A broad smile breached my lips. I couldn’t wait to tell this to papa. Another beep drew a groan from my lips. What now?
Sheila: SOS. Need you at Linnesse HO in an hour.
It hasn’t been an hour since my vacation was officially over and things were already over my head.
An hour later, I boarded the chopper. It didn’t feel right to leave Arianna without a goodbye. She was asleep when I left her this morning. She and her friends were leaving the island today. Leaving a letter and some flowers for her was satisfactory, but I should’ve been there when she woke, to kiss her good morning. The continuous vibrations of my phone were a reminder of the tasks for the day. And, I hoped to see her once before I left for my business trip.
Chapter – 15
“Here’s your coffee, sir.”
I thanked Sheila and sipped the little hot heaven, sighing in bliss. There was so much to do before I left for the business trip. The two weeks had been wonderful. While I would give anything to re-live those two weeks, work consumed me. There were so many proposals and reports that required my attention.
Two days have passed and all I ever did was to eat and work. I hardly had time to sleep with everything I had to do. Arianna was constantly at the back of my mind. Her face pops up in my mind in between and she had called twice, which I missed.
My headache returned as I skimmed through the papers. The investors in Europe needed numbers and fortunately, we covered it already.
“Keep the reports ready this evening. I—”
My cell phone blared for the sixteenth time, ruining my mood as Isabela’s name flashed on the screen. I’ll deal with her in the court. I turned the phone on silent mode; I continued with the work.
It was around six in the evening when Sheila stepped inside the office. “Sir, Ms. Isabela is here.”
My jaws clenched. “I have a restraining order against her. Call the security and remove her from the premises,” I responded without taking my eyes off from the report I was reading.
“Sir.”
My gaze snapped to her, blazing. I was in no mood for Isabela or her worthless shit.
“She’s adamant and carrying some photos I think you need to take a look.” Sheila swallowed, her hands fisted the hem of her shirt.
Sheila never spoke nonsense. “What photos?” My brows knotted.
“Ms. Swanson,” Sheila said, shifting from one foot to the other.
My fist landed on the table, sending the files flying. The action startled Sheila, who stepped back. “Send her in.”
Sheila nodded and I waited anxiously for Isabela. What freaking photos did she have on Arianna that made my secretary so nervous?
“I knew you can’t resist meeting me this time.” Her mocking voice entered first. “Oh, thanks, darling.” She turned to Sheila. “You’re no longer needed here. Stay outside and make sure no one disturbs us.”
Sheila’s questioning gaze locked with mine. I gave her a curt nod and tapped my index finger on the table twice. Her eyes grew wide and she nodded in understanding before leaving the office. Isabela’s heels clicked on the marble floor.
“So, what do you want Isabela?” Turning the camera inside the office on, I unbuttoned the first two buttons of my shirt, masking my real emotions.
“Is it bad I want some time with my son?” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. They sported the usual disgust and mockery she felt for us, for me. While I understood her side of the story, it still didn’t justify why she hated us. And, the feeling was mutual.
“I have no time for your nonsense. Where are the photos?”
“Oh, of course. Why else would you see me?” She laughed and pulled a chair for her to sit. “Here, take a look.”
The beige-colored envelope she threw on the table spilled its contents. Shock coursed through my veins on the first look. Arianna? I looked one after the other. She was stark naked and in compromising positions with random guys. And, it wasn’t the photos Arianna mentioned while we talked. Fists clenched and jaws locked. Her face was clear in all the photos.
“How did you get this?”
“Unlike your father, I care for my sons. It is why I always make sure I know about the relationships of my sons.”
“Cut the crap and tell me how you got this?”
“You got your father’s temper.” She chuckled and crossed her left leg over the right. “The source is not your concern.” Isabela picked the paperweight, rolling it on the table.
