THE DEVIL'S PREY
CHAPTER SIX
With a flicker of her eyelids, she fought to stay present, but they finally settled, her breaths growing shallow and slow—her only testament to life right now in a realm of endless darkness
And then, a profound stillness found her. Everything faded to black.
—————
As Goldie and Rachel stood outside Sarah's door, their whispers filled the corridor. "I'm getting worried about that girl," Goldie said, her brow furrowed. "I don't think she has been eating her meals."
Rachel nodded in agreement. "I've noticed that too. Her trays don't come back; I feel like she hasn't even left her bed."
Just then, the sound of footsteps echoed through the hallway. Madam Tessa approached them.
"What's going on here?" Madam Tessa asked, her eyes scanning the two maids. "You both look like you're sharing a secret."
Goldie hesitated before responding. "Madam Tessa, we were discussing the girl Master brought in; we think she hasn't been eating well."
Madam Tessa's expression turned concerned, her eyebrows arching. "Go on."
Rachel continued, "It's been days, ma'am. Her food trays aren't being returned. I don't think she has even stood up."
Madam Tessa nodded thoughtfully, her gaze drifting toward Sarah's door. A mixture of concern and worry crossed her face.
"Thank you for informing me," Madam Tessa said finally. "I'll look into this."
With a dismissive nod, she sent the maids on their way. As they dispersed, Madam Tessa remained alone outside Sarah's door, lost in thought.
"Xavier needs to know about this," she muttered to herself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~XAVIER'S OFFICE, NEXUS TECH~
Xavier Adrian sat behind his spacious and well-organized desk, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Ivory Rizzo as she entered his office. The gentle click of the door closing behind her echoed throughout the room.
Ivory's hair cascaded down her back, complementing her heart-shaped face and piercing green eyes. Her fitted red dress hugged her curves, and her boobs nearly popped out. All in all, Ivory was radiating sophistication and confidence.
"Xavier, delightful to finally meet you," Ivory said, her Italian accent husky, as she approached his desk.
"sei molto Bello"(you're very handsome)", she said, giving him her irresistible smile.
Xavier's gaze remained steady, his expression unreadable. "Ivory. Please, have a seat."
As she settled into the leather chair, Ivory crossed her legs, her dress riding up to reveal her glowing and spotless thigh. Xavier took a glance, his composure unbroken.
"I must say, your office is impressive," Ivory purred, her gaze wandering over the office desk. "A reflection of your exceptional taste, I presume."
Xavier leaned back in his chair, his fingers brushing through his hair, Ivory swallowed hard at his sexiness. "Let's discuss the proposal you have for us, Miss Ivory."
Ivory's smile hinted at mischief. "Of course. But first, may I?" She rose from her seat and approached his desk, her movements smooth.
Without waiting for permission, she reached out and straightened his tie, her fingers brushing against his chest. Xavier's eyes locked onto hers, his jaw tightly clenched.
"You look perfect now," Ivory whispered, her breath caressing his ear.
Xavier's expression remained the same. "That's enough Miss Ivory."
Ivory's face dropped before covering up with a smile. "Oh sure, you must be a hard man to impress Mr Xavier" Ivory chuckled before taking her seat back.
"Well, I'm rejecting the offer with your company," Xavier said, giving her a little smirk.
"Rejecting? We are the second-leading company after yours. This business proposal would strengthen both companies in and outside Italy. What do you think, Mr Xavier?" she asked, putting her hand on the desk and giving a flirtatious smile.
"Ivory, even your flirting won't change my mind." Xavier dropped.
Ivory's smile faltered, her eyes flashing with irritation. "Flirting, Xavier? I'm simply admiring your exceptional business sense."
Xavier's gaze turned cold. "Don't play games, Ivory. Your father sent you to secure this deal, but I'm not buying."
Ivory's face reddened, her voice sharp. "You're making a mistake, Xavier. Our companies would greatly benefit—"
"Benefit?" Xavier cut in, his tone icy. "Your father's company is struggling. This partnership would be a bailout, not a mutually beneficial agreement. And we are rivals, remember?"
Ivory's eyes blazed with anger, her voice rising. "How dare you question my family's business!"
Xavier's palm slapped the desk, the sound echoing through the room. "Enough. I've made my decision. The offer is rejected."
Ivory's face pale, she rose from her seat, her movements controlled. "This isn't over, Xavier."
"It is for me," Xavier replied, his expression solid. Ivory walked out angrily from his office.
As she exited, Damian entered, an amused smile playing on his lips.
"Well?" Damian asked.
"Rejected their offer." Xavier replied, his gaze still fixed on the door.
"But you could have banged her, bruhh." Damian exclaimed, earning a glare from Xavier.
"She's not my type." He muttered.
