Jenny POV:
I walked into my cozy bedroom, the soft glow of the lamp casting a warm ambiance. I held the file Alex had given me, feeling a sense of closure as I tossed it into the trash can. I struck a match, watching as the flames consumed the paper, the scent of burning ink filling the air.
I sat down on the bed, my mind racing with thoughts of what to do next. I decided to help my dad in his restaurant, which meant traveling to Flakes town tomorrow. I stood up, my feet sinking into the plush carpet as I began packing my clothes and essentials.
"Sorry, Tasha," I whispered, knowing my cat would be staying behind. "You'll be staying here alone."
Alex POV:
Leo entered my office, his footsteps quiet on the marble floor. "Boss, I have a report on Mr. Rugard's business," he said, handing me a file.
I scanned the contents, a smile spreading across my face. "It seems Mr. Rugard has been engaging in some... illicit activities. He's been secretly selling banned substances to other countries, trying to make up for his losses in the manufacturing industry."
I leaned back in my chair, steepling my fingers together. "Interesting. It seems he's desperate. Get our best lawyers and send a message to Mr. Rugard - we're taking him to court."
Leo nodded before leaving. I finished working and stepped out of the building, surrounded by my guards. The cool evening air enveloped me as we walked towards the sleek Lamborghini, its black paint glistening in the fading light.
"Take me to the underground cave on the outskirts of town," I instructed the driver.
The Lamborghini glided through the streets, its engine purring smoothly. We left the city behind, driving down winding roads that led us deeper into the countryside. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the rolling hills.
As we drove, the landscape shifted from lush greenery to rocky outcroppings. The road narrowed, and the Lamborghini's headlights illuminated the darkening terrain. We turned off the main road, driving down a dirt path that wound through the hills.
The air grew cooler, and the scent of damp earth filled the air. We drove through a small tunnel, the darkness enveloping us. The Lamborghini emerged into a clearing, and I saw the entrance to the underground cave - a large metal door set into the side of a hill.
The driver parked, and I stepped out, my eyes adjusting to the dim light. I recalled an event.
...
I stood in the grand foyer of the abandoned hotel, the once-opulent chandelier now dim and dusty. The air was heavy with the scent of decay and rot. This underground cave, one of Grandes' properties, had been my secret territory since the tragic incident that claimed so many lives. But now, it was time to leave. The attack by Mr. Lewis and the boy had forced me to relocate.
As I walked through the empty halls, my footsteps echoed off the walls. I had made sure no one knew about this place, about the memories it held. But now, it was time to let go.
I had used this place to make people suffer, to torture them. It brought me happiness, a twisted sense of joy. Maybe it was because of my past experiences, the ones that made me who I am today. My mantra echoed in my mind: never trust anyone but yourself.
...
I walked towards the door, my footsteps echoing off the hills. The door slid open, revealing a set of stairs that led down into darkness as l descended the stairs, my heart beating steadily.
I made my way to the room where Mr. Lewis was being held, the dim lighting casting eerie shadows on the walls. I sat down in the chair opposite him, my eyes locked on his. "How is your leg, Mr. Lewis?" I asked, my voice calm and detached.
"It's fine," he replied, his eyes narrowing.
"Why are you here?" he asked, a hint of defiance in his voice.
"I'm here to collect answers," I said, my tone unyielding. "So, number one: Are you working with Rugard to take me down?"
Mr. Lewis shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "Not anymore. That guy is a betrayer, only cares about himself. I was planning with him, but stopped. Now my aim is to take the boy from you and protect him because Rugard wants him dead after he's done using him."
I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "How am I to believe what you said is true?"
Mr. Lewis leaned forward, his eyes locked on mine. "If you ever plan to sue him in court, he would accuse you of kidnapping the boy and bring false evidence. He wants to take your company and the boy, leave you poor and suffering. He burnt one of your warehouses and left evidence, knowing what he's doing. Get prepared for him."
I stood up, my mind racing. "Remember, protect the boy. Rugard will try to kidnap him, blame it on you."
I left the room, phone in hand. "Leo, send more guards. Rugard is coming to kidnap him."
"Okay, Boss," Leo replied.
"Where is the boy?"
"With a teacher, at a greenhouse."
"Get him home, now."
I ended the call, eyes scanning the area. Rugard was desperate. I got into the Lamborghini, engine purring as we drove off into the night.