Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 69456 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 69456 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 347(@200wpm)___ 278(@250wpm)___ 232(@300wpm)
“This isn’t over, Eliza,” she blurts out, and in her eyes dances the promise of a threat. “If you think you can come here and get your hands on that money this easily… You’re wrong, Eliza. You’re very, very wrong. The Seymour estate belongs to me, and believe me when I say that soon enough, all of it is going to be mine. Whatever it takes,” she hisses, and I know that she means it. She hasn’t even bothered to lie; she’s coming after me with her guns blazing, and she wants me to know it.
I almost raise my hand to slap her again, but luckily for her, she turns on her heels and starts walking down the lobby, throwing one last glance at me over her shoulder. I watch as she goes, fully knowing that this is a declaration of war.
One that I’ll have to win, come hell or high water.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Derek
"Well, if it isn't the devil herself," I sigh, looking up from my spreadsheet. "To what do I owe this honor?"
I hope she can hear the sarcasm dripping from my voice because I'm really not amused. She's the last person I wanted to see today.
This is becoming almost predictable ... and it's not the kind of predictability that I want. Who does Wanda think she is, continually barging into my office unannounced like this? If this continues, I'll need to increase security at the office.
She has both hands on her hips as she walks in, her heels stabbing the plush carpet with every step. It's almost painful to watch … and the idea crosses my mind that those heels could be used as a weapon if she ever decided to fly off the handle. Those psychopathic eyes or hers convince me I'm right, too.
She's eyeing me like a predator eyes its prey.
"I want a progress report, and I want it now," she hisses, slamming one hand down on my desk. I watch as a few stray papers fall off my desk and flutter to the ground. Important papers. Now I'm really annoyed.
She seems to be morphing into more of a beast each time I see her, even her nails appear longer and pointier. Is she doing that on purpose?
"So, I don't get a hello? No, 'how's your day', Derek? It hasn't even been 24 hours, and yet, here you are. That wasn't a part of the plan."
I'm trying to play it casual.
"I've had enough of your games," she quickly snaps. "I want an update, and I want it now."
"You know what, Wanda?" I say. "You're a Grade-A bitch, and you can fuck off. I suggest you leave—now."
The shock on her face is visible. She wasn't expecting those words to tumble from my mouth, but I've had enough. Every person has a breaking point, and she's just pushed me past mine. My patience is up.
"You're playing dangerously … very dangerously. I thought you were smarter than that," she smiles, exposing her perfectly square, and white teeth, but I can tell it's taking considerable effort for her to keep her cool. I see a murderous rage flash in her eyes. I know her all too well. She's unpredictable when mad.
"I'm saying what I should've said a long time ago," I reply. "You aren't going to dictate this situation any longer. You don't have the kind of power over me that you think you do. Those days are over."
Now I'm standing up and getting ready to point her to the door. I have both hands balled into fist and shoved deep into my pockets. My posture is rigid, every muscle in my body taut.
"Wrong," she says with a shrill laugh. "You have no idea what you've just done. You're going to regret this. Remember, your entire career—this whole empire of wealth—is at stake. And it's not just your life—it's the lives of everyone who works with you in the firm. Have you stopped for a moment to think about that, or are you really that selfish and self-centered? And do you really think I don't know what's going on?"
'What are you talking about?" I ask. My mind is racing. Where is she going with this? Could she possibly know about … no, that's impossible. Or is it?
She continues, "I have eyes all over this city. Every nook and cranny. No matter where you are, I'm watching."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I ask.
"It means that I know … about you and Eliza. Did you really think that I didn't? How stupid do you think I am? I didn't need to give you 24 hours to take action because I already know what you're up to."
"What exactly are you implying?" I ask, still trying to gauge the severity of what she's saying. My mind is spinning like a fucking top, and I'm not sure how to interpret what she's telling me now.