5. Business Partner.

Rachel’s POV

I stood in front of my closet, scanning the row of clothes. I knew I had to dress decently and not overdress to avoid alertness; maybe a poor-class blend, but all my outfits were very custom-made; it was hard to settle for one.

After standing for a minute or two contemplating, I chose a modest skirt and blouse combo, adding a lightweight jacket to complete the look.

As I finished styling my hair into a ponytail, I heard footsteps approaching.

Diana walked in with a cup of coffee.

"Girl, you look... polished," Diana said, eyeing me up and down.

"Too polished?" I asked, smoothing my skirt.

"A little bit," Diana replied, handing me the coffee. "You're supposed to be poor-class, Rach, not upper crust."

I laughed, adjusting my jacket. "I'll tone it down."

"Just leave it; you’re running late already, and Darius is downstairs waiting,” she announced.

Damn it!

The mere mention of his name sent shivers crawling up my skin.

Diana's expression turned serious, snapping me out of my train of thought. "Listen, I know what Andrew and the Bis family did to you. But you can't let him get to you, not now. Stay focused; get the job done."

"I will," I promised, taking a sip of coffee.

"Remember, we will get that revenge, but at least not yet," Diana cautioned. "You can't exact revenge and expect to come out unscathed, at least not now... We need to gather as much shit as they have up their sleeves before bringing them to their ruin."

"Thank you, Daina,” I state, feeling a bit better from the tension burning within me.

Diana's eyes locked onto mine. "You're doing this for you, not for Andrew. You're taking back control."

I nodded, a surge of resolve flowing through me.

"When it's all over," Diana continued, "you’ll have them crawling back to you, seeking mercy.”

A sly smile spread on my lips, the thought sounding so pleasing.

I will surely bring them down to their ruin.

I took a deep breath, mentally preparing myself for the day ahead.

"Thanks, Di," I said, hugging her tight. "I couldn't do this without you."

Diana smiled, pulling back. "You're strong, Rach. You got this."

We woke downstairs, meeting Darius at the door, his eyes scanning through my outfit, making me fidget with my fingers.

"Good morning,” he greets.

I nod. “Shall we?”

He led the way.

We settled inside the car, and soon we hit the road.

"I would be dropping you off a few walks away from the company and walking there.” He states pulling something out of his pockets.

I didn’t have to ask why, knowing it was to avoid unnecessary attention my appearance needed to match my poor status.

"Remember, I know things may get messy there, but try as much as possible to avoid triggering any suspicion. Keep you cool," Darius advised.

He finally pulled out a black cover from his pocket, slipping it open. "Here, take this." He ushers. "They're nanopods. We'll use it to communicate. If anything pops up, alert me and I will do the same."

I nod. "Okay."

We soon got to the spot where I dropped off and walked the remaining distance to the company.

As we walked into the company, we reported at the secretary’s desk.

A slow hiss escapes from my lips as I watch her drool over Darius.

"Come with me, Mr. Reid; I’ll show you to your office,” she announced.

She turned back to me momentarily, “Stay here; I'll come back to you shortly,” before she walked away.

Darius gave me a nod before following suit.

I scoffed.

A familiar voice came to my hearing, urging me to turn and meet with Victoria’s dark stare.

"Well, well, well. Look what we have here," Victoria sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "Rachel, the poor little wife who couldn't keep her husband satisfied."

"What do you want, Victoria?" I asked, standing tall.

"You're here to work?" Victoria laughed. "You'll never last. I'll make sure you get fired."

"I dare you," I said, my eyes locked on hers.

Victoria's smile twisted. "You were never good enough for Andrew. You were just a poor thing leaching off him. You couldn't even give him a child."

I felt a sting, but I refused to back down. "You're disgusting, Victoria. And a betrayer, I can't believe I ever trusted you.”

Victoria's face reddened. "How dare you!"

"You slept with my husband," I spat. "You destroyed my marriage."

Victoria's hand flashed out, slapping me across the face.

I gasped, shock coursing through me.

"I didn’t beg him to come to satisfy himself; you were good for nothing; he had to go behind your back every time and sneak up to me, seeking comfort and absolute love," Victoria hissed.

Before I could respond, Darius joined us, his eyes widening in shock as his gaze came into contact with mine. “Rachel? What are you doing here? I thought I made it clear that we are over! I don’t need you in my life,” he hissed out in annoyance.

Victoria pulled him in for a kiss that had bile rising within me; I felt like throwing up.

My eyes stung with a new set of tears, my heart shattering all over again.

They broke the kiss. “She’s not worth it, baby; let her be.”

"What is she doing here?” He asks.

Suddenly Darius’s familiar voice filled the air, his tune high and authoritative. “She’s with me,” he responds.

Darius pulled away from Victoria, “Oh! Uncle, lovely to have you work with us.”

Uncle?

Wait what?

Did I hear wrong?

Darius ignores, “I would like you to respect my business partner for as long as I stay here.”

Andrew sends me a glare before nodding, “Apologies, such will not happen again.”

Darius hissed, "Good," and he responded by walking to me and grabbing a hold of my wrist, pulling me with him.