04-No! Please, don't take me to the police

Audrey pov

I stared at Lisa, disbelief written all over my face. “Wait, you're saying the doctor who can fix my leg is now working for some billionaire and doesn't take other patients anymore?”

Lisa nodded, her expression full of sympathy. “His name is Michell Garcia. My boyfriend overheard it at a cocktail party. Apparently, the guy's a recluse.”

Just yesterday, I was excited that there might be a solution to my problem and now this?

My heart sank, but I forced a weak smile. “Thanks for telling me, Lisa. I’ll figure something out.”

I wasn’t about to give up.

For a week, I had done everything I could think of to meet Michell Garcia. Every attempt ended in failure.

Lisa’s boyfriend had warned me earlier. “He’s almost impossible to reach, Audrey. Even most elites can’t meet him unless they’ve got business worth billions.”

But I couldn't afford to give up, not when there was hope.

So, when every reasonable route failed, I took the most unreasonable one—I lied. I walked into his company’s headquarters, pretending to be a representative of one of his business associates.

The lobby was cold and sparkling, I felt like a fry in the big ocean, I couldn't afford to cower now, so I kept my chin up.

“Good morning,” I said to the receptionist with a confidence I didn’t feel. “I’m here on behalf of James Roland of Sterling Enterprises. I need to discuss a matter of urgency with him."

The woman behind the desk didn’t even flinch. “And your name, please?”

There might still be a chance. “Audrey Taylor,” I said smoothly.

The receptionist raised a brow but typed my name into her computer. “Do you have an appointment, Ms. Taylor?”

“No,” I admitted, keeping my tone calm and confident, “but I’m here on behalf of James Roland from Sterling Enterprises. Michell Garcia is expecting me.”

Her hands froze momentarily at the mention of Sterling Enterprises. She glanced at me again, uncertain. “Let me check—”

I gave her a composed smile. “This is a delicate matter. Mr. Roland doesn’t like his business dealings delayed.”

The hesitation cracked. She straightened her posture, grabbed the phone, and called up to Michell’s office. I held my breath, my heart pounding as she murmured something into the receiver.

Moments later, she hung up and looked at me. “Mr. Garcia can spare a moment for you. I’ll take you up now.”

Relief flooded through me. Just as I stepped toward the elevator, ready to follow her, a sharp burst of laughter cut through the air behind me.

I froze.

I didn’t need to turn to know who it was.

“Is that—Audrey?” Gina’s voice was laced with mockery.

I slowly turned to face them. Harold and Gina stood just inside the entrance, their expressions a cruel mixture of amusement and disbelief.

Harold was as sharp and arrogant as ever, while Gina wore her disdain like a designer gown.

“What are you doing here?” Harold asked, his voice dripping with condescension.

I squared my shoulders. “I have business here.”

“With Michelle Garcia?” Gina’s laugh was shrill. She tilted her head dramatically, her red lips curling into a wicked smile. “Oh, Harold, isn’t she just precious?”

Harold smirked, his eyes narrowing on me. “Audrey, don’t tell me you’re trying to climb your way into the business world now. You’re embarrassing yourself.”

I ignored him, focusing on the receptionist. “Shall we?” I asked, trying to sound unaffected.

But Harold wasn’t done. He turned to the receptionist. “Did she tell you who she is? Or did she just throw a name to get past you?”

The receptionist hesitated, her gaze flicking to me. “She said she’s here on behalf of James Roland,” she said cautiously.

Harold’s laugh was sharp and cruel. “James Roland? Really, Audrey? That’s low, even for you.”

The receptionist’s expression hardened. “Is this true?” she asked me.

Before I could answer, Gina stepped forward, her eyes gleaming. “Oh, don’t let her fool you. Audrey has nothing to do with James Roland—or anyone important, for that matter.”

“I—” I began, but my words stuck in my throat.

The receptionist picked up the phone. “Security,” she said coldly. “We have an incident in the lobby.”

Two guards appeared moments later, and Gina clung to Harold’s arm, laughing softly. “This is too good. Audrey, honey, you really don’t belong here.”

The guards approached me, their expressions firm. “Ma’am, we’re going to have to ask you to leave.”

Harold smirked, leaning closer. “Better luck next time.”

I wanted to fight, to scream, but my throat tightened as they escorted me out. Gina’s mocking laughter echoed behind me.

I let the guards escort me out, I felt humiliated. My only chance was just spoiled by a man I once loved.

I kept walking, not bothering to look back. My head was spinning, as I wandered down the street, trying to swallow my tears before breaking down in tears, I heard a sudden cry pierced the air.

“Help! Somebody help me!”

I froze, my body going rigid. The voice was small and frantic—a child’s voice.

I turned the corner and saw her: a little girl, struggling against a man who had her arm in a vice grip.

“Let her go!” I yelled, running toward them.

The man glanced at me, his face twisted in irritation. “Mind your business, lady.”

I didn’t stop. Without thinking, I picked a stone from the floor and hit the man causing him to release the girl’s hand and cried in pain.

I scooped up the girl and sprinted, my injured leg screaming in protest. We didn’t stop until we were several blocks away, hidden in a narrow alley.

I crouched down, gasping for air. “Are you okay?” I asked, brushing her hair out of her face.

She nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Yes. Thank you,” she whispered.

“What’s your name?”

“Amelia.”

“Amelia, where are your parents? Do you want me to take you to the police?”

Her eyes widened in fear. “No! Please, don’t take me to the police.”

I hesitated, unsure of what to do. She was trembling and her small hands clutched mine like a lifeline.

“Alright,”I said softly. “You can come home with me for now.”

She nodded and wiped her tears.

***

Back at Lisa’s apartment, I sat Amelia at the table and put a plate of sandwiches in front of her. She ate quietly, her big eyes darting around the room.

“You live here alone?” she asked between bites.

“No,” I said, sitting across from her. “I'm staying with my friend, for now.”

She tilted her head. “Is she nice?”

I forced a smile. “Yes. The best you can find.”

“Thank you for helping me,” she said. “You’re really nice.”

Before I could respond, the doorbell rang.

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. Who could it be? Lisa was not expected to be home till evening.

“Stay here,” I told Amelia, getting up and walking to the door.

When I opened it, my breath caught in my throat.

Standing there, looking every bit as intimidating as his reputation suggested, was Michell Garcia.

Lisa wasn't exaggerating about his beauty, he had the kind of handsomeness that would make one forget their name.

His face was carved in marble, high cheekbones, a straight nose, and piercing ocean eyes.

His skin was flawless and his lips? Oh, his lips were so plump and full and his hair gleamed like polished silk.