BerniceJust then, the elevator opened.I quickly pushed Christian out of the way and walked out of the elevator first, but my face was still hot. We made it back to the office, and Christian was back to his usual professional, calm demeanor, as if what had just happened was an illusion on my part.I breathed a sigh of relief, sat back at my desk, and started today's work as well.But as I scrolled through my emails, one in particular caught my eye - an invitation to a business cocktail party addressed to ChristianI leaned forward, scanning the details. This event would be attended by top executives and key partners of the Miller Corporation, the very people who might hold the answers I so desperately needed. Ever since joining the company, I'd been discreetly digging into Fed's work and financials, but every department I queried came back clean. Too clean. It was becoming increasingly clear that someone high up the ladder was helping him cover his tracks.This party could be my chan
Bernice I struggled to open my eyes, my head pounding and my vision blurred. As I slowly regained consciousness, I found myself in an unfamiliar room, the air heavy with a musty scent that made my stomach churn. My body felt weak and powerless, as if every ounce of strength had been drained from me. The "waiter" who had abducted me stood with his back turned, engaged in a hushed phone conversation. "Yes, Sir... I have her... Don't worry, I'll take care of it," he murmured, his voice low and menacing. "She won't be a problem anymore." I forced myself to take a deep breath, trying to quell the panic rising in my chest. My eyes darted around the room, searching for any clues that might help me understand why I was here. That's when I noticed a video camera positioned directly in front of me, its unblinking eye focused on my every move. A chill ran down my spine as I realized that this was no ordinary kidnapping. The "waiter" ended his call and turned to face me, a cruel smile
ChristianI gently shook the glass in my hand. It reflect the soft glow of the chandelier. My mind is elsewhere. After Bernice left, my head was all about her.She barely touched her food before she left. I thought maybe I could coax her to go out and get something to eat. There's a cozy Greek-inspired restaurant about a half hour's drive from here. Nothing fancy, and it might ease her exhaustion."Christian, you've been quiet tonight," Martin Eckhart says, a sharp-eyed financier who specializes in reading people and market trends, "Is something wrong?"I flashed a smile, "Just a long day, Martin. Moving on to our Asian business, there have been a lot of regulatory changes this year.""Leverage is the name of the game," Martin said, "but if we're not careful, these new policies could pull the rug out from under us.""Leverage," I said back, my thoughts wandering. Bernice didn't look like her usual self tonight, almost...... vulnerable.Julia, another colleague in our London office, in
ChristianI carried Bernice back to her room, her body seeming so fragile and light in my arms. The events of the night weighed heavily on my mind as I gently laid her on the bed, carefully arranging the pillows to make her more comfortable.I couldn't shake the guilt and anger that coursed through me - guilt that I hadn't been there to protect her sooner, and anger at the monster who had dared to lay a hand on her.As I pulled the covers over her trembling form, Bernice's eyes fluttered open, her normally vibrant gaze hazy and unfocused. "Christian," she mumbled, her hand reaching out clumsily to grasp mine. "Please... don't leave me."The raw vulnerability in her voice tore at my heart. I sat down on the edge of the bed, my free hand instinctively moving to brush a stray lock of hair from her flushed face. "I'm here, Bernice. I'm not going anywhere," I reassured her softly, my thumb tracing soothing circles on her palm. "You're safe now."But Bernice was insistent, pulling herself u
FedIn my office, the air felt thick, almost suffocating, as I tapped my fingers against the smooth surface of the desk. The glow from the digital clock kept reminding me that I might not have much time left.Christian Miller’s focus on the company's finances was more than an inconvenience. He threatened to unravel everything I had carefully built.This man was a thorn in my side, his impeccable reputation and infuriatingly clean record left me no angle to exploit. He was one step too close to the secrets I had buried deep within Miller Corporation’s financial ledgers. If he dug any deeper, I could lose everything.As these dreadful thoughts circled in my mind, the door to my office clicked shut.It is Melissa. I smiled.This little minx was a welcome distraction. Thus, I indulged her antics. She entered without a word, locked the door behind her, and a sly smile played across her lips.She shed her coat, revealing the revealing outfit beneath—tight, lacy, and black, barely there. Mel
BerniceI woke up with a start, my heart pounding in my chest as the sound of fierce knocking echoed through the room. Disoriented and on edge, I scanned my surroundings, realizing that I was alone. The events of the previous night came rushing back, and I shuddered at the memory of the horror I had endured.Cautiously, I made my way to the door, peering through the peephole. My stomach dropped as I saw Fed's face, twisted with anger and impatience.I considered ignoring him, hoping he would give up and leave, but his incessant pounding and shouting of my name made it clear that he wouldn't be deterred so easily. With a heavy sigh, I opened the door, keeping my body firmly planted in the doorway."What brings you here, Fed?" I asked, my voice was cold and flat.Instead of responding, Fed roughly pushed past me, nearly knocking me off balance as he stormed into my room. I stumbled backward, catching myself on the edge of the dresser."What the hell do you think you're doing?" I demande
BerniceThe sunlight filtering through the curtains felt too bright, too harsh for me. Christian stood there, unexpected, like a mirage that I feared would vanish if I blinked."Christian…" My voice sound calm with my feigned composure.He closed the door quietly behind him. His eyes searching mine that made my heart race."Has anyone been here? Fed Miller?" He walked over and sat down beside me on the plush carpet.I nodded slightly.For a few second Christian said nothing. His eyes didn't leave mine."Bernice, I am sorry to leave your alone with him. Are you okay?" His voice was filled with genuine concern. He easily broke the fragile dam I had built around my emotions.I didn't say anything. A sudden lump come to my throat when he looked at that. It's like he is seeing something in me. Something shameful. Something vulnerable.He just pulled me into his embrace, his arms strong around me. "Bernice. It’s okay to be scared," he murmured, his breath warm against my hair. "I want you k
BerniceMy eyelids fluttered open, the harsh fluorescent lights causing me to squint against the jarring brightness. My senses slowly recalibrated. I became aware of the steady beeps and gentle mechanical whirs surrounding my hospital bed. A curved monitor displayed my vitals in soothing pulses of green light.Right. I am in hospital. Charistian sent me here.I shift my head minutely on the scratchy pillow. A plastic tug of an IV line trailed up from the back of my hand to a bag hung bedside. Relief washed over me as I inhaled the air. The feverish heat and lancing pains are gone now.My parched lips parted as I unconsciously swiped my tongue across them. That's when my gaze landed on the side table where a glass of water there. And a note."Drink it. I'll be back soon. -C"I smiled. And I refold it. For some reason I didn't want to throw it away.My disheveled phone sat beside Christian's note. The lock screen alight. I took it and found a barrage of notifications. My chest warmed as