The morning sun spilled through Ava's window as she paced her room, replaying the events of the last few days. Her actions had strained the bonds she once held dear, and guilt gnawed at her relentlessly. Gathering her courage, she approached Jia later that morning.
"I owe you an apology, Jia," Ava began, her voice trembling with sincerity. "I know I've let you down. I kept secrets, and I made mistakes that put us all in danger. You've always stood by me, and I didn't deserve your kindness."
Jia looked at Ava, her expression softening. She was a kind-hearted soul who found it hard to hold grudges. "Ava," she said gently, "we've all made mistakes. What matters is that you've realized yours and want to make things right. I forgive you."
The tension between them melted, and the two embraced. It was a moment of relief for Ava, though she knew the storm with Kayden was far from over. His silence and cold demeanor were unbearable, and her attempts to reach out to him had failed.
The next morning, the trio prepared to head to the company. Kayden, however, halted at the driveway.
"You two go ahead without me," he said, his tone curt but calm.
"Where are you going?" Ava asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.
Kayden ignored her question, turning instead to Jia with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about me. I've got something to take care of. I'll join you both at the office later."
Jia gave him a concerned look. "Just don't take too long, and be careful, alright?"
Kayden nodded, his demeanor softening only slightly, and walked off toward his car. Ava watched him leave, a pang of frustration in her chest. Jia placed a hand on Ava's shoulder.
"Give him time," Jia said quietly.
With that, the two women drove to the company, leaving Kayden to handle his secretive errands.
The Coffee Shop Meeting
Kayden arrived at a cozy, secluded coffee shop. It was far from the bustling streets, offering privacy and calm. He chose a VIP seat tucked away in the corner, the perfect place to hold a quiet conversation. Picking up his phone, he called his secretary.
"Calvin, meet me at the location I'm sending you," Kayden instructed.
"Got it, sir," Calvin replied, his tone crisp and professional.
Thirty minutes later, Calvin arrived, dressed sharply in a tailored suit, his expression as focused as ever. Spotting Kayden, he approached and greeted him with a slight bow.
"President Hayes," Calvin said formally.
Kayden nodded in acknowledgment and gestured for him to sit. "Let's get straight to the point," he began, his tone all business.
"I've reviewed the surveillance footage from the area surrounding the incident," Calvin reported. "There's nothing unusual on the cameras, which leads me to believe that someone tampered with the recordings. The CCTV footage has likely been erased."
Kayden leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Just as I suspected. Whoever is behind this isn't an amateur."
Calvin hesitated, then continued. "I don't think this was a random attack, sir. It was calculated, and the individual or group involved has resources."
Kayden nodded slowly. His instincts had told him the same. "Your first task," he instructed, "is to return to the area and check the church nearby. Look at their surveillance footage and question the security officer who was on duty that day. I want a detailed report."
"Yes, sir," Calvin said, jotting down notes.
"Your second task," Kayden continued, "is to dig into the family behind Gracious Holdings. I want a full profile—financials, personal lives, and business operations. Leave no stone unturned. I need this in the next 24 hours."
"Understood." Calvin stood, prepared to leave when Kayden stopped him again.
"One more thing," Kayden said, his voice firm. "Prepare a press conference. The rumors about K.A.J. Enterprise falling apart need to be shut down immediately. We need to reassure our stakeholders and the public that we're still standing strong."
Calvin bowed slightly. "I'll handle it right away."
As Calvin left, Kayden sat in silence, his thoughts churning. This attack wasn't just a business issue—it was personal. Someone wanted to bring K.A.J. down, and he wasn't going to let that happen.
The towering glass of the K.A.J. Enterprises headquarters shimmered under the morning sun as Ava and Jia arrived. Though the building exuded strength and prestige, Ava couldn't help but feel a tinge of unease. Her recent actions had fractured the trust between her and Kayden, and stepping into the company's halls now felt heavier than ever.
The lobby was bustling with activity—employees hurrying to meetings, clients waiting in the lounge, and the hum of productivity filling the air. Jia, ever perceptive, noticed Ava's hesitation and gave her a reassuring nudge.
"We've got this," Jia said with a smile.
The two made their way to the executive floor, where their shared office space was located. The atmosphere there was markedly different—quieter, more focused. As they stepped into the room, the weight of responsibility settled over Ava.
A few minutes into their work, a knock at the door interrupted the silence. It was Mr. Donovan, the head of K.A.J.'s legal department, accompanied by his assistant. He carried a stack of documents and wore an expression that could only be described as grim.
"Ms. Ava, Ms. Jia," Donovan greeted them, nodding respectfully.
"Mr. Donovan," Jia replied. "What brings you here?"