Growing suspicious, I looked at the photos again. It couldn’t be her. My Arianna doesn’t look like that when she—
I closed my eyes, remembering her shy smile and hazel eyes. The soft little moans she’d make when we made love and the way she’d come apart in my arms. When I opened my eyes, I pinned Isabela with my glare. “You’ll be in a lot of trouble for this.”
“I expected you’d say like that. It is why I got the lab reports.” Isabela slipped a report on the table.
Upon investigating the paper, I found it legit. The lab was one of the topmost in the city and was always accurate. “What’s your bargain?” Isabela didn’t care for anyone but her. She wouldn’t be here if she didn’t believe she had leverage over me.
“Oh, it’s nothing much. Ask your men to stop snooping around. I saw them tailing me this morning. Also, why don’t you withdraw the case? We’ll settle this among us. I’m your mother after all.”
“Or what?” She’d go to the media. Blackmail us and think she could force us to drop the case or drain more money.
Isabela rolled her eyes. “I’m sure the media would love these photos. The elite bachelor in town couldn’t have chosen a better woman.”
Opposed to the fury coursing through my veins, I reclined in my seat and crossed my leg. “Sorry to disappoint you, Isabela. Release this to the press for all I care. Now, get out of my office.”
Shock coated her features as her eyes widened. Isabela gaped. “You think I wouldn’t do it, boy.”
“I’m a man now. Besides, I don’t care if you do it. Leave before I call the security.”
“You’ll regret this.” Her hands connected with the table, making a loud thud before she exited my office.
I looked at the photos again and called Marcus. “I need information about Alana Swanson and Brian Schultz. I want to know everything about them. Where they go? Whom did they meet? I want every small detail you can find. Isabela dropped in with a bargain. Meet me at my office in two hours, we’ll discuss the rest.”
“Sure, you got it.”
***
It was past twelve when Marcus left and I could hardly keep my eyes open. Shit. I was planning to call Arianna. Pulling my phone out, I paused realizing it was late. She must be asleep.
Eyes grew heavy and all I could think was her. Perhaps, I should ask her to go with me on this trip. Again, that won’t work because I had back-to-back meetings and conferences. The calendar was overflowing. A sigh slipped out of my lips as I shrugged the coat off and plopped on the bed. I miss her already.
The next day went busier than the other day and this afternoon, Isabela had another surprise for me via mail. This time it was the photos of me and Kenzie. So, the leech had been busy, digging through my past. She must have reached my college friends to get her hands on these photos.
A buzzing noise from my drawer caught my attention and I yanked it open to see Isabela calling. She doesn’t give up, does she?
“Hello, mama. Having a good day, I hope.”
The silence stretched on the other end. She wouldn’t have expected that. “What’s with the sudden affection?”
“Why not? You’re my mother, aren’t you?” I smirked, reclining in my chair.
“Stop mocking me, boy. I didn’t call you for chit-chat.”
“I know.” I chuckled “And, by now you should’ve realized I don’t bargain. Try sending me something more convincing.”
“I know you were after the Waylon deal. Imagine how these photos can ruin your business and repu
tation?”
“Waylon knows his girlfriend is my ex. And I don’t care about the faceless public. They already know I’m a cold-hearted son of a bitch.”
“You’re making a mistake!” Her screech was as expected. “I’ll show you what I can do.”
“Go ahead.” Disconnecting the call, I threw the cell phone back into the drawer. When she called again, I switched it off, focusing on my work.
***
“Sir, our flight is at six tomorrow morning. You should catch some sleep before we leave,” Sheila said.
I closed the last file and rubbed my eyes. “What time is it?”
“Half-past ten.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to wait.” I stood, cracking my knuckles and stretching my limbs. “I’ll drop you on the way.” I pocketed my keys and checked my cell phone to see it was switched off.
“I got it covered. William is here to pick me.”
“Ah, okay, then. See you tomorrow.”
William stood and smiled when he saw me. “Hi, William, all well I hope.” We shook hands briefly and headed to the elevator.
“It is. I’ll miss her though.”
