Part 5

~Volatile~

Angela took a deep breath, her heart racing as she prepared to tell her boss, Beverly, the surprising news. Clearing her throat, she began, her voice steady yet cautious.

"Well... Beverley, you might want to sit down for this. Nick Vinerelli is Sheppard Choi's business partner."

Beverly's eyes widened in disbelief, her voice rising in shock. "What! What did you say?"

"Yes," Angela continued, choosing her words carefully. "He’s involved in an import business worth billions, but to be honest, he has made a few rather dubious investments along the way. One particularly noteworthy project that Mr. Choi has undertaken a massive hospital in South Korea—a building that features a wing dedicated to his late wife, who tragically passed away five years ago."

Beverly sighed and rolled her eyes in exasperation, trying to keep the mood light despite the gravity of the topic. 

"And Boss, you might find this next bit intriguing."

Beverly leaned on the restaurant table, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "What is it?"

"Shep Choi also has a grown son named Victor Choi," Angela revealed, her tone brightening. He was recently appointed as the company's vice president."

Angela paused, ensuring that Beverly was still with her. "Beverly, are you still following this?" she asked, intently waiting for her boss's reaction.

"Yes, yes, I am, so he has a son…You don't say…" she replied.

"I did say. But hey, I could be wrong about Nick Vinerelli knowing about your volatile past with Shep; I know how much you seem to enjoy being with him. I'll keep checking." I reassured my boss, Angela, who was always there for me.

"Of course, he knows! Men love to brag and gossip more than females." I said agitatedly.

"Mmm…" Angela voiced.

I sat there, frozen momentarily, before finally responding, "Yeah, I need you to be 100% sure, especially about the son. Please keep checking to confirm." Thank you, Angelique."

I knew Angelique was very sharp and aware of how I was feeling. For the first time, I could almost sense her picking up on a hint of disappointment in my voice. I trusted her to understand, knowing she would worry about my state of mind.

*****

A sense of urgency washed over me as I stepped out of the restaurant and into the cool evening air. The news from Angelique replayed in my mind. If something goes wrong, how can I continue this mission? But the web I had woven here tonight pushed me to seek some form of protection—just in case my intuition might be failing me, but it never has in the past. 

The office building loomed ahead, its familiar outline both comforting and foreboding. Angelique was there, a silent observer, her eyes locked onto me from across the room. I felt she sensed the weight of my intentions, the secret I had tucked away in my locked desk drawer. Though hidden, my intentions were clear. I was prepared to do whatever it took to see this mission through.

"Beverly, are you okay?" her voice pierced through my haze of thoughts.

"I'm fine. Have a good evening, Angelique, and please drive home safely," I replied, my tone icy and detached, clearly reflecting my resolve. As I turned to close the door behind me, I could feel the cold metal of the object nestled within my purse, a stark reminder of my determination.

Angela stood up and ran to Beverly's office to check the locked drawer. It was left unlocked, so I pulled it out and opened it.

"Oh no! Beverly took it! It was gone! She put it in her purse, and I didn't even see her do it!" Angelique nervously stated.

"Beverly! Are you still here?" I called out, my voice trembling with concern and fear.

I didn't answer her. Instead, I left the office, my heart pounding, and entered the elevator. Angela stood there, her eyes fixed on Beverly's stern face, which slowly faded away behind the closed elevator doors. A mix of confusion washed over me, and I didn't know what she would do. “She would dare use it. Would she?”

*******

Once I arrived home, the heels that had clicked were soon replaced by the soft padding of my feet against the hardwood floor. An ache settled deep within me as I went to the bedroom, compelled to conceal my tension by going to bed early tonight. The clock ticked towards 10:30 p.m., marking a time that felt eternal. It pained me to acknowledge the existence of a man I had begun to care for amidst all this turmoil. Yet, my focus remained steadfast; I was determined to do whatever it took to safeguard my child and exact my revenge on the one who had caused us so much anguish, my resolve unshaken.

As I flicked off the light in the living room, the shadows swallowed the space, reflecting the darkness that had crept into my life. I retreated into my bedroom, shedding the layers of expensive clothing that clung to my drained body, each fabric a tether to a world I longed to escape. I had never felt this utterly exhausted before, every movement a struggle. As I let my pants pool at my feet, I worked to unbutton my blouse, feeling the tension ebb away when, suddenly, the doorbell rang, a jarring interruption that shattered the fragile peace.

A deep frown etched across my forehead as I realized I hadn't anticipated any visitors tonight. After bidding farewell to Nick, I settled into the cozy solitude of my evening.

I cinched my robe tighter around my waist, glancing at the intercom screen to see my driver standing at the entrance. 

"Yes, Steven?" I asked, a hint of curiosity in my voice.

"Ma'am, I have a package for you." 

Just then, Nick appeared from behind the open door. "Wait, don’t close that!"

"Nick, what are you doing here?" I asked, surprise catching in my throat.

"Thanks, buddy—I'm all set now." Nick waved Steven off, sending him on his way. 

"Ma'am, he says he knows you. Is it alright if I leave?" Steven hesitated. 

Nick stood quietly, waiting for my answer, his presence filling the space between us. 

"Absolutely. I’ll be fine. Thank you, Steven." 

The moment the door clicked shut, my heart raced as Nick pushed me back against the wall with a swift motion, his foot securing the door behind him. Shadows cloaked his features, only the sleek sheen of his dark hair catching the light. His suit jacket hung open, revealing a crisp white shirt that clung to his form, while a sharp black tie added to his allure. 

My gaze traced the lines of his body, lingering on the way his slacks perfectly embraced the powerful muscles in his thighs. I couldn't help but let my tone remain calm as I said, "Hello. I didn't expect to see you so soon."

Nick’s gaze bore into me, intense and predatory, like a wild panther ready to pounce. 

"I didn’t think you’d make this so easy," he replied, a low, sultry growl that sent shivers down my spine.

At that moment, it dawned on me—Nick knew. He had discovered my secret. Yet beneath the layers of fury emanating from him, I could sense a strange, intoxicating attraction swirling in the air mixed with his revenge. It's a familiar sentiment I had recognized all too well because I felt the same way.

As I locked eyes with his dangerous stare, I marveled at how captivating he looked, even though he was simmering with rage. That gaze was like a perilous caress, and it struck me: perhaps I wouldn’t mind if he swept me away into that storm of vengeance.

The thought causes a half smile to come on my lips.

Nick flashed his piece on his side. I could feel his power press against me as he stood so near, his forearm against my upper chest. I didn't like it, but I knew to respect it the way you respect a 5.0 hurricane.

His cologne permeates my nostrils, filling them with sweet danger. He raises his piece as he steps back, aiming it at my chest. I feel a lump swell in my throat as I hoarsely say.

"You're not my target. You just happened to be in my way. You won't shoot me before you hear what I have to say? If you're going to kill me, let me at least explain first."

His gorgeous lips twitched as he pulled back the trigger!