MARY’S POV.
It was late when I arrived at the park. I switched off the ignition but not without blinking my rear lights twice and he did the same.
That was the signal I needed, I got out of my car and he did the same. He was obviously angry and I could tell it was from keeping him waiting.
“You’re late. Why are you just coming?”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m here now, aren’t I?” I asked. “Tell me why you called me out, it’s late already.”
“I have some questions bothering me.” He said.
“Then you should have texted me.” I replied him, a flare of anger rising within me.
“I wanted to see your eyes while asking you because eyes don’t lie, Mary.”
“Whatever, since I’m here.” I adjusted my fur cardigan. “I will do the questioning first and if there’s time, I can listen to yours. Tell me how it went.”
I saw him scoffed, containing his anger but I didn’t care one bit. “I asked her out today.” He admitted.
A smirk spread on my lips. “I’ve always known you’ve got it in you, Dominic. What was her reaction like?” I asked.
Dominic sighed. “She said she isn’t in a good place and need time to sort her feelings.”
“You don’t expect her to say yes on your first attempt, do you?” I asked him. “You have to keep pushing if you really want her.”
His usual confident demeanor seemed shaken. “Of course, I didn’t expect her to say yes right away,” Dominic muttered, shoving his hands into his pockets. “I told her to take all the time she needs but I don’t think time is on my side.”
I shook my head, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Don’t be so impatient and ruin my plans.”
He glanced at me, his jaw tightening. “I am giving her time, Mary. But then there is Arlan.”
I raised an eyebrow. “Arlan? What about him?”
“He’s still calling her,” Dominic said bitterly. “Even after everything he’s done, he won’t leave her alone. It’s like he’s got some hold over her. She wouldn’t pick his call but I can tell she is still very much in love with him and I don’t know how to compete with that.”
“Don’t tell me you’re losing even before starting out?” I asked. “You know the worst set of people in my black book are pathetic losers. Just admit you’re one and I’ll get your name included as soon as possible, faster than you would’ve ever imagine.”
“Do you think she’ll ever come back here?” Dominic asked suddenly, breaking the silence.
I hesitated before answering. “She will definitely be back. Do you really think I will put you by her side if she isn’t coming back?”
Dominic turned to me. “Aside from keeping an eye on Saraya, you still haven’t told me your plans.”
“You don’t need to worry your small head about it.” I replied him. “Continue being friends with her and even more. I want to know every single things she does and what she is thinking.”
“You know I’m not a good person but would let me get close to her on purpose. Is it because she is not your biological daughter?” He asked.
His question got on my nerves and I grabbed him by the collar. “I’m not Saraya or Arlan. I’m way more dangerous than you can imagine, it’s better you don’t poke your nose into something that would bring harm, especially when you’re a blackmailer.”
“And you’re an accomplice.” He retired, shoving my hand away. “You know everything but wouldn’t say a word.”
“I see you’ve grown some balls overnight,” I stepped hard on his toes and he let out a yelp.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Putting you in your place.” I retorted. “If you ever want to end up with Saraya and keep your little secret, it’s better you listen to me.”
Dominic glared at me. “I can tell you what to grab my neck and yank it off my neck. After all, we are both alone here.” I spread my arms. “But you should have a rethink, Dominic. The ball is in my court and we both get what we want only if you cooperate.”
Dominic’s glare lingered, his jaw tight as he rubbed his sore toes. “You don’t scare me as much as you think, Mary,” he said, his voice low and defiant. “I’m not just your pawn in this game. If I’m doing this, I’ll do it my way.”
I smirked. “You’re free to try, but remember, Dominic, I hold all the cards. The moment you decide to go rogue, I’ll make sure your little secrets are out for everyone to see.”
He stepped back, shaking his head in frustration. “You’re impossible.”
“And you’re predictable,” I shot back. “Which is why this will work. Saraya will trust you if you play the part right. Be patient. Charm her. Make her see there’s someone better than Arlan. That’s the only way you win her over.”
Dominic hesitated, the weight of my words sinking in. “And what about Arlan?” he asked, his voice softer now, almost hesitant. “What if he doesn’t back off?”
I tilted my head, studying him. “Leave Arlan to me,” I said, my voice cold. “He’s a loose end I’ll deal with when the time comes. Your focus should be on Saraya. Make her depend on you. Make her see you as her anchor. Can you do that?”
He nodded reluctantly, though his eyes still burned with resentment. “I’ll do what you want, Mary. But don’t think I’m your puppet. I have my own reasons for wanting this.”
“Of course you do,” I replied with a knowing smile. “But don’t forget who gave you this opportunity. Without me, you’d still be chasing shadows.”
Dominic didn’t respond, his silence speaking louder than words. He turned and walked away, his shoulders tense with suppressed anger. I watched him go. “You will always be at my mercy.” I said after him. “Everyone I have always wanted to be at my mercy have never for once escaped my snare.” I added though he was long gone.
I bought out a pack of cigarette and took out a stick. “What a perfect night to smoke away my sorrows because they no longer exist from this point.”
*
I sneak back into the Newman’s mansion and was heading to my room.
“It’s late, why are you coming from?”
I almost jumped out of my skin, Irritated by the familiar question. “Are you questioning your aunt right now?” I asked.
“I’m questioning your sneaking around.” He replied me.