Donovan set the documents on the desk. "I thought you should see these. These are the latest legal threats and complaints filed against the company. Most of them are from Gracious Holdings. They're accusing us of intellectual property theft, false advertising, and other baseless claims."
Ava's brow furrowed as she skimmed through the documents. "This is ridiculous," she said. "None of these accusations hold any merit."
"Exactly," Donovan agreed. "But they're using this as a tactic to damage our reputation and drain our resources in legal battles."
Jia sighed. "They're trying to bury us under paperwork while spreading rumors in the market. This is sabotage."
"We'll handle it," Ava said with newfound determination. "Prepare our legal countermeasures, and make sure every accusation is publicly debunked. I'll draft a statement to address this at the press conference."
Donovan nodded, impressed by Ava's assertiveness. "I'll get on it right away."
Later that day, Ava and Jia called for a meeting with their department heads. The room was filled with key players from marketing, finance, R&D, and production. Tension was palpable; the recent attacks on the company had shaken even the most seasoned employees.
Ava stood at the head of the table, her voice steady but impassioned. "I know the past few weeks have been tough, and I know the rumors have made many of you doubt our future. But let me be clear—K.A.J. Enterprises is not going anywhere. We have faced challenges before, and we will overcome this one, too."
Her words seemed to energize the room. Jia chimed in, her tone equally resolute. "Our focus now is on innovation and pushing forward with our latest product line. We've got something incredible in the works, and when we launch, it will cement our position at the top of this industry."
The room buzzed with renewed determination as department heads began discussing strategies to combat the negativity surrounding the company.
Though Ava maintained a strong front, her inner turmoil was growing. When she returned to her office after the meeting, she closed the door and sank into her chair, staring out at the city skyline. Her thoughts drifted to Kayden. He was out there, chasing leads and trying to protect the company while she was still grappling with the fallout of her own mistakes.
Jia entered quietly, setting a cup of tea on Ava's desk. "You did well in there," she said softly.
"Thanks," Ava replied, though her voice lacked conviction. "But I can't shake the feeling that I'm still paying for my mistakes. Kayden barely looks at me anymore, and now this mess with Gracious Holdings…"
"Kayden just needs time," Jia assured her. "He'll come around. He always does. As for Gracious Holdings, we'll show them who they're messing with."
Ava smiled faintly, grateful for Jia's unwavering support.
Toward the end of the day, Ava and Jia were busy preparing for the press conference Calvin had arranged. They finalized talking points, ensured the legal team's input was included, and coordinated with the PR department. By the time they were done, exhaustion had begun to set in, but their spirits remained high.
Kayden still hadn't returned to the office, but Ava chose to trust that he was handling things on his end.
Kayden arrived back at the company, his expression stoic as always. He entered the lobby where Ava and Jia were waiting. Jia immediately approached him, her enthusiasm cutting through the tension in the air.
"Kayden! You won't believe the day we had! The employees were so worried, but I think we managed to calm them down a bit," Jia began, her words flowing with energy.
Kayden glanced at her briefly and replied, "Good. But leave the company matters to me from now on. I'll handle it." His tone was curt but not unkind. Then, without another glance at Ava, he added, "Let's go. We don't want to be late for the press conference."
Ava frowned but said nothing. The trio headed to Kayden's car, where he drove them to the venue in silence. Jia attempted to fill the air with light chatter, but Kayden's responses were short and focused. Ava sat quietly in the back seat, her curiosity and guilt warring within her.
At the Press Conference
The venue was abuzz with reporters and photographers eagerly waiting for the arrival of the President of K.A.J. Enterprises. Calvin had done an excellent job organizing the event, ensuring that security was tight and the atmosphere professional.
As Kayden's car pulled up, bodyguards quickly surrounded it, opening the doors for them. The trio stepped out, Kayden exuding an aura of authority that silenced the murmuring crowd. Cameras flashed as they made their way to their seats at the front of the room.
The first question came almost immediately after Kayden was introduced. A seasoned journalist stood and addressed him, "President Hayes, what would you like to say about the rumors surrounding K.A.J. Enterprises' financial stability?"
Kayden leaned into the microphone, his voice calm but commanding. "The rumors are baseless. K.A.J. Enterprises remains as strong and committed as ever. We will not allow misinformation to dictate the narrative."
A female reporter named Lora was next. "President Hayes, what about the tragic incident involving your workers and the destroyed goods? What is your response to this?"
Kayden's face darkened briefly. "First, my heartfelt condolences to the families of those we lost. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten. Second, I assure you that justice will be served. We are working closely with the authorities to bring those responsible to light."
The crowd murmured in approval at his composed yet empathetic response.
The next question was sharper, posed by a younger journalist. "Do you have any leads or suspicions about who might be targeting your company?"
