Alex Pov
Whispers
I don't know how to convince my father about Adeline. He still insist on what he said, and I can't figure out what he's planning. Why is he so adamant?
I brushed my hand through my hair as I stepped out of the car and into the company building.
"Good morning, boss," the receptionist greeted.
I gave her a nod and kept walking. Minutes passes before I finally reached my office, I loosed my tie, sat on the chair behind my desk, and picked up the telephone.
"Bring me coffee," I said, then set the telephone down.
Camilla walked in, "Good morning, boss. Here's your coffee, I've also prepared your schedule for today, you have a meeting with Nestle Enterprise at twelve," she said.
Camilla was my secretary, she was deligent with her work ever since she started working for me.
I finally glanced up at her, her shirt was opened slightly revealing her cleavage as she bent to hand me a file. Camilla had always made advances towards me, but I'd made it clear long ago that I don't mix work with pleasure.
Today, though, something felt different. Normally, I'd ignore it; I felt really annoyed, and I don't know if disgusted was the right word to say.
I nodded, though I barely heard what she'd said, "Okay. You can leave, and don't walk in here like that again."
She glanced down at her self, then she turns and left without saying another word.
My phone buzzed, it was Adeline.
At this point, I might kill someone," she said.
I arched my brows, what is she up to, "What do you mean?"
"Just saying," she replied
I stared at the screen for a second, Murder someone? What was she trying to tell me?
I set the phone down, then picked it up again, my instincts already whispering into my ear.
"Get the CCTV footage of Rivers Estate," I said when the line connected. "Immediately, it's urgent. Send it straight to me, you don't need to bring it in person."
I dropped the call and placed it on the desk, my fingers tightened against the wood, as different thoughts spiralled through my mind.
I had a meeting at noon, so I straightened my jacket and headed for the conference room. Camilla was already seated at one of the chairs when I walked to the head of the table. I glanced at my watch.
"Camilla, does he know about this?"
"Yes, sir. He's on his way."
The door opened and Matteo Varella walked in. He glanced at his own watch and smirked, "Oops, I'm late," he said, and then grinned before settling down.
We were rivals-no point denying it. Matteo was arrogant, and though I wasn't exactly humble, something about him always rubbed me the wrong way. We simply didn't get along.
"I scoffed, "Okay, Start."
"I'm Ethan Vale, a manager from Nestle Enterprise," Ethan said.
Matteo glared at him, "Skip the introductions and get to the point. Show us the contract."
Ethan exhaled slowly, "About the contract... we've concluded that both of you are perfect for this project. We want Matteo Varella and Alex Moretti to work together."
Matteo's palm slammed onto the table, "What the hell? It's not possible! We can't work together. The public already know we're competitors, this will look ridiculous."
I rose to my feet, straightening my tie, "I can't work with him. Cancel the alliance, I am done here."
"I don't want to work with you either," Matteo snapped, also standing.
I don't even look at him, "Camilla, cancel the agreement between our company and theirs," I said as I walked out.
My phone buzzed again, "Dad?"
"Alex, why did you cancel the agreement just because you don't want to work with Matteo? Do you understand the implications of what you're about to do?"
I shook my head and let out a breath, of course someone had already told him. Somehow, everything that happened in my company always found its way to my father. I didn't care who it was-unless they were feeding him lies. And when I found out who the mole was, I wouldn't spare them.
"Dad, I know what I'm doing," I said. "If I work with Matteo, it's either his father buries him, or you bury me. It's one of the two. And I know you don't want that to happen.
There was a pause on the other end of the line. Finally, he spoke again, "Just handle the mess you've made."
Then his voice suddenly turned serious, "And I called you because of Adeline. I'm asking you again-do you really think she'll pass the test I'm about to throw at her? If she doesn't, you can't be with her."
My jaw clenched, "Alright, Dad," I muttered, and ended the call.
I stared at the phone for a moment, a smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth. This old man still didn't understand that neither he nor anyone else could stop Adeline from being my wife. If I had to burn this world to the ground to be with her, I'd gladly do it.
Camilla rushed in, "Sir, someone's on the phone. They said they need to speak with you immediately."
I arched a brow, "Why is everyone suddenly calling me today? What the hell is going on?"
She held the phone and I collected it from her, "Speak up," I snapped.
I stiffened, and jerked my head up, "Are you sure of what you are saying?"
My lips flattened into a stern line, "Okay," I said flatly, handing the phone back to Camilla. I ignored the look in her eyes an walked back into my office.
I instantly dialed Xavier's number, and he picked up like he had been expecting my call, "Someone just stole my truck before it reaches the drop point, but don't panic-I had a plan B from the start."
"That's why my father kept calling me, but I just felt like ignoring him," he replied.
I placed my hand over my face, closing my eyes trying to breathe, "You know what? Don't pick up your father's call. And make sure no one knows your location until the truck get there. Understood?"
I ended the call and tossed the phone onto the desk, "Shit," I muttered through gritted teeth. "Who the hell did that?" My mind raced, as I tried to wrap my head around all this chaos, but the harder I thought, the tighter the noose of questions pulled around me.
I placed my head on the table. Anytime I have a plan, someone is already ahead of me.
Who is this person? I tried to piece the puzzle together, but it was fruitless.
Then my phone rang, I sighed. Can't I just have a moment to breathe.
I glanced at the screen, It was the contact I'd sent to check the CCTV footage. Instead of picking up, I opened the chat, enough surprises for today.
I typed back, "Get her. I don't care how, don't hurt her, I'll be there."
I hit send and stared at the screen, my thumb hovering. Something about the name on the other end made the hairs on my neck stand up.
The picture was clear now, and it was uglier than I'd imagined.
