Chapter Fifty-SixDamien sat in his office, trying to do some work but it was next to impossible as he could not focus on what he was doing.He groaned silently in frustration as he threw the pen he was writing with on the desk."What's wrong with me?" He muttered to himself, "There's so much to be done, Damien. Focus." He could not help losing focus as his mind always inadvertently went to one person: Lana The fact that she was right here in his company at such a close range made him giddy with joy, and he could not sit still.He frowned, as he wondered if it'd be too much to have her desk moved close to his own office, perhaps right outside his own, so he could see her anytime he wanted."No, she'd probably just give me that dead eye stare, and ask me to fuck off," he muttered, angry with himself for thinking such, "Let's just take things slow for now."He was seriously contemplating this, when the door to his office opened and Liam strode right in."We replaced Miss Fernandez des
Chapter Fifty-SevenOnce Damien left the design team's office, Rina hurried to the rooftop once more, unable to stand it anymore longer.She could not stand the look of affection he'd shared with Lana, she could not bear the judging looks of the employees she passed on her way to the rooftop, or the derisive remarks she was sure they were making about her.On the rooftop, she did not bother to look around for any hidden sniper. That was not what she should be concerned with for now.Right now, she was concerned with what had just happened back inside the design team office.Something was wrong.Something was definitely wrong.Something about the way Lana had whispered in her ears. It held an ominous tone that she could not shake off. It almost sounded like Lana knew something.But that was literally impossible.If she knew about the plan to take over Ludovic, then she'd not still be with...Rina took a deep breath, trying to calm her nerves. She brought out her phone, and frowned at h
Chapter Fifty-EightThe shrill sound of the phone echoed on the rooftop, and Rina hesitated, biting her bottom lip in anger.She did not want to pick up his call. She was definitely not in the mood for some ass chewing.Her finger hovered above the answer icon, her mood becoming sour at the thought of hearing his insults once more.Why was he calling anyway?He had his sources and already knew what was happening in MAGIC. Yet, he called her at any opportunity to remind her of her incapability.This thought made her grit her teeth in fury, as the phone continued ringing, its ringing tone, a shrill reminder of the derision to come.However, the thought that he was watching her through the hole of a sniper rifle, made her jolt back to her senses and she quickly swiped on the icon."What?" She snarled into the phone, already trembling with fear and annoyance, but she still managed to keep the tremors out of her voice."You were demoted?" The voice asked calmly."Wait what? How did you kn
Chapter Fifty-NineDeciding she'd been on the rooftop too long, Rina heads down the empty stairway.Occasionally, she'd lean over the railing, her eyes scanning the floors below, trying to see if she could see any employee fleeing but there was no one there, and she finally decided she was being paranoid.About seven floors below, Lana quietly slipped through the door that led to the staircase and emerged on the seventh floor. Employees milled about, and she quickly blended with them, making her way to the elevator that would take her back to the design team's office.Her face was impassive, not even glancing sideways at the employees who stole surreptitious looks at her. However, her heart was beating fast at what she'd just done, and what she'd just heard and witnessed.When Rina left the design team's office in a hurry, Lana had waited for two minutes before casually walking out after her.She was just in time to see Rina, taking the side door and making her way to the rooftop, and
Chapter SixtyDamien stopped in mid-stride as soon as he sighted Lana. Immediately, his expression softened and he looked relieved.The next instant, he tried to hide his relief when he saw that she was staring him with that annoying dead eye stare once more.Great, what had he done now?He stuck his hands in his pockets and moved closer to her, "Already ditching work on your first day?" He asked sullenly, as he moved to stand in front of her.She swallowed hard and avoided his eyes, ignoring his question. He narrowed his eyes in puzzlement, especially when he saw how tense her shoulders were.Did something else happen while he was gone? Come to think of it, Rina was also not in the office just now.He had come back to the office, pretending he wanted to drop off some files for her, but he had really just wanted to see her face once more and ask if she'd be willing to go out to lunch with him.It was maddening the way he could not stay away from her. It had been barely thirty minutes
Chapter Sixty-OneRina walked out of the elevator, sullenly. The joy she'd felt earlier at still being alive, and also with the fact that the instructions she received was to her benefits, had evaporated.She crossed her arms under her bosom as she walked on, her face pinched with annoyance when she recalled that she had to go back to the office and act like all was well, and also receive orders from that bitch, Lana.Well, it was something she had to do if she was to get her plans in place.She rounded a corner and stopped short, her eyes narrowing into slits at the sight before her.Damien stood in the middle of the passageway, tenderly holding on to Lana. The affection in his face and the tender, loving look he was giving her gradually increased her anger.She dropped her arms and her fists bunched by her side. Lana had only just started working here and she'd had him come to the office twice in an hour.This had never happened when Rina was the head of the design team. Damien had
Chapter Sixty-TwoThose words from Rina seemed to ignite a fury in Damien. He grabbed her shoulders tightly, his fingers digging deep into her flesh as he glared at her, his teeth clenched in rage.Rina watched him with a tiny, mocking smile. She knew what she'd said had triggered him and she meant every word of it.Lana walked over to them quickly, "What are you both doing?" She hissed in anger. "This is a business place. I'll appreciate it, if you both stop fooling yourselves in front of the employees!"Rina turned on her, her eyes shimmering with tears, from her fake crying. However, they were red-rimmed now, and glared at Lana with intense hatred."You don't tell me what to do, Lana...aarh!"She cried out softly in pain, as Damien dug his nails into her shoulders, deliberately.He could not stand her talking to Lana that way."Let go of me!" Rina said fiercely, her face twisted with the pain in her shoulder. She twisted and turned in his grasp, but it was too firm."I'll scream!"
