03 Uninvited Intrusions

03

Uninvited Intrusions

The elevator chimed and slid open, inviting movement but the moment its passengers came into view, the crowd waiting to enter froze. All chatter ceased, fingers twitched, and faces paled. One glance was all it took to cause the shift. They retreated in unison, instinctively stepping aside.

“Miss Veronica,” someone whispered under their breath, heads bowing with fearful reverence.

A lady in a red figure hugging dress emerged, her auburn dyed hair shimmering under the corridor lights. Veronica Smith carried herself like a queen returning to her court except everyone would rather not be her subject. Her heels clicked against the marble with practiced precision, echoing a warning through the corridor. Trouble had arrived.

She brushed a hand through her thick curls, revealing faint signs of dye damage. Whatever reason had brought her to the Smith Corporation today, it was clearly more personal than professional.

She swept past them with barely a glance, her jaw set, her grip tight on a designer handbag that swung with barely restrained fury. Judging by the fire in her eyes, something had clearly set her off.

She made her way toward the top executive offices, ignoring the tense greetings and stiff backs that turned as she passed. At the executive floor, Alexander’s personal secretary rushed to block her path, an act both brave and foolish.

“Miss Veronica,” the secretary said, voice shaky but resolute. “Mr. Smith is currently unavailable.”

Veronica halted. Her gaze slid down the woman with open disgust. “Move,” she said coldly.

When the secretary hesitated, Veronica didn’t bother to argue. With a swift shove, she knocked the woman aside and stormed toward the CEO’s office.

Veronica barely spared her a glance. “Next time, don’t waste my time,” she muttered before twisting the handle and striding in like she owned the place.

The secretary sighed from the floor, brushing herself off. “Well... I tried.”

Veronica barged in without knocking only to be met with a sight she could’ve done without. She stopped mid-step.

Bent over the desk was a half-naked woman, moaning shamelessly as Alexander took her from behind with unrestrained vigor. His groans filled the air, completely oblivious to their audience. Every executive office in Smith Corporation was soundproofed so they could be unbothered as they wanted. 

Veronica grimaced. “Ugh. Seriously?”

This wasn’t the first time she’d caught him like this. Ever since his beloved wife died, Alexander had spiraled drinking, screwing anything under a skirt. He … He was pathetic. She dropped her handbag on the couch, dragged a chair forward, and slammed it against the desk.

The sharp bang finally snapped the whores out of their haze.

The woman shrieked and scrambled to cover herself. Alexander groaned and stepped back, annoyance painting his expression as he pulled up his trousers and buckled them.

“Inside. Now,” he barked at the girl, who rushed into the adjoining room without a word.

His shirt remained half tucked as he turned to face his sister. “What the hell do you want?”

Veronica folded her arms, unbothered by his frustration. “So there’s a whole inner room here, and you still chose to do it on your desk. So classy of you.” 

“It’s my office. I’ll do what I want,” Alexander snapped, straightening a few papers.

She scoffed. “Of course, you’d say that. Anyway, I didn’t come here to watch your little porno show.”

“Then talk and leave.”

“Whatever,” she said, waving it off. Veronica's glare hardened. “You sent Ryan to that old woman’s place and I had to hear it from his wretched nosy crusty nanny. You didn’t think I should know?”

Alexander’s brows knitted. “What are you talking about?”

“Don’t act clueless,” Veronica spat. “You sent Ryan to her place without telling me. I showed up at the mansion and looked like a clueless idiot in front of that nanny.”

Alexander pinched the bridge of his nose, sighing in frustration. “Ryan is my son. I don’t need your approval to decide what’s best for him. And for the record, that 'old woman' is our mother. And Margaret is not wretched.”

“She’s not my mother,” Veronica hissed. “And you know it. I denounced her years ago.”

Alexander stepped forward and shoved her handbag into her chest. “You want to pick a fight? Not today, Veronica. I’m not in the mood.”

“You never are,” she snapped, her eyes sharp. “Don’t send him there again without telling me.”

He stared at her down. “What exactly is your problem with her? You and Mother have been dancing around some secret for years and I’m done being stuck in the middle of something no one will explain.”

Veronica looked away. Silence. The same silence she always offered when that topic came up.

Alexander turned, picked up his tie, and walked towards the inner room. “Get out,” he said without looking back.

Veronica stood there for a moment, her hands clenched. “No, this isn’t going as planned,” she muttered under her breath. “I have to find a way to stop this. Either bring Ryan back… or make sure he never goes near that old hag again.” She turned on her heels and stride out of the office. 

As her car sped away from the building, her mind raced. She needed a new plan.

Back at the Smith mansion, Margaret was in her room freshening up. With Ryan away, things were quieter, lighter. The household staff managed most of the chores, but she remained watchful, ensuring everything ran smoothly. Still, her thoughts were elsewhere, on Alexander, who hadn’t come home last night. Again.

Her phone rang.

She smiled as the name lit up on her screen. “Oh, Ryan,” she said warmly, answering.

“Margaret!” Ryan’s voice was cheerful. “How are you?”

“I should ask you that. How’s the holiday?”

“Only just got here yesterday,” he said. “But… I think I’m going to love it.” There was a pause, a smile in his voice. “I met someone.”

Margaret chuckled. “Already? You don’t waste time, do you? How’s Grams?”

“She’s doing great. Town’s peaceful. Her cooking? Still amazing. But I still prefer yours.”

Margaret laughed. “Flatterer.”

“Hope that witchy aunt of mine isn’t giving you trouble?” Ryan’s tone darkened. “She called this morning. I don’t get why she can’t take a hint that she is not on my favorite lists. Stay clear of her, Margaret. I’m not there to protect you right now.”

“Don’t worry about me,” she said softly. “You know I’m good at ignoring nonsense.”

“Good. Keep it that way. I’ll call you again soon”. Margaret chuckled. It's surreal realizing the baby you brought up is now acting like a man, vouching to protect you. 

“Greet Grams for me, okay? I will call her later.” 

They ended the call, and Margaret sat back, smiling. She missed him. But her thoughts turned back to Alexander. Should she call him? Check if he was okay?

No. That wasn’t her place.

Ryan grinned, placing his phone aside. It felt good to talk to Margaret again. But just as he relaxed, a voice cut through his thoughts.

“So… you’re done talking to your girlfriend?”

He turned sharply. Tessy stood by the doorway, her expression blank, tone unreadable.

“My girlfriend?” he repeated, confused. “No, she…”

“Grams needs you downstairs.” She turned and walked away before he could explain.

Ryan’s face fell. Her coldness stung more than he expected.

Was this a challenge?

Because if it was… he was more than ready to meet it head-on.