“When she’s back, I’ll give you both a paid vacation to compensate this time.”
William’s smile widened. I powered the phone, intending to set an alarm for the next morning. The screen lit with her image and realization hit me. I haven’t talked to her yet. Did she try calling me again? My heart dropped reading the message she left.
Crap. What would she think of me for leaving her like that? I stared at the simple ‘Hi’ for a moment. Then, a sudden idea flashed in my head.
“Sheila, reschedule my trip.”
“What?” Her eyes went wide as confusion spread on her face.
“You heard me right.”
“But—”
The elevator doors opened and I knew I had to do it.
“Call the agency. Do it right away. Call me. I’ll talk on the way.” I was already running out of the elevator while she stood stunned by what I said. Cursing myself, I ran toward my car. I should’ve at least texted her.
Driving through the city traffic, my patience was waning thin. I thought of calling her, but Sheila called me first.
“Sir, you have a joint flight day after tomorrow at 3:30 a.m. But you won’t have time to rest before the meetings started.”
“Go ahead and book it. Oh and send me the GPS for Swanson’s residence, will you?”
“Ah… sure.”
Arianna’s family lived in one of the wealthier neighborhoods. Well-lit streets and mansions greeted me as soon as I took a turn to enter the community. It was around eleven-fifteen when I reached. I parked the car at the side of the road and pulled my phone out only for it to ring with Marcus’ name flashing on the screen.
“Can it wait?”
“No, sir. It’s about Alana and Brian.”
My exhale was loud as I reclined in the seat. “Make it quick.” My gaze flicked to the mansion, wondering if she was asleep.
“The Schultz arranged Brian’s marriage with Alana almost ten months ago. The couple met at a private party and have been dating since then. Though everything looks normal about their relationship, there are a few things that stand out.”
A shadow moved in my peripheral vision and I saw Arianna crossing the road in the dark. Where is she headed to? My gaze followed her. “What kind of things?” I asked Marcus, switching to the Bluetooth mode.
“The couple visited the doctor last week for a Sonogram.”
“People get pregnant all the time, Marcus.” Cutting the headlights off, I tailed her.
“Yeah, but faking a sonogram is not normal.”
“Fake?”
Arianna left the road walking through the dark pavement that led to a park. I parked the car aside and followed her on foot.
“Well, I’ve seen this trend happening in rich families. Desperate women pull pregnancy card to lock the men into marriage.”
I couldn’t agree more, considering I’ve been there once. It also made sense why Brian had a sudden change of heart. It proved his infidelity. He was never faithful to Arianna. “Did you find anything that connects him to Arianna?”
“Apart from him being her brother-in-law, nothing, sir.”
If Marcus’ team didn’t find about Arianna’s relationship with the bastard, no one would. The ones who saw them together would have thought he was with Alana. I knew they were identical and made a mental note to find more about her sister.
Arianna stopped and I hid behind a tree. “Okay. Monitor the couple, especially Alana. Trace her every move. And, Marcus… this is very important,” I whispered.
“Certainly.”
Brian came into view answering my unspoken question.
Chapter – 16
The chilly wind ruffled my hair as I moved closer to hear the conversation. Light from a distant lamppost illuminated the side of their faces.
“You already lost me, Brian.” I heard her say. The fury in her voice was like a soothing balm to my jealousy.
“Hear me out, please. I lied to you. Alana was the first one I met. My parents wanted us to get married. But, then one day, I bumped into you and got intrigued. I wanted to get to know you better. I fell in love with you and even broke up with Alana.” That son of a bitch ranted, his voice grew desperate.
I clenched my fists and forced my tense shoulders to relax. Arianna folded her hands over her chest and faced the bastard. “So, you were seeing each other.”
“Kind of.” Brian averted his gaze.
“There can be only one answer to this question, Brian. It's either yes or no.”
Atta girl! Speaking of which, I shouldn’t stay. I did not intend to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t leave her alone, especially with him and at this time of the night.