Chapter Sixty-ThreeAfter exactly twenty minutes, Zaire sent another text message and since it was already lunch time, Lana went down to meet him.She blew out a breath in nervousness, clutching her purse tightly as she stood waiting for the elevator that would take her down to the lobby. She had to admit she was nervous meeting Zaire, and wondered how much she'd tell him. In order to fully pacify him, she needed to tell him the reasons she was doing what she was doing and why she was at Romero.The elevator finally arrived with a loud ding, jolting Lana out of her thoughts. The doors slid open with a satisfying hiss to reveal a group of employee, arguing loudly with raised voices.At the sight of Lana, they blanched horribly and fell into a deafening silence. Lana frowned slightly as her eyes darted side to side in the elevator, checking out the employees uncomfortable stance.Some of them actually slid back a few inches, until they were almost touching the wall. They glanced at he
Chapter Two Hundred And Thirty-ThreeThe discovery of the siphoned goods and the part Noah played in the big reveal spread like wild fire across the company.Everyone marveled at how he was able to pull it off himself.It was said that the reports he provided made the internal audit to move more smoothly than ever.The audtors knew where to go, who to ask questions, what questions to ask based on what Noah had provided.This earned him considerable respect in his department as well as the company. The golden haired mystery man was not as dumb as every one thought he was.Infact, he was being accorded honor by the regional head, who made sure every thing was done to the letter, following Noah's instructions."We cannot misuse such valuable information. Its time to fish out those perpetrators and clease out Romero Solutions," The regional head had declared before he gave Noah a determined look, "If this turns out successful, headquarters will be really pleased with you, Noah."And that
Chapter Two Hundred And Thirty-TwoThere was stunned silence in the Regional Head's office as Noah made that statement."Wh...what did you say?" The regjonal.head asked in shock and disbelief, "The batches for the deluxe products are being siphoned?! By who?"The regional Head voice was rising by the minute, and his hands curled into fists on his seat."I don't know about that, sir." Noah said, carefully choosing his words else he let something slip.He did not intend to reveal the one behind the crime, mainly because he did not know who the mastermind was.Secondly, he had no evidently of the ones he suspected. These little details will be brought to light when the Regional Manager sets the auditing team to work."When I noticed a pattern of weight discrepancies as well as other inconsistencies in the record, I had to check for myself." He continued but was stopped by Fred."What do you mean, inconsistencies?" The man asked, "What did you discover in the records?,""There were a lot
Chapter Two Hundred And Thirty OneGary quickly rushed after her before she could get to the door and drew her back sharply."Hold on, you little bitch," He snarled as he accidentally grabbed her hair as well and pulled her back.Maya winced in pain as she felt strands of her hair being pulled from the scalp, "Ow!" She cried out in agony, "Let me go. At once!""Not until you explain what you mean by that little statement which you just uttered," Gary fired back heatedly."I meant exactly what I said, you piece of trash, " Maya said as she mustered her energy and stomped on his toe with her heeled foot."Ahh!" Gary cried out in anguish as pain exploded in his foot. He let go of her hair at once and doubled over in pain, trying to hold his throbbing toe but it was much too painful.Maya, seeing as she was free from his hold, turned back and stared at him in disdain, "You think I won't take protective measures for myself? You've got to be joking, Gary." She spat out, "You take care of an
Chapter Two Hundred And Thirty "Something of utmost importance?" The Regional Head repeated in puzzlement, "What could that be?"Maya's heart slammed in her chest as she heard Noah say those words. Franticaly, she glanced at Gary who had also gone a little pale.A look of terror passed between them and they immediately knew what the important news Noah had for the regional head was."Stop him!" Maya seemed to say with her eyes, glaring at Gary and making motions with her head towards Noah.She was so agitated that she could not stand still. She had been so eager to want to leave this place earlier but now she wouldn't leave for all the world.She had to stay to hear what Noah had to say to the Regional Head.Quick as flash, Gary stepped in between the Regional Head and Noah.Smiling nervously, he started speaking, "Regional Head sir, why don't you allow the Senior sales manager to take you to his office, while you wait for the reports on the audit?" He turned and nodded to Fred, who
