A TARGETED LIFE

“When we meet tomorrow,” Derek replied as the two cars drove toward their car.

About ten bodyguards stepped out and bowed to Derek.

“I’ll take my leave now. Please make sure you come,” Rafe said as he stepped away, walking off into the night. Derek watched him until he disappeared into the darkness, then he stepped out of his car and walked toward the second vehicle they had brought.

“One of you, take both of them to the hospital,” he instructed, gesturing toward the car he had exited.

“Yes, boss,” one of the men replied as he got into the driver’s seat and sped off. Derek slid into the other car, and they drove away.

Soon, they arrived at his penthouse.

“Dig deeper into this attack. And stay alert, everyone,” Derek warned before heading inside. One of his men picked up his belongings and followed him in.

Derek took a shower, changed into his pajamas, and collapsed onto his bed, utterly exhausted.

“Who would want me dead?” he murmured, lost in thought.

“I’ve wronged no one… right? So why would anyone want to harm me, or…”

His thoughts spiraled until a knock at the door jolted him. A shiver of fear ran through his body.

“Who… who is it?” he asked, standing up as his legs trembled.

“Sir, it’s Ren. Dinner is served,” a voice answered from the other side.

“Take it away. I’m not hungry,” Derek replied, trying to steady the frantic beating of his heart.

“Yes, sir,” Ren said, her footsteps fading down the hallway.

“Thank goodness,” Derek exhaled, panting.

He sank back onto the bed, forcing himself to sleep, but the moment his eyes closed, flashes of the attack flooded his mind; the hands clamped over his mouth, the glint of the blade, and Rafe fighting with everything he had.

“Rafe Serafin…” he murmured.

“Rafe Serafin… Rafe Serafin…” he repeated until sleep finally claimed him.

**Morning**

Derek showered, dressed, and slid into his car, another vehicle trailing behind him. Ten men accompanied him. When they arrived, Derek stepped out, five of the men escorting him to the elevator and all the way to his office. Three remained outside the door, while two followed him inside.

“Join them outside. No one comes in unless I say so,” Derek instructed as they obeyed immediately.

He sat alone in his office, exhausted, pretending nothing had happened.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Boss, Steve is here,” one of his men announced.

“Let him in,” Derek said.

The door creaked open as Steve stepped inside, heavily bandaged.

“Good morning, boss,” Steve greeted.

“You shouldn’t have bothered coming. You should be in the hospital right now,” Derek said.

“Sir, I came to remind you about the board meeting. It’s very important, and since I couldn’t find my phone to contact you, I had to come myself,” Steve explained.

“Steve, honestly, this isn’t worth it. We can reschedule the meeting,” Derek replied.

“Sir, you know how difficult it was to arrange this. I had to come,” Steve insisted.

“Well, life is more important than a meeting,” Derek exhaled, rubbing his face tiredly with his palm.

Then he met Steve’s gaze firmly.

“Cancel my meetings. All of them.”

“But sir, the board…”

“Cancel everything,” Derek repeated, his voice cold enough to end the argument.

“And head back to the hospital. Get your treatment alongside Jack.” He added.

“Yes, sir,” Steve said, stepping out and closing the door behind him.

Derek leaned back in his chair, exhaling shakily. His hands were no longer trembling, but his mind was unraveling.

“I need to go to the bar. I can’t wait till night, I can’t,” he muttered.

He stood, straightened his suit, grabbed his phone, and headed out. His bodyguards followed as he entered the car, and they sped away.

They arrived at the bar. Derek walked in and took his usual seat while his bodyguards stood behind him.

Shawn hurried over.

“Mr. Derek, welcome, sir. What may we serve you?” he asked, bowing his head.

Derek scanned the bar, searching for Rafe, but he didn’t see him.

“Sir,” Shawn called, trying to regain his attention.

“I’d like a glass of wine,” Derek said, still watching.

“Yes, sir. It will be served shortly,” Shawn replied, turning to leave, but Derek’s voice stopped him.

“Wait. I want Rafe to serve me.”

Shawn turned back, shock flashing across his face.

“Sir, Rafe isn’t suited for this job. Yesterday he spilled wine on you. This bar holds high standards and requires highly trained staff,” Shawn said, expecting praise.

Instead, Derek’s eyes widened.

“Where is Rafe?” Derek demanded, his voice rising.

“I… I fired him. I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner,” Shawn said.

Derek’s expression hardened as he arched a brow.

“Find him, Shawn. Find him,” Derek said, his tone sharp with warning.

“Sir, I don’t know anything about him or where he lives. He wasn’t officially employed, he was on trial. I gave him another chance today, but he drenched a customer with liquor. I had no choice but to fire him. I’m sorry if you’re still upset,” Shawn explained.

Derek inhaled deeply, then turned to him.

“How can you allow someone to work here without knowing anything about them? Are you even sensible?” Derek snapped.

“I’m sorry, sir. I know it’s my fault, but…”

“Shut up,” Derek cut in coldly. “And for your information, if you don’t find him within the next forty-eight hours, you can kiss your job goodbye.”

With that, Derek turned and left the bar.

Shawn began pacing in panic.

“I can’t lose this job… I’ve been here for years,” he muttered, wiping his face. “Sir, you can’t fire me…”