“I’m not sneaking around, I just don’t want to wake up the entire house.” I explained angrily.
He covered his nose. “Did you smoke?”
“That is one question to ask an underage not an adult.” I replied.
“You’ve been gone for two long hours and I’ve been waiting for you.” Ian said.
“You should have called or texted me but you choose to wait, that’s on you.” I retorted walking to my room. Ian followed me closely and closed the door behind him once he was in.
“You still haven’t answered my question, where were you?” He repeated. “I’m sure you didn’t go to the hospital dressed like that.”
“Now that you’re the CEO of the Newman’s empire, are you actually thinking of yourself as the owner of the Newman’s mansion?”
“Of course.” Ian replied. “If I’m not the owner, then who is?”
“I can’t wait to see that smug on your face gets wiped off when your uncle wakes up.”
“Exactly why I’ve come to see you.”
I took off my shoes to make me comfortable as I sank into the soft sofa. “Can we make this as quick as possible? Like you said, it’s late.”
“Knowing Alex’s temperament, he must’ve written a power of attorney in either your name or Evan’s name.”
I cleared my throat, crossing my legs. “What makes you think so?”
“Saraya would’ve made things difficult for me if she was the recipient of the power of attorney, thinking how seamlessly things went, I don’t think Alex is the type to have overlooked such an important part.”
“So what if Evan or myself are the recipient of Alex’s power of attorney?”
“Then I need you on my team.” He replied.
I let out a chuckle. “You must be crazy Ian, are you asking me to betray my husband for you?”
“So you’re the recipient?” He asked.
“I never said so.” I told him, looking at him deep in the eyes. “I only asked why you think I would betray Alex for you?”
“Because you and Evan will have to rely on me in the future.” He said confidently. “If you agree to work with me, I will ensure that you and Evan never lack a thing.”
“Do you really think, if I’m the recipient of Alex’s shares, I would have to rely on you with my son in the future?” I asked in nonchalant attitude. “Relying on you to betray Alex is such a bad deal, don’t you think?” I asked. “You must see me as a housewife who knows nothing about business.”
“What do you want?” Ian asked.
“Now we are talking.” I said with a smile tugging at my lips. “Give up everything.” I said laughing out loud.
“What?” Ian said in shock. “Give up?” He repeated. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about, Ian.” I retorted. “You tried usurping Saraya and I’m trying to do the same. Is that a problem?”
“Are you trying to take over the business?”
“Is there any rule that says I can’t?” I retorted.
“Don’t be ridiculous.” He spat.
“And don’t be stupid.”
Ian gave out a small laugh. “I was thinking before now that you cared about Saraya but turned out it’s wasn’t true.”
“Whether I care about about her or not is none of your business.” I yelled at him.
“Mary, you should come over to my side when you can and my offer is valid, I won’t be waiting for you forever.”
“The one is anxious here is you not me.” I reminded him.
Ian’s face darkened, his jaw clenching as he studied me. “You’re not as untouchable as you think, Mary. You should think about Evan and his future.”
I leaned back in the chair, completely unfazed. “Ian, if you think threatening me is going to work, you’re more delusional than I thought. You don’t even know if I hold the power you’re after, and yet you’re here, trying to bargain with me?”
His lips curled into a sly smirk. “You’re smart, Mary. I’ll give you that. But smart people know when to hedge their bets. Alex isn’t going to live for much longer, and when he’s gone, you’ll need someone strong enough to hold everything together.”
I laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. “Ian, you’re like a child playing dress-up, thinking you can run an empire with your petty schemes. Let me give you some advice. If you want to survive in this game, you’ll need more than empty threats and desperation. You need to bring something substantial in exchange.”
Ian’s smirk faltered, but he quickly masked it with a cold stare. “You think I’m desperate? I’ve been planning this for years, Mary. While you were busy playing house, I was preparing to take what’s rightfully mine.”
“Rightfully yours?” I repeated, my voice dripping with disdain. “You’re delusional if you think you’ve earned any of this. Everything you have right now is because of Alex’s bad health and you know it. Why don’t you enjoy it while it last?”
Ian stepped closer, his voice lowering. “I thought I could reason with you but turns out otherwise. I’m afraid things won’t go your way.”
“We will have to see about that.” I said.
“What would Alex think of you when he wakes up? You have the power of attorney but couldn’t protect his daughter.”
“Why would I have to bother myself about that?” I asked, shrugging my shoulders. “While I was taking care of him in the hospital, you initiated Saraya’s impeachment and Saraya willingly resigned no matter how much I pleaded with her not to.”
I stood up. “Now let me tell you what Alex will think if peradventure he wakes up.” I worked towards him and leaned down towards him. “He will think of me as a dutiful wife and mother who did everything she could.”
Ian stared at me in shock, before finally stepping back with a chuckle. “You’re ruthless, Mary. I’ll give you that but don’t underestimate me. I’ll get what I want, one way or another.”
I stood, closing the gap between us as I met his gaze head-on. “You do what you have to do but if you ever try to cross me or my son, you’ll find out just how dangerous I can be.”
“You’re not the only dangerous person in this room.” He told me.
I nodded my head in agreement. “You’re right about that.” I said coldly, turning my back to him and heading toward the bathroom. “Let the most dangerous person win. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have better things to do than entertain your delusions.”
“This isn’t over.” He spat and walked out angrily.