Chapter Two Hundred And Twenty Nine"Infact, these has got to be the best results I've ever seen in a while."Everyone stared in amazement at the Regional Head.He was giving Noah a warm and approving smile, while patting him heartily on the arm."You say they are the best reports that you've ever seen?" Fred asked as he stepped closer to the Regional Head."But that's inpossible," Gary uttered through gritted teeth, "He has no qualifications. How is he able to prepare the best reports you've ever seen?"Everyone almost groaned in annoyance at Gary's stupidity and shamelessness.Maya rolled her eyes and stomped her foot impatiently on the marble floor.It was bad enough to stand here like some kind of lackey, and watch the regional director do his job but now she had to listen with her heart in her mouth, hoping that Gary does not let any information slip."He talks too much," she thought angrily, biting her lower lip in annoyance, "if he dares to say anything concerning the deluxe pr
Chapter Two Hundred And Twenty EightJaws dropped in shock as Noah stepped out of the throng of employees and stood directly in front of the Regional head.Everyone was shocked at his boldness.This was a chance for him to make his escape and blame the superiors for giving him such an important task.He was not that learned nor did he have much qualifications. They knew that, yet he was still asked to prepare the reports in such a short time.Although he did not have much chance of defending himself, since he was a lower level employee, yet the Regional head was known to be fair to others not on his level.He hated any sort of unfair practice and he would definitely side with Noah if he revealed he had been pressured into making the reports.Yet, Noah had come out boldly, as if he was ready to take the fall, the consequences of making such sloppy reports."He's done for," Greg sighed in despair, watching Noah with pitiful eyes."He really is just a golden haired dumbass," Jason agreed
Chapter Two Hundred And Twenty SevenThere seemed to be a shift in the air as the regional head uttered those words.Fred immediately turned to Gary who had provided the reports from Noah.Within seconds, the report was in the senior sales manager's hands, and Fred passed it onto the Regional head."Here you go, sir." He said, "Everything has been prepared for you. We can send the shipment right away of you want."Very calmly the man took hold of the reports and went through it. The Vulcan reports were supposed to cover every detail of a huge shipment which was being sent out in a month's time.The regional head aimed to start from the report because whenever there was a big shipment such as this one, there was always one problem or the other.Whenever huge contracts like this one was given to the company, the regional manager makes sure to come down to Crestview and oversee everything himself. Now everyone, including Noah waited with bated breaths to see how he would react to the r
Chapter Two Hundred And Twenty Six"What?"Gary started asking but then a telephone began ringing loudly on one of the desks in the office and a colleague picked it up."Hello? really?!" The man looked alarmed. He nodded frantically as he ended the call, and looked at them all, "The Regional Head is here!"There was a general wave of murmurs and a flurry of movement occurred as everyone arranged their works, and gave their repirst last minutes touches.Gary glared at the man who had announced the Regional Head's arrival. The little fool had announced it before he even had time to think of his next plan. He turned back to Noah, who was giving him a calm look, his face devoid of any sort of emotion.Gary wagged his fingers ar him, "No games from you." He gritted, "If you try to pull a quick one on me in front of the Regional Head, I'll make sure it boomerangs on you."There was a bit of silence after that statement where both men just stared at each other, quiet hatred and fury simmer
Chapter Two Hundred And Twenty FiveNoah stared him down calmly, even though he was boiling with rage inside, "Where is what?""Where is the freaking file?!" Gary screamed as he flung all the reports to the ground in one swift move of fury.Noah bounded to his feet in anger, "Gary!" He yelled, "Enough of this!"Gary was stunned but in the next minute he burst into a ridiculous laughter at Noah's audacity. "Look at him," he laughed, pointing at Noah's enraged face, "he's yelling at me! Wow, you must have some guts now because of what you discovered, right?"At that moment, Noah leaned forward to say in his ears, "Yea, that's exactly what's up."As those words left Noah's lips, Gary froze on the spot. He had not exactly believed Noah had the file even after Maya told him so but now he did.He was not a man of weak spirit but as soon as he heard those words from Noah, he knew without a doubt that he was doomed.This golden haired gigolo really did have the file.He stared at Noah in h