Hi!
First I want to thank Sheri for having this chapter back in a jiffy! She rocks!
I also want to thank everyone who is reading and reviewing, I do read reviews even if I dont reply to them they do get read and I just want you all to know it means a lot to be supported! I am currently writing the next one. I've also decided to make this story a sequel!
Enjoy!
Chapter 34 New&Improved
BELLA POV
The elevator doors opened up to a sleek glossy marble floor that was in a very posh office. A woman sat behind a large desk just down the way. I stepped off the elevator with Seth behind me as I made my way to the desk.
The lady behind it stood up swifty. "Welcome to The Cullen Foundation! I'm Claire and you must be Mrs. Cullen?" she asked with a smile.
"Yes, I am," I answered with a little excitement.
"Ms. Young told me to go ahead and bring you to your office. Ms. Esme called and let her know to get it set up for you," she said as she entered the doors to her side. "If you will follow me."
I looked back at Seth who was watching with interest and we followed the receptionist down the hall. She showed me the copy room, Esme's office, the assistant's office, the lounge and the hall where they had multiple pictures and videos playing from their past achievements. She then reached an office that had double doors.
"This is your office. We have set you up with a computer, work phone, and a television. Ms. Young set up some proposals that have come in for you to look over. She will be in soon to go over those with you," Claire said with a smile. "Can I get you anything before I head back up front?"
"Um,—," I replied dumbly. "I'll have a coffee," I mumbled. She nodded and left the office.
I glanced over at the office. It was clean and really posh styled just like the rest of the Foundation. It also overlooked downtown Seattle and I could see Cullen Enterprises in the distance.
"Whew," Seth whistled as he walked in the office with me. "Nice digs."
"It seems a bit much," I replied not that I wasn't grateful, it was just that I still wasn't used to the extravagant stuff. "It is nice though." I looked down to see the busy people moving along the street. Speaking of extravagance, the tight belted dress I was wearing was also a little too much especially with these heels but I was representing the Cullen Foundation and I wanted to do it right.
I turned from the windows to go to my desk. The desk was sleek and the chair was very comfortable as well. It smelled nice too, like there was some flower and rain fragrance coming from somewhere in the office. There was nothing plugged in so it must have been Claire's perfume.
I turned my computer on when Claire entered my office with a cup of coffee, I thanked her as she sat it down.
"What perfume are you wearing? It smells nice," I asked her and she gave me a smile.
"You're probably referring to the air filtration in the corner. It usually smells like flowers. This whole building is set up with it." She then pointed to the corner where a small machine was attached to the wall. I didn't know that the smell was coming from there and I blushed in embarrassment.
"Oh," I replied dumbly. "I didn't notice it, I thought it was your perfume."
The smile on her face never fell, "Ms. Young will be in shortly. Please beep me if you need anything." She quickly turned and left my office shutting the door behind her.
My head quickly went to my hands. "I can't do this." I still felt like an idiot.
"Bells, yes you can." Seth came over and took a seat in the chair in front of my desk.
"I'm so out of my element here, Seth," I said looking up at his eyes. They look determined.
"You have changed a lot. You have adapted very well. You are not that little shy woman I grew up with. You can do this," he encouraged me with a supportive smile.
I smiled back at him, we both grew up in a two parent household with not much money. However, he lost his dad when he was a teen. We weren't used to this so if anyone could relate to how I felt it would be Seth.
"I'm just nervous," I muttered taking a deep breath
"Yeah, that's normal," he said glancing at the mountain of papers on my desk.
I looked at it too, at least I'll be busy I thought. Just then there was a knock on the door and Seth got up to answer it.
In walked a brunette wearing a tight professional dress. She had a clipboard in her hand and was wearing heels. "Mrs. Cullen, I'm Emily Young. I'm Ms. Esme's assistant and I'll be helping you," she introduced herself as she sat down in the chair across from me.
I noticed Seth hadn't taken his eyes off of her and I tried my best not to smile at the situation. I don't think Emily even noticed Seth since she had been in my office.
"I—l'll be in the lounge…," Seth stammered out and I let out a small laugh as he left my office, shutting the door behind him.
Emily looked in the direction he went but then turned to face me.
"Hi Emily, I'm Bella. Please call me that. Mrs. Cullen is too formal," I said.
She smiled and glanced at the proposals. "These are a few we have received from some organizations around the city. I thought that may be the best place to start. Ms. Esme helped out the homeless not too long ago so it may be better to go on a different path. I did see some in there that mentioned it. However, you can choose whatever you want to do but Ms. Esme likes to switch it up because it makes sure everyone gets a chance," she smiled brightly at me and I nodded.
"Thanks, I'll keep that in mind," I said as I grabbed the first proposal.
"Good, I'm here to help with anything. I'll let you look at those and then we can go over them if you like."