Ava shifted slightly in her seat, ready to speak, but Kayden shot her a cold glance that froze her words. Leaning closer to her, he whispered, "Let me handle this."
Turning back to the reporters, he said, "As of now, the investigation is ongoing. We trust the authorities to uncover the truth."
The press conference continued with a few more questions, each answered with Kayden's characteristic poise. When he felt it was time to end, he subtly signaled Calvin, who stepped forward and thanked the press, signaling the conclusion of the event. Kayden stood and exited with Ava and Jia, ignoring the reporters calling after him.
The atmosphere was tense as they returned home. Bodyguards stationed themselves around the property, drawing Ava's attention. "Why are they still here?" she asked Kayden.
"They're here to protect the three of us," Kayden replied simply. "As from today on, they're staying. You'll also be assigned personal secretaries starting tomorrow."
Jia beamed. "That's a brilliant idea, Kayden! You've really changed."
Kayden's expression softened slightly, but his voice was tinged with bitterness as he replied, "Change is inevitable, especially after betrayal." He shot a glance at Ava, whose face fell.
Trying to lighten the mood, Jia quipped, "Yes, President Hayes, always thinking ahead."
Kayden chuckled faintly but said nothing. Just then, his phone buzzed. Calvin was calling.
"President Hayes, I have updates," Calvin said on the other end.
Kayden's tone turned icy. "I'll text you a location. Meet me there in five minutes."
Ava, curious, asked, "Are you going somewhere?"
Without looking at her, Kayden replied to Jia instead, "Have dinner without me. I'll be back later."
As he left, Kayden instructed some guards to stay with Ava and Jia while others accompanied him. Ava watched him go, her guilt deepening with every step he took away.
Kayden arrived at the secluded bar, settling into a dimly lit VIP booth. Calvin approached cautiously, sensing the brewing storm in Kayden's sharp gaze. Bowing slightly, he greeted, "Good evening, President Hayes."
Kayden nodded, gesturing for him to sit. "What do you have for me?"
Calvin shifted uncomfortably. "I visited the church near the incident site, as you instructed. They refused to release the CCTV footage, citing their policy against sharing with outsiders. Additionally, the security guard who was on duty that day has resigned."
Kayden's expression darkened. His voice was low, yet it carried an unmistakable weight. "So you came back empty-handed?"
"I tried my best, sir," Calvin stammered. "I even spoke with the church administration, but they wouldn't budge."
"Best?" Kayden snapped, his tone cutting through Calvin's excuses like a blade. "You call this your best? You're an incompetent fool, Calvin. I gave you a simple task, and you failed."
Calvin flinched at the words, but before he could respond, Kayden continued, "I want that guard in front of me within two days. No excuses, no delays. Am I clear?"
"Yes, sir. I'll track him down," Calvin replied, his voice trembling with both determination and fear.
Kayden stood abruptly, his chair scraping the floor. "You'd better. I have no use for dead weight."
With that, he left the booth, his cold presence lingering even after he exited the bar. Calvin sat there for a moment, muttering under his breath.
"Incompetent fool, incompetent fool," he mimicked, his tone exaggerated as he stomped his foot in frustration. "Why don't you try doing it yourself, Mr. Perfect?"
He let out a loud sigh before standing and muttering, "Two days. Great. Just great." Still fuming, he left the bar to begin his frantic search for the elusive security guard.
When Kayden pulled into the driveway, the house was dimly lit. Inside, Ava and Jia were lounging in the living room, an assortment of video games spread on the coffee table. Jia, ever the cheerful one, waved him over.
"Kayden, come play with us! You need to unwind," she chirped, holding up a controller.
Kayden's eyes softened for a brief moment, but his demeanor remained distant. "Not tonight, Jia. I've got things to handle." Without another word, he made his way upstairs to his room, leaving the girls exchanging glances.
Inside his room, Kayden wasted no time. He dialed into a conference call with the PR team, reviewing the ongoing strategy to mitigate the public rumors surrounding K.A.J. Enterprises. His instructions were sharp, precise, and unyielding. After the call, he sat by his desk, staring at the scattered documents but soon pushed them aside, exhaustion momentarily overtaking him.
The Next Morning
Kayden was up before dawn, his routine now consumed by relentless focus. Around mid-morning, his phone buzzed. It was Calvin.
"President Hayes," Calvin's voice came through. "I've located the man. He's ready for questioning."
"Good. Bring him to the basement," Kayden replied coldly. "I'll be there in thirty minutes."
The basement was dimly lit, a stark contrast to the luxury and elegance of the rest of the house. The air was heavy with tension as Kayden walked in, his presence commanding and intimidating. Sitting in front of him was the former security guard, trembling with fear. On the table before Kayden lay a chilling array of tools—a knife, chainsaw, gun, and a pair of pliers.
