CHAPTER6

Bianca

My heart hammered as the agents stepped fully inside, papers and tablets in hand.

“We received anonymous documentation alleging your involvement in insider trading and evidence tampering related to Smith Industries.” The man whose name was Randy said.

Liam’s jaw clenched.

“What the hell are you talking about? That’s impossible.”

“We’ll determine that,” Agent Randy responded.

He turned to look at me.

“Mrs Smith, we were told you leaked internal company emails to the press.”

“What!” I staggered back. “I did no such thing,” I swallowed hard.

“The agent's tone was measured. We have messages traced to your laptop madam.”

I felt the heat drain from my face. How did my laptop get in the middle of all this?

I turned to Liam, and he held my gaze with a warm look, I let out a quiet sigh.

When I finally managed to open my mouth to defend myself the agent cut in.

“Mrs Smith, for the record, are you aware you are a person of interest?” He asked 

I inhaled shakily, forcing calm into my voice.

“I’ve not the slightest idea of what’s going on,”

We’d,” the agent began, but a strange man walked in and cut him off.

“I’ll take it from here man,” he said, giving the agent a light tap on the shoulder.

He looked handsome in his well-tailored suit that hugged his tall frame perfectly.

There was something about him, like he was in control without trying. 

As soon as he walked in, the room felt different. He didn’t have to say much to show he was the one in charge. 

He looked at me, and our eyes met for a moment before I quickly looked away.

“Mr Smith,” he flashed a badge, “I’m Agent Noah Blackwood from the FBI.  My men and I are here to ask you a few questions.

“I understand the importance of cooperation.” Liam said calmly, “You may ask anything.”

He questioned Liam in private for a while. A few minutes later, they came out, and the agent signaled to me. 

I stood up quietly and we walked out.

As soon as we stepped aside, I found my voice.

“Sir, I had..”

The agent gently cut me off, his tone warm.

“I’m so sorry you had to get caught up in all this. I know you’re not guilty of anything, I just need to ask a few questions. It’s standard procedure,” he said, meeting my eyes kindly,

I swallowed hard. How could he tell I wasn't involved?

“Why’re you so sure about that?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

“Bianca none of this is important, he blurted, and I cut him off.

“It’s Mrs Smith to you,” I said calmly. “And how on earth did you know my name?”

I blinked rapidly, trying to process. 

My head spun. Everything was happening too fast, too loud, too strange.

He said nothing, he just stood there, calm, with his hands tucked neatly into his pockets.

“I’ll ask again, " I said, my voice firmer this time, breaking the heavy silence.  “How did you get my name?”

He sighed quietly.

“I’ve been keeping an eye on you for sometime now,” he said calmly. “It’s part of the investigation, I witnessed everything that transpired at the gala night also, I know you’re not the villain,” he raised an eyebrow.

I stiffened.

“There's a lot you don’t know about the Smiths,” he added, his eyes locking with mine. “ I need you to answer a few questions.”

His voice softened. “You can trust me.”

Something in his tone, steady and warm, made the tightness in my chest ease just a little. 

I gave a small nod.

“Are you ready?” He asked 

I nodded again.

“Good, what has your marriage with Mr Smith been like?” He asked.

I raised an eyebrow, “What does my marriage have to do with anything?”

“Are you happy?” He asked, voice low but intense.

I swallowed hard.

“My marriage is perfect,” I snapped.

“If you say so,” he sighed. “Is there someone you think could be targeting the Smith family?”

I nodded, “None that I can think of,”

He gazed at me and gave a small nod.

“That’s alright, my team and I will stay in touch,”

He said, reaching into his breast pocket. He pulled out a card and handed it to me.

“Here if you find out anything, do not hesitate to call me, it’s always better to speak up first. I'd hate to see you take the fall for someone else’s crimes.

I stared at him, stunned.

“For God's sake, Mr..”

“Noah Blackwood,” he said gently, cutting me off. His eyes locked with mine.

I blinked and quickly looked away.

“Mr Blackwood, I appreciate the concern but I won’t be needing your card, nor would I be calling you,” I replied firmly.

“I mean no harm,” he said softly.

“I know that sir,” I responded.

“If you insist,” he shrugged. “A word of advice, be careful around these guys, there’s a lot you might be missing. We should get back to your husband now,” he said.

I stood frozen for a second, watching as Noah walked away. 

He seemed calm and polite yet something about him felt mysterious. 

Could Liam and Fredrick truly be hiding something? 

The thought lingered, as I followed quietly behind.

We walked back into the house. 

Noah Blackwood and his team left shortly after. Leaving Liam and me alone in the wide, silent living room.

Liam cleared his throat,

“What questions did he ask?” he said, facing the wall with his back to me.

“He asked about our marriage and if I knew anyone who might be against you or your father,” I replied.

“And what did you say?” He asked flatly, his back still facing me.

“I told him our marriage was perfect and that I knew of no enemies,” I said.

Liam turned to face me and my stomach knotted.

“I think someone’s trying to set us up,” he said, raising an eyebrow.

“Liam you have to believe me, I had nothing to do with the messages on my laptop. I would never do a thing like that.” I said.

He gave a small nod, arms folded across his chest.

“I know you didn’t,” he muttered. “You ain’t so stupid to make such a dumb ass move.”

I frowned at his words.

He always insulted me at every given opportunity.

I opened my mouth to speak, but just then, his phone rang, slicing through the tension.

He glanced at the screen, and his face grew pale.