That necklace is not worth you.I stared at the screen of my phone in confusion. What this anonymous person sent unnerved me. My hand instinctively touched the jewellery on my neck. My boyfriend gifted it to me on our fourth anniversary and I've worn it ever since. Why would someone taunt me with this message?“Babe, what are you looking at?” I looked away from my phone to my best friend, who held up a beautiful burgundy dress. Her trademark measuring tape hung from her neck. “Oh. It is nothing, Vickie.”“Alright then. Come, try out this dress.”With a wide smile on my face, I snatched the dress from her and hurried to the changing room.I stepped out of the changing room and came face to face with a tall mirror. The long-sleeved, short cocktail dress fitted my figure and made me appear taller than I actually was. I turned and got a

I nodded in satisfaction at the sight of our hotel suite. With its wide range and neatness, it had an ultra-modern look. There was a small living room, a clean bathroom, a small fridge filled with refreshments and snacks, potted plants and flowers, and a bedroom. The downside was the red rose petals lying on the floor. I kicked at them with my shoe.Without another word, Victor emerged from the bathroom and splayed on the bed. “Call me in two hours,” he mumbled.“Get up. Go and bathe.”“Bathing is for peasants,” he moaned. I kicked off my shoes and tapped him with my foot. “Vic, Get up!”Victor groaned and grumbled. He hurried out of bed and made for the bathroom. Soon the sound of running water drowned the silence. Waiting for my turn in the bathroom, I propped my laptop open on the bedside table. As I read on a detailed finance report from Maya, a video call from Anna came in. 

“Why, yes,” she replied with a lopsided smile.She looked quite the villain when she does that. Theresa does put Cruella to shame. Except Cruella had more fashion sense that this person standing in front of me.“Say whatever you want to say and get out,” I growled. I tapped my foot on the floor and drummed my fingers on the table. “Do not worry too much about Hardin. I will take good care of him in your absence.” She brushed her hair over her shoulder with her left hand. Like a cat, I got enraptured with the bright glint on her finger. I ground my teeth and glared at the diamond ring on her finger. That should have been mine. I forced a small smile onto my lips. “Congratulations, future Mrs Kingston.” Theresa frowned for a moment. She must have expected a tantrum. She stepped in front of the door and spat, “Try to be less arrogant, will you?”

I grinned at the man and said, “Hello.” I closed the file and got to my feet, putting my palm forward for a handshake. “Miss Brianne Delmont.” His palm was interestingly smooth as he gripped my palm. Hardin's were coarse from hard work. I remembered massaging his palms with healing ointment after a long tiring day. Shaking off my nostalgia, I put some distance between the man and I. Looking away from his piercing gaze, I asked, “What is in it for you? You would not help without getting something out of it.” Edward peeled off his suit jacket, revealing an austere white shirt and green tie underneath. His shoulders heaved a bit as he sank into his seat. “I want just one thing; the end of Atlantis.” “But the organisation is an ant compared to yours,” I said, with my arms folded. “But there are other men deserving of you,” he quipped. “Have you been spying on me? How did you get my private number?” His eyes twinkled as his mouth quirked at the corners. “I have many sources.” Or h

“No.” “Excuse me?” “No.” His cold gaze intensified and I shut down the urge to shiver. Tilting my head higher, I stepped closer to him and said, “I will not send you the documents and the location for the photoshoot.” “Why is that?” Edward asked. “When do we start plotting my revenge? I feel like I'm doing free labour here.” “But I'm paying you for your 'free labour'.” Rolling his eyes, he pushed me to the side and sat at my seat. His fingers repeatedly clicked the keys on the keyboard as he stared at the monitor screen.  “Atlantis' stock keeps rising every week and we are doing nothing. I feel like a fool right now. I trusted you to help me but I'm working myself to death for you. I haven't had a proper meal in a while,” I said, slamming my hands on the table