claiming I purchased my shares illegally?”
“What do you need my help with exactly, Mira?” Darielle asked, she sounded genuinely confused.
“I want to charge everyone who’s accused me to court.” I said firmly.
There was a pause before she replied. “Do you have any evidence or witnesses? Or do your opponents have evidence and witnesses against you?”
“They have plenty.” I admitted. “But it’s all fabricated. Fake videos, fake voice notes, and bribed witnesses.”
Darielle sighed. “It’s going to be hard to win this case, Mira.”
Smiling bitterly, I replied. “If it’s about getting evidence, I already have officers and private investigators on it.”
“It’s not just about the evidence, Mira.” She said, reluctantly.
“Then what is the problem?” I demanded, my patience wearing thin.
Darielle sighed again, audibly this time. “That’s not the only scandal circulating right now. Plus, with the evidence and witnesses your opponents will present, nothing you do will stand a chance. Mirabelle, please, give up your position and maintain a little bit of dignity.”
I froze, her words had hurt me more than I expected. “What the hell, Dee? Are you seriously telling me to accept defeat? To accept that justice isn’t for the innocent?”
“Nothing is more important than saving face.” She replied, almost pleading. “Please, save yourself the shame. I’m telling you this as a friend.”
Anger surged through me. “Fuck you! I don’t need you anymore. I don’t need your help or your services. You’re not my lawyer anymore, Darielle. Have a nice life.”
“Mira, wait, listen to me…” She began, but I ended the call, my hands trembling with rage.
The phone buzzed again, and again, but I ignored it. She wasn’t worth my time anymore.
How is everything falling apart so quickly? How is it possible that Noah has such influence? I always knew he was wealthy, but to destroy someone’s entire empire in less than 48 hours?
He must truly be invincible.
The sound of a knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. “Come in!” I called out, turning my head toward the door.
Jamie stepped in hesitantly. “Ma’am, someone’s here to see you.” She stuttered.
“Someone?” I asked, frowning. “Who is it? Did you get their name?”
She scratched the back of her head awkwardly. “I did, um…”
“Ok.. And?” I pressed, growing impatient.
Clearing her throat, she finally said. “He said his name is Ken. Ken Sylvester.”
My heart skipped a beat at the name.
Ken!.
Of all people, why was he here now? The last thing I needed was more complications.
“Where is he?” I asked.
“In the sitting room.” She replied.
‘Fuck!’ I muttered under my breath.
Taking a few deep breaths, I asked further. “Where are the Kids? And Grandpa Ed as well, where is he?”
“Um, Grandpa Ed was in the sitting room when he arrived. And the kids kinda ran into him.” She replied.
“Are you fucking Kidding me, Jamie?” I snapped. “Where the hell were you? Why didn’t you call me before the kids saw him?” I pressed.
“Grandpa Ed insisted that I gave him appetizers first before getting you.” She explained.
I took a few more deep breaths, to calm myself down. Then I turned to face her. “I’m so sorry, Jamie. I didn’t mean to lose my cool. It’s just.. things are pretty messed up right now.” I apologized, while forcing out a smile
“I understand everything, Ma’am.” Jamie nodded and left the room, leaving me to steady my breath.
Who do I introduce Ken as?
And Grandpa? Would he be okay seeing the son of the woman that replaced his late daughter? What would the kids think seeing that Ken looks almost exactly like their father, Noah?
Dammit!