Chapter 4 The package

"Keep hiding, Emine. No matter what, I will hunt you down, and you will face the consequences of your actions," he sneered, relishing the thought of the chase.

"Keep digging deeper. Inform Ella to bring me a cup of coffee," Aiden commanded as his secretary exited the room.

Shortly after, a knock interrupted his solitude.

"Come in," Aiden granted permission.

"Boss, here's your coffee," the secretary announced, placing the glass on his desk.

"Wait, stay," Aiden uttered just two words, but his secretary understood his preference. Conversations were not his strong suit, leaving her to wonder if he had someone special in his life.

Aiden picked the coffee as he was still glancing through the documents, he took a sip and spit it out. Her secretary heard her boss angry voice, snapping her back to reality.

"You imbecile! Did you not check the coffee's temperature? Do you want to scald my mouth?" Aiden's roar echoed through the office, startling his coworkers outside.

"I am sorry boss. But last time, three days ago, you got angry when I made it warm, stating your preference for a hot one. I'm truly sorry," the secretary pleaded, kneeling on the floor.

She didn't mind the scalding coffee; her concern lay in keeping her job. Despite her boss's harsh demeanor, she was hoping her boss wouldn't fire her. She has a bedridden father to take care of. Her sister is also in her final years and so she must settle her debt before she will be able to graduate. Losing this job was not an option she could afford.

Life's fairness seemed elusive in that moment. Sometimes she wishes she could give up as this was too heavy to carry. But for the sake of her poor family, she has no choice but to keep moving.

"You fool! I won't forgive you next time. Now get out of my sight," Aiden impatiently waved her away.

"Thank you, boss. Thank you very much," she expressed her gratitude with continuous bows, but Aiden impatiently waved her off.

Another knock reverberated through the room after the secretary's departure.

"Boss, you've received a package," his assistant informed him.

"What is it?" Aiden asked, seemingly unconcerned.

"I haven't checked. Shall I?"

"Open it," Aiden initially ordered, but then hesitated. "No, wait. Leave."

Perplexed by the sudden change, the assistant paused and exited the office as instructed.

Aiden's instincts urged him to personally open the package, prompting him to dismiss his secretary and face its contents alone.

As he beheld its contents, his expression morphed, and beads of sweat formed on his forehead. A wave of emotions washed over him—pain, anger, hatred, fear, and more—too complex to put into words.

Enraged, he unleashed his fury upon the table, shattering objects in his path, even the window panes couldn't escaped his wrath.

Who dared to commit such a crime? And what audacity to send it directly to him? Aiden seethed in silent fury.

Inside the package lay a white sheet, adorned with a few boldly written words: "The game has just begun."

Accompanying the cryptic message was the severed head of his beloved cousin, whom he had fought tooth and nail to protect. Aiden cherished his cousin, the sole remaining family from his deceased brother—a brother whose last wish he had failed to fulfill.

Carved into the forehead of the head were the words "Devil Queen."

"I swear I will strip this woman of her skin. She will cry out for death, but death will be denied to her," Aiden vowed, his aura radiating a danger more potent than death itself.

Initially, he had refrained from interfering with her actions, believing she hadn't crossed his path. But now, she had overstepped her bounds, awakening the wrath of the Lion King and treading upon the snake's tail. He loosened his necktie, "Finn!" Aiden's voice thundered through the office, summoning his personal assistant. He knew he was standing behind the office door.

"Boss," Finn, already standing outside the door, responded with trepidation. Hoping to avoid offense, he silently uttered a prayer for his safety.

"By the power of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, protect my life," Finn clasped his hands together, seeking divine intervention.

"Do you have short legs?!" Aiden's impatient voice snapped him out of his thoughts.

"Sorry, boss. I rushed here as soon as you called. I apologize," Finn stammered, his anxiety palpable.

"Who sent this package?" Aiden demanded.

What could possibly be inside that had rattled his boss so intensely?

"I'm sorry, boss, but the person who delivered it, was a new employee, I think this was his first to deliver into our company" Finn responded, confusion etched across his face.

"Damn it!" Aiden cursed, his anger mounting.

"Boss, what's wrong?" Finn inquired, still processing the situation and struggling to comprehend.

"Just take a look," Aiden commanded, passing the package to Finn.

"What? Isn't this your cousin? How did this happen? And why is 'Deadly Queen' written on his forehead?" Finn's bewilderment grew.

"You fool! If I knew, would I be asking you? Find every piece of information on this bitch. I want every detail. Also, make sure everything is on schedule for our meeting with the new CEO of Blay's company."

"Understood, boss. I'll get right on it," Finn nodded, his mind reeling from the shock. Goosebumps cascaded down his arms.

He had heard rumors about the Deadly Queen, but he had never imagined she possessed such a heartless nature.

Shaking his head to clear the haunting image, Finn hurriedly left the office, his fear still lingering in the air.

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