Damian rolled his eyes "Whatever. She's hot, bruh! I'm disappointed!" He sighed heavily before walking towards the door.
Xavier smirked slightly before settling back in his chair. His phone rang from the desk, and the name Godfather appeared on the screen. Xavier clenched his jaw, ignoring the call.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
*TRAINING GROUND*
The air was filled with arrow rounds, gunfire, and clashes of swords
A talented warrior, Valerie perfected her sword skills, and her unpredictable moves made her one of a kind.
Eva, her arch-nemesis, entered, clapping to gather attention. "Everyone!"
Everyone moved closer to her except Valerie.
Valerie rolled her eyes, ignoring the call, her focus fixed on her target. Eva's presence only fueled her annoyance. Eva stopped when she noticed that Valerie didn't acknowledge her presence and she started moving angrily towards her.
"I wonder what Eva's up to." Joe whispered to Rose.
"Another trouble loading." Rose replied, shaking her head.
Eva approached Valerie, she looked so angry and frustrated. "Hey, fool!" she snapped.
Valerie continued sword fighting, disregarding Eva entirely. She's used to Eva's attacks every time, she always tries to ignore her.
"Hey, I'm talking to you!" Eva tapped Valerie's shoulder angrily.
Valerie moved away, her voice low and threatening. "Stop touching me. I'm not in the mood." Valerie muttered before moving away from her, towards the mansion.
Eva's eyes flashed with anger.
Rose whispered to Joe. "Eva's seriously annoying. Thinks she's the boss."
Joe nodded. "Their problem, not ours. Seems like she has nothing to say again. Let's go."
The inseparable friends exited the training ground, leaving the tension behind.
As Valerie stormed off, Eva's eyes narrowed. "You'll pay for disrespecting me, Valerie," Eva whispered to herself.
Valerie stormed into the mansion, her annoyance boiling over. She detested Eva's guts and always hated the fact that Xavier gave her so much authority.
As she passed Damian's room, she paused at the sound of moans and Monica's loud screams "Oh f**k Damian! Please do not stop!"
Valerie's eyes narrowed. She thought about making her way to the door, but changed her mind and stormed away instead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
SIN-NATION EMPIRE ~8PM
Xavier stepped out of his red Mercedes Benz, its tinted windows reflecting the Empire's towering skyscrapers. The driver, Alberto, tipped his hat. "Welcome back, sir."
Xavier nodded, his gaze glancing round the surrounding area before striding toward the building.
His long strides carried him to his private suite with the mobsters bowing
~ Welcome boss
~Welcome back boss
He acknowledged all their greetings with a nod.
The guard by the door, Jay, bowed and opened the door for him. For a rich CEO and mafia leader, the suite was something to write about.
Inside, the suite exuded luxury and tranquility. Soft, golden lighting bathed the spacious room, while the black marble floor gleamed and reflected the gentle sparkle of the chandelier above. One wall was dominated by a modern bar and a floor-to-ceiling window that provided a stunning view of the city. Nearby, a beautifully set dining table awaited him.
Madam Tessa stood by the table, a warm smile on her face. "Good evening, Xavier." Aside from Eva and Damian, Madam Tessa can top the list of those that have been in Xavier's suite frequently. As much as Xavier hates to admit it, he has a lot of respect for Madam Tessa for she has been with him since he was a toddler.
Xavier settled down in the chair as he waited for Tessa to dish out his meal.
"Xavier, I need to bring your attention to something." Madam Tessa said, her voice gentle but firm. She placed his plate before him as she dished out the Italian pasta. The aroma filled the whole space.
Xavier turned, his eyes narrowing slightly. "What is it, Tessa?"
Madam Tessa stopped, her hands clasped together. "It seems you've forgotten about the girl you brought in."
Xavier's expression stayed neutral, but he remained quiet.
"She's not eating, Xavier. The food trays remain untouched. She's barely moved from her bed." Madam Tessa reported.
Xavier's gaze intensified, his jaw clenched. "Go on."
"I spoke to the maids today. They noticed the same thing. She's deteriorating, Xavier. Physically and emotionally. It has been a week. She might die," Madam Tessa added.
Xavier's eyes flashed with anger, his voice low. "You think I don't know how to handle my prisoners, Tessa?"
Madam Tessa stood her ground. "This isn't about control, Xavier. It's about humanity. She's a young girl, barely alive."
Xavier's face darkened, his eyes blazing with anger. "You don't understand. Her fate is mine to decide. That bitch can't die unless I kill her myself." He muttered, his jaw clenched tightly. "And I will make sure she gets that into her skull."
He uttered those words with a trace of hurt before striding out, the door swinging shut behind him.
Madam Tessa, feeling a pang of urgency and sensing he might seek out Sarah, quickly gathered her thoughts and dashed after him, her footsteps echoing in the now silent room.