Chapter Fifty Two

The sun was starting to set and it's only a matter of time before the city became busy with cars again. Daisy's staff were more than eager to call it a day and wrap it all up once the last bit of customers in the store were ready to leave.

The front door burst open and Rune stormed in, his presence making everyone drop silent. His eyes scanned the room, ignoring the startled glances of the few customers enjoying their late night pastries.

"Where is she?" Rune demanded, his voice cutting through the gentle chatter.

"I know she's here! Where's Thea?"

Customers shifted uncomfortably, some whispering, others simply staring. The once cozy atmosphere of the cafe quickly turned tense but Rune didn't care. He walked deeper into the room, his eyes fixed on the counter, his jaw tight.

"I need to speak with Thea Balmero!" he barked, his voice rising, causing a young woman to spill a bit of her tea.

"Tell her Rune Sterling is here and he demands to see her!” he snapped, his eyes fixed on one of the attendants behind the counter.

“I…ill g0 get the manager.” The ypung lady disapproved behind the counter instantly.

The last thing she wanted was to be the subject of this man's fury and besides, Daisy was Thea's friend. Maybe she could make a call for her to come back..

“Isn't that Runes of the Sterling Empire?”

“Yes! That's him! Why would he come here?”

“Why is he looking for Thea is the right question!”

“What do you mean why? Haven't you been on WeTalk recently? People think he lied about Thea being a cheat!”

“My goodness, really? I haven't been on WeTalk f0r a while because of my work deadlines! Did they find out he was lying?”

“Runours said theres more to that story! You know how shady the Sterlings can get sometimes!”

From the back, Daisy appeared, her brow furrowed. She had heard the commotion from the back from a familiar and unwelcomed voice.

It's been hours since Daisy said her goodbyes to Thea. It was getting pretty late and Thea had. to return to the mansion. Daisy had decided to retire into her office and call it a day when she heard Rune's annoying voice, barking like a rabid dog in her cafe..

She took one look at Rune's furious face and her own anger brewed. Who the hell does this self absorbed bastard think he is, coming in here and yelling at her staff like a manic?!

"What do you think you're doing? Yelling at my customers? Are you insane?" Daisy asked, her voice calm but filled with venom.

She walked towards him, her hands on her hips. As much as she was upset, she didn't want to turn this into a screaming contest or alarm her customers.

Rune finally focused on her, his eyes blazing. “Danielle?”

Daisy scoffed, the asshole doesn't even know her name!

“Perfect. Where is she? I know she's been here. I need to talk to Thea, now!"

"Thea isn't here, and even if she was, she wouldn't want to see you," Daisy shot back, her patience wearing thin. "You have no right to come into my cafe and scare my customers. Get out!"

"Don't lie to me!" Rune snarled, taking a step closer. "I know she's hiding! And I know you're helping her! Just tell me where she is, and I'll leave quietly."

"Quietly?" Daisy scoffed as she walked even closer to him, challenging him. "You're making a scene! You think you can just waltz in here and demand anything you want? This isn't your house, Rune! This is my business, and you're disrupting it!" She pointed a trembling finger at the door. "Get out! Now!"

Rune ignored her, his eyes still scanning the cafe as if Thea would magically appear from behind the espresso machine.

"I'm not leaving until I get answers! My name is being slandered all over Wetalk, and she's behind it! I know it!"

Daisy's face flushed with fury. Her friend had been through enough and yet, Runes was here being an asshole! She had put up with Rune's arrogance for too long.

"You won't leave?" Daisy's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, her eyes narrowing. "Fine."

Without another word, she spun around and stormed towards the kitchen.

Rune, still fuming, watched her go, a smirk playing on his lips.

“Thea! I know you're here! I called your number a dozen times but you didn't respond! Fine! Let's have a chat, one on one then!”

A few seconds later, Daisy burst back out, a large steaming kettle of hot water clutched in her hands. Her eyes were fixed on Rune, a devious glint in their depths.

Rune's eyes widened in shock. He took a hasty step back, a sudden realization dawning on him. Daisy wasn't bluffing.

“W..What are you doing?! Are you out of your mind?!”

"I said, GET OUT!" Daisy shrieked, taking a menacing step forward, the kettle tilted slightly. Steam rose from its spout and Runes almost shrieked in fright.

He turned on his heel and scrambled backwards, stumbling over a chair, his face pale with alarm. He bolted for the door, pushing past surprised customers, and fled the cafe like a scalded cat.

He didn't stop until he reached his car, parked hastily on the street outside. He threw himself into the driver's seat, his heart pounding, his chest heaving.

Soon, his eyes clouded with anger. “That witch!” She snapped.

He slammed his hand on the steering wheel, his fury returning. How dare that nobody humiliate her like that in front of everyone?!

She was holding that kettle like she was really going to hurt him! If he didn't run out of there, she would have for sure, judging by that look in her eyes!

Hell, he never liked her! That Daisy girl! There was just something off about her and the way she looked at him like she wouldn't mind slitting his throat open for free!

He stared at the cafe, eyes narrowed. If Thea was hiding, she wouldn't hide forever. And Daisy... Daisy was her best friend.

He knew she'd eventually lead him right to Thea. He'd just have to be patient.

Rune pulled out his phone, his mind already formulating a new plan. He'd find her. And when he did, Thea would regret ever crossing him.