Kayden took a seat, his face calm but his eyes menacing. "I'll make this simple. I'll ask you some questions. If you lie or refuse to answer, I'll ensure you regret it."
The man nodded frantically, his lips trembling.
"Why did you resign?" Kayden began.
The guard stammered. "M-my mother was sick. I left to take care of her."
Kayden raised an eyebrow, signaling Calvin. The sound of electricity crackling filled the room as Calvin activated the shock device. The man screamed, writhing in pain, but Kayden's expression didn't falter.
"Stop," Kayden ordered, and Calvin complied. "Now, I'll ask again. Why did you resign?"
The man hesitated but stuck to his story. Kayden sighed, stood, and picked up the knife. He approached the trembling man, his movements calculated. Without hesitation, he sliced off one of the man's fingers.[note: do not try this anywhere]
The basement's ominous stillness was broken only by the sound of heavy breathing. Kayden's chair creaked as he leaned back, his sharp gaze fixed on the trembling guard in front of him.
Kayden tapped his fingers on the table, his calm demeanor masking the storm within. "Let's continue," he said, his voice low and menacing. "Who else knows about this?"
The man hesitated, his lips quivering. "N-no one," he stammered.
Kayden's eyes narrowed. He glanced at Calvin, who stood silently to the side. "Cut off two of his toes," Kayden ordered coldly.
Calvin hesitated for a fraction of a second before nodding. He stepped forward, grabbing the pliers from the table. The man screamed and struggled, but the restraints held him firmly in place.
"No! Please, no!" he begged, but his cries were ignored.
With precision, Calvin applied the tool to the man's foot. A sickening crunch echoed through the room as the pliers snapped down. The man's scream tore through the air, his face contorted in agony as two of his toes were severed.
Calvin stepped back, wiping the pliers clean, while the man collapsed into his chair, panting and sobbing.
Kayden's expression remained unmoved. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. "I'll ask one last time. Who else knows?"
The guard let out a blood-curdling scream, but Kayden remained composed. He returned to his seat, his bloodshot eyes drilling into the man. "You're testing my patience. Speak."
Through tears and pain, the man finally broke. "I was bribed! A man named Robert Whitney paid me to delete the footage and keep quiet. He gave me money for a mansion and more to ensure I'd never talk."
Kayden's lips curled into a grim smile. "Where's the CCTV footage?"
"My wife...she has it," the man whimpered, giving them the location.
Kayden stood, cleaning his hands of the blood with a towel. He turned to Calvin. "You know what to do."
"Yes, boss," Calvin replied.
"Ensure this footage makes its way to the sheriff. As for him," Kayden gestured dismissively toward the man, "release him once the task is done. But make sure he knows there will be consequences if he ever tries anything again."
Calvin nodded firmly.
Kayden glanced down at the guard one last time. "You're lucky I don't have time to waste on you." Without waiting for a reply, he turned and strode out of the basement, his footsteps echoing through the room.
The guard slumped back in his chair, shaking, as Calvin gave instructions to his men.
[Note: do not try any of this.]
Later that evening, Kayden was in his study, pouring over the documents Calvin had sent—records hacked from Gracious Holdings. The evidence was damning, linking the Whitney family to the sabotage of K.A.J. Enterprises. Kayden's phone buzzed again, and he answered.
"President Hayes," Calvin said. "We've retrieved the footage. It's on its way to you."
"Good. Send it to the sheriff in three days," Kayden instructed. "Also, prepare a contract document for me. I have some negotiations to settle."
Calvin confirmed and ended the call.
Kayden then dialed his assistant secretary, Katie. "Schedule a conference call with my subordinates tonight and a meeting with the Gracious Holdings shareholders tomorrow."
Katie's voice was crisp. "Understood, President Hayes."
As he hung up, Kayden noticed Ava standing hesitantly at the door. She had likely overheard part of the conversation.
"What do you want?" Kayden's voice was cold, devoid of warmth.
"I...I wanted to check on you," Ava stammered. "You've been so distant. What's going on?"
Kayden stood and moved past her. "Cleaning up the mess you made." His words were a dagger to her heart.
"Kayden, I'm sorry—" Ava began, but he cut her off.
"Excuse me. I have a conference call to attend." He walked into his study, leaving her standing alone, guilt-ridden.
That night, Kayden worked tirelessly, formulating plans for the upcoming shareholder meeting and his next move against Gracious Holdings. Meanwhile, Ava and Jia shared a quiet dinner, both weighed down by the tension in the house.
Kayden's resolve was unshakable. The betrayal he had endured lit a fire within him, one that drove him to protect his company and those he cared about—even if it meant pushing them away.