Chapter 12

Conrad's POV

The ballroom is really fancy, with gold lights and crystal chandeliers that make everything look elegant on the shiny marble floors. Every time someone laughs, it sounds like they're trying hard, and every handshake seems planned out. There are a lot of men standing around in nice suits; CEOs with names people recognize and egos that are really big.

I'm standing near one of the tables with a glass of whiskey in my hand. If someone is watching me, he'd think I'm calm and comfortable. I'm restless, slowly sipping whiskey I can't taste because my mind is glued to the text.

It stays in my head like glue. It's more like a burn that won't heal.

At first, I thought it was Diane and her good-for-nothing tricks, but when she received the same text, it all turned upside down and put my mind in total disarray.

She showed me the same text. Word for word, unknown number. It's messed up, honestly.

I just watch the CEOs and business elites discuss their desks and numbers, and I'm not paying attention or learning anything from their conversations. Nothing makes sense to me. The information is there, but none of it registers.

If Diane didn't send the message, then who did?

And why target both of us?

I'm a man who loves to be in charge of everything, but this message feels like someone is trying to control me. It makes me so self-aware that I think everyone close to me is an enemy or a potential suspect.

"You look like someone who's about to fight the chandelier. What's wrong with you, Conrad?" He asks this after I shudder, realizing Ward's presence.

I turn sharply, staring at him standing beside me. His tie is a little loose, which can only mean he's had a lot of conversations while I've been rooted in one place. I know he'll be concerned because I'm his major client and best friend.

"I didn't know you were here."

"I've been standing here for a while now and you didn't even notice me."

"I was..."

"I've been watching you, Conrad. You've been lost. Acting like someone who's about to commit suicide. Some people think you're part of the party's decoration because you've been holding a cup of whiskey you don't sip from. What's going on, brother?" Ward places his right hand on my shoulder and bends down to get a proper look at me.

I smile. "Nothing is going on, Ward. I'm fine."

"You don't need to lie to me, Conrad. If you killed someone, I can help you win the case. You know how good I am. Just tell me what's wrong." Ward persists, rubbing my left shoulder vigorously.

Is he trying to pull the words out of my mouth?

He's my best friend, so he knows when something's up, and hiding it from him will only make him more persistent.

"Are you still worried about the message? Is that what's bothering you?" Ward asks, like he already has it figured out.

"Yes, it's about that. At first I thought it was Diane, but she received the same text, which obviously means it's not her." I sigh without hesitation as he pushes the whiskey to my mouth.

"Drink and let me handle it. I'll find who sent that message and bring him to you, Conrad. No matter how well they think they've covered it up, I'll find that person and make him pay." Ward assures me.

"That's what I pay you for, right?" I let out a smile, this time genuine. It feels like Ward has lifted the burden off my chest.

Ward grins. "That is absolutely right."

Diane approaches us with a wide smile on her face. She seems confident, acting as professional as she should, but this time it's serious. I know it's all about the text; it gives her that cautious look. She's the same Diane but different, all thanks to the message.

"Wow, this gorgeous lady is coming right towards us, and I'd be damned if I don't get to know who she is." Ward exclaims. I know he's referring to my secretary, but he has no idea she's restricted. I can't let Ward get close to her. She's off limits.

As she gets closer, I stand and go to meet her, wondering if she has words for me. Ward follows, thinking I'm after her number or trying to know her better.

"This is my secretary, Ward. Diane, this is Ward, my best friend and lawyer."

I watch Ward's eyes widen as he looks Diane over, feeding his eyes. He blinks, trying to put on his seductive look to keep her head over heels.

"He never mentioned he hired someone as hot as you. You look like you've starred in a spy movie." Diane places her hand in Ward's, and he kisses her knuckles.

"She's never acted in a spy movie, Ward. She's a staff member working in my company. She's my secretary, do you understand that?"

"Diane is a nice name. Do you have any other name aside from the one your boss knows?" Ward goes on to ask, outrightly disrespecting me.

"No sir, Diane is my name." She responds, infuriating me.

Why is she flirting with another man in the presence of her boss? Does she know she could lose her job? Or is she doing this to spite me?

"Such a nice voice, and you look good too."

"You look good as well, sir." She responds and turns to look at me. I shoot a dead glare at her.

"I'll go back to my duty, boss." Diane backs away, returning to her duties.

"Come on, you should introduce me more often to hot staff in your office, Conrad." Ward chuckles as he collects my cup of whiskey and sips from it. He can't stop looking at her until she disappears from the hallway.

"Don't go near her, my friend." I warn, my face serious.

"I was only shaking her hand. Besides, there's no harm in..."

"I know that, but don't forget I know you. This is a warning, Ward. Don't go near her. Pay attention to what you're doing, and find who sent that text message as fast as possible so I can get this off my neck. It's really getting to me."

"It's making you sip whiskey like it's cold black coffee." Ward jokes, mocking me for being lost at an event. I think of the people referring to me as part of the decorations.

No one is going near Diane. I don't know what it is.

Protection.

Possession.

Or maybe it's a growing sense that a game is being played, and Diane is far more entangled in it than I ever planned for. How do I get her out?