Saying that he gave a document to Ariel, “here take a look”.
She flipped open the document and her eyes couldn’t believe what was laid right in front of her eyes.
The documents outlined a network of clandestine operations, detailing shipments of contraband good and illicit deals that spanned continents. The documents in her hand held the secret of her father’s smuggling activities, yet, to Ariel, it wasn’t a revelation that struck her like lightning. She gazed at the photographs, the transaction and coded messages, with unsettling calmness, a numb acceptance that her father, Timothy Ann, would go to any length for wealth.
The air in the office was thick with tension as she studied the documents, maintaining a calm appearance.
Timothy Ann, is there anything you cannot do to get wealth? I had always known your reputation was notorious, and I’ve also been aware of your unscrupulous activities.
Andrea Anderson looked into Ariel Ann’s eyes, searching for any sign of vulnerability or concern.
“Your father is really bold to be involved in this type of business, these allegations against your father are serious. They have the potential to bring Ann Company to its knees.” Andrea Anderson pauses and then continues, “but from the look of things, he has someone supporting him behind the scenes, as he wouldn’t have been able to carry out all this by himself. But one thing I still didn’t understand is that if he had someone working behind the scenes to support him, why would he come to Anderson’s family to ask for funds?”
Ariel didn’t say a word, but instead flipped through the documents.
Andrea Anderson raised an eyebrow, studying Ariel’s reaction. “You’re remarkably composed, considering the gravity of the situation. Most people would be distraught to learn of their parent’s involvement in such activity”
A wry smile appeared on Ariel’s lips “the business world has taught me to be pragmatic, Manager Anderson. In this world you must do what must to survive and thrive. Sentiment has no place in business.
Andrea Anderson sighed, seeing how calm and collected Ariel was even when her father’s act was bare in her, making him want to get closer to her more.
“Look Ariel, now that such document are out, all his activities will be discovered sooner or later and I do not think the Anderson Company would want to support your Ann Company as we wouldn’t want to be implicated in his illegal activities.”
Ariel nodded, her gaze unwavering “I understand, I’ll do the necessary things to protect the Ann and Anderson Company. Timothy Ann’s actions are his own, and I won’t let them tarnish the company.”
“You should investigate this matter thoroughly. I’ve not told anybody, I called you immediately I saw the contents of the document, it’s up to you to solve.”
Ariel took the document and nodded. “I will do what is required.”
“Just be prepared”
“Thank you, if that’s all, I will be at my office.”
………………..
She flipped over the document over and over again when she got to her office.
If someone else should lay their hands on these documents, I would lose my mother’s hard work. I didn’t even know who the sender was.
Ariel pursed her lips while swallowing excessively. She needed to do something, but unfortunately, she didn’t know what to do.
After pondering over it for some time, she suddenly remembered she had promised to get back at Sofia. She immediately picked up the phone and asked for the day’s schedule from her assistant, who confirmed she had no upcoming meeting. This means she could go out with Sofia.
She opened the cabinet in the office, took out a simple dress and changed out of her suit.
…………..
“I’m here”. Sofia waved Ariel over
When she saw Sofia her eyes lit up with surprise and joy, she was still exactly the way she was the last time they saw. She was also wearing a simple dress with her hair in a ponytail..
Ariel walked over and Sofia held her hand, they spun around while holding hands.
“Oh my, look how thin you are!”
“You know it’s normal for me to lose a few pounds, I’ve been busy with company issues and you know marriage issues”
“Oh! That crippled and disfigured man has been bullying you. I’ve heard a lot about how he usually tortures women. Are you sure that man is not bullying you?”
Ariel wasn’t comfortable with people calling Rex crippled or disfigured. She faced Sofia with a determined look in her eyes. She said “He wasn’t born that way, his disability was due to an accident, besides, he was actually a good man. All the rumors are false.”
“Really! It’s true when they say marriage change people. Are you now supporting him?”
Ariel looked at Sofia helplessly.
“Sofia, enough now.”
“What do you mean” Sofia asked with a raised brow. “I understand perfectly well that you are protecting your husband’s dignity, which is normal, but if he bullies you I would make sure I tell the whole world about it”
“Don’t you dare talk nonsense about Rex, you just didn’t understand Rex, Rex was good to me”. Ariel praised Rex for his intelligence.
Sofia’s jaws dropped. She watched in shock as Ariel showered Rex with compliments ad praises.
“Rex? Really, all I hear you say is Rex, Rex, and Rex’ have you fallen in love with him?
Ariel was momentarily taken aback when she hurriedly responded, “I’m married to him, he’s my husband. It’s just natural for me to talk about him and I intended to be a devoted wife, faithful to him always!”
“Why are you staring at me like that”, Ariel asked.
“It’s so unbelievable that you could move on quickly. I was worried about you when I heard that douc*bag was going out with your sister, and you were marrying the young master of the Anderson. I had envisioned you being in your worst state with all the rumors, but with the way you’ve been mentioning his name, you seem okay, and I don’t know if I should be concerned again.”
“Timothy Ann visited me today” Ariel said, her lips firmly pressed together. Sofia looked at her with a raised eyebrow.
“What did he want from you?”
Ariel chuckled and exhaled noisily through pursed lips.
“Ariel, what are you hiding from me?”
She narrowed her eyes and said with a clenched jaw “he asked me to go put in a good what for Elvira at her engagement in two days time”
“Ptff…” Sofia spit out the water in her mouth, her jaw dropped, it was as if a sudden jolt of electricity had coursed through her veins, leaving her momentarily stunned as she stared at Ariel in silence.
“Here, wipe your mouth, you look ugly. No rich man will want to marry if they see you like this”, Ariel said, as he handed her a tissue. Sofia unconsciously collected the tissue and wiped her mouth.
“Did you agree?”
“No, why would I agree to put in a good word for her in front of the old man? I mean, its obvious that she’s of no good. She’s carrying my childhood sweetheart’s child. What other good words should I put in for someone like that?”
“She…… she’s wha..? Pregnant” Sofia, stammers before she can get the words out of her mouth.
“Yes, she is. She’s a celebrity after all and, lucky her, she has a father who wouldn’t mind going to any length to get wealth and fame. And as for me, I have always been a thorn in their flesh with the title of the wanted child of the Ann, even the maid has no regard for me in my mother’s house.”
Sofia looked at Ariel with a moist eye while listening and nodding with her half mouth open.
“Come on girl; don’t feel bad, I’m fine.”
“How could they always treat you like this?”
Seeing Sofia being emotional, Ariel sighed “I do wonder how you became a doctor.”
“Pffftt…pfft” Sofia blew her nose with a tissue and Ariel giggled.
“You can’t be soft-hearted towards any family member, so there won’t be a day when you will regret it.”
“Thank you, I will be on guard against them. I’m no longer the girl they trampled upon, or in your eyes? Do you think I am a fool?”
Sofia scrutinizes Ariel and says “You have become smart now, before you were a fool.”
“…” it would have been fine if Sofia was Rex Anderson’s sister because she also had a venomous tongue. Some moments ago she looked wrecked, but in the twinkle of an eye she was calm and collected, it was as if nothing happened.
They talked for hours, catching up on each other’s lives since they last saw each other. They laugh and share stories.