“Yes.” He did not meet her gaze. Brian pushed his hands deep inside his pockets and stood with his shoulders hunched.
“So, you were sleeping together.”
“Yes.” Guilt flooded in his voice. Not that I felt any remorse toward him.
Ariana took a deep breath and turned away from him. “Okay. What you both did or do is none of my business. I don't want anyone to see us together and assume something. I should go.”
“Please...” That fucking bastard gripped her hand and my grip tightened around the tree bark.
“I love you, Arianna. I should’ve been truthful with you from the beginning. I've realized my mistake now.”
“Let me go, Brian.” Arianna struggled to free his hand, which made me move forward, ready to intervene.
“No. Please. Hear me out, please. I was going to talk to my parents. But, then I saw your party photos.”
Now, that made me intrigued. Was he talking about the photos Isabela showed me?
“When I arrived, my parents showed me the photos and said how disgusting they were. They said it is why I should never associate with you now that I'm going to marry Alana.”
“Good. You listened to your parents.”
“I had no choice. Alana is pregnant.”
It all made sense now. The beloved sister didn’t want to lose her lover.
“She forced me to break it off with you. I don't want her. I want you. No matter how hard she tried, she will never be you. Let's go somewhere and get married. We’ll leave this all behind and start fresh.”
“Do you even hear yourself? That's the most horrendous thing I ever heard. What about your parents? What about the company and its reputation?”
My hold on the tree relaxed as the scene in front of me took a new turn. Arianna’s face was fierce. The dimly lit street lamp illuminated the side of their faces. I wished the light was brighter.
“It can all go to hell for all I care. I can't live without you. I realize that now. Look, I don't care about your photos and I don't care that you cheated on me, because I was doing the same to you. Let's forget everything and start fresh.”
There was it again. What did he want to sta
rt fresh? He had his chance and he ruined it. Her sister must have forged the photos. That was the only plausible explanation. Alana Swanson was the only person with motive and resources to pull such stunt.
“What the hell are you talking about? I never cheated on you. I don't love you anymore, Brian. We shouldn't even be here like this.”
“Alana... hear me out, please.”
“I'm not Alana.” Her voice rang loud and clear. “We’re over, Brian. Nothing you say will change the outcome of this meeting.”
Then, before anyone could fathom, he kissed her. Eyes widening, anger flaring, I stood there watching Arianna’s palm connecting with that creep’s cheek. All unfolded within a matter of seconds. My jaws locked and I stepped forward. I would teach him a lesson today.
Brian clutched his cheek. “Arianna…”
“Don't,” Arianna’s hiss stopped me. “I feel ashamed for even falling in love with you, Brian. There is no place for you in my heart anymore. You've betrayed me and didn't even have the decency to break up with me before you went on one knee in front of her. Alana and I might never have a diplomatic relationship. She might have backstabbed me more times than I can count. But I'll never ever do the same to any woman, even if it is Alana.”
Pride filled my chest on hearing her words. Strangely though, her sister dearest didn’t feel that way.
“Ari —”
“You are going to become my brother-in-law. My sister's husband and the father of my niece or nephew. Did you ever think of that child?”
“I...”
“You didn't. You see, Brian, we would’ve never worked out. I was smitten with your charms. But eventually, I would’ve seen right through your facade and left you. I'm glad it ended the way it did.”
“You deserve each other. Go home to my sister, Brian. I hope you'll treat her better than me and love your child the way it deserves to be loved. Please don't ever try to see me or talk to me after this. Whatever we had, ends right here. And I thank you for everything. I was happier during the first few months when I was with you and your betrayal helped me realize there are other better things in this world. I wish you a good life.”
Arianna turned and walked away, her steps furious. Indecision clouded my mind as I looked back at the stunned Brian and then at her. So tempted to break his nose for kissing her. But Alana is a priority. And, she is alone.
Resisting Her (Moving On Duology Book 2) Page 13