I nodded and Emily bowed as she left my office. My eyes widened at the sight and I felt even more out of my element. I took the binder of the first proposal and was ready to open it when my phone beeped.
Unlocking the screen, I noticed I had a text from Edward wishing me good luck. I didn't see him this morning but yesterday we spent pretty much all day in bed. My head was still hurting from the night before. Granted, we weren't doing what I really wanted to do but it was just nice to be able to be close to him.
He told me more of what was going on at Cullen Enterprises and I told him I missed him. Waking up this morning, I was a little irritated. I thought he would be there to see me off on my first day.
"Good morning, I hope you have a great day and I love you." The corners of my lips rose up a bit In a smile as I read his message.
There was a knock on the door then as Seth came in with a huge bouquet of roses. The smell instantly hit my nose with its wonderful scent. "These were just delivered," he said as he sat them on my desk and gave me a card before leaving again.
I smiled instantly knowing who they had been sent from as I opened the card. Have a great first day! Love you.-Edward.
I breathed in the scent and instantly relaxed. For some reason, flowers calmed me. Setting those aside I picked up my phone and sent a quick text to Edward thanking him. His reply came back after I had already gone over two proposals so I took it that he was busy.
I wish we could go away together or something. I missed having alone time with him. I wanted to reconnect with him so bad but until then I would keep busy.
After finishing up the proposals Emily rejoined me for lunch. I still didn't know which one to go with but I was going to keep with Esme's policy about trying to help everyone and not focus on one group. The domestic abuse women's program really held my interest which should have been obvious but also an Autism program had me curious.
I spent the rest of the day looking over the proposals and checking online for various resources. Around 5 p.m. I decided that was all I was going to get done today. Emily and I decided we would focus on a domestic women's shelter or center. Emily was going to run some numbers and talk to Esme and we could probably go look at properties Wednesday.
Seth and I climbed into my SUV and headed to my house. I let Seth drive this time because I was mentally tired from the day. All in all, I think I got a lot accomplished today, especially being so my first day.
"So, I've been kind of avoiding a topic with you," Seth began as I leaned my head against the window looking out at the homes that we were currently passing. I rose up in a sitting position and gestured for him to talk. For some reason, I felt this talk would involve someone who wasn't here anymore.
"So, The Marks have been trying to contact you about the house you grew up in and by contact I mean they've been harassing me because they know we are friends. Boss also sent me out to look at it." That had my attention, why didn't Edward tell me about it. "Anyways it needs work but the Marks want to buy it and rent it out since the house is just down the street, " Seth continued.
The Marks were nearby neighbors however they were a good distance from the house. My childhood home was at the end of a street not surrounded by neighbors. It also had a huge yard. I had yet to settle anything with the house or go and search through all of its contents. I know Edward said he would send men to do it but I wanted to be the one. I just didn't know when I would be able to go to Forks again or if I would be ready.
"I don't think I'm going to do that," I said in a soft voice as we came up on the water. Seth glanced at me before turning back to the road.
Seth nodded, "can I tell them that? Seriously, I'm thinking of changing my number they call so damn much."
I tried not to chuckle at him. "Let me talk to Edward and I'll let you know."
He nodded and then glanced at me. "Bells, I can't tell you how sorry I am for everything."
I pushed back the tears that were threatening to fall. "It wasn't your fault, you didn't know. We can't keep thinking about what-ifs," I said, actually believing myself when I said that. What if he had gotten Leah out before though? What if Quil hadn't been there? Would I have still been a prisoner? These things filled my head sometimes, but I couldn't keep dwelling on them because it had already played out the way it did. It did hurt though, someone like Leah had lost a whole lot.
"Everything that happened to Leah, you, me was all Jacob's fault. He is the one to blame, for everything. Charlie and everyone else that was associated with him are to blame as well," I stated, confidently smiling at myself because I felt a sudden burst of relief. I was getting better slowly but surely.
****BID*****
After Seth pulled into the garage, we both made our way into the house. Edward's Maserati wasn't there so he hadn't arrived home yet. I also hadn't talked to him since this morning. Seth went to check over the house, while I walked into the kitchen where Ms. Cope was cooking something over the stove.
"Mmm it smells good," I said as I walked to the counter and saw plates laid out for food.
"Hello Dear, how was your first day?" Ms. Cope asked me with a smile. She had been getting better as of late.
"It was good," I replied, trying to figure out what she was cooking on the stove when the timer went off. "I'll get that! "I told her. I made my way to the drawer beside the oven and pulled out two oven mitts and put them on. Opening the oven door, I pulled out the pan to what looked like roasted vegetables. It smelled so good, my stomach growled in response.
"The mashed potatoes are about done; I grilled the steaks there," Ms . Cope smiled as she kept whipping up potatoes, but she was pointing towards the plate with the steaks. I took off the mittens and went back to the plate of steak. This was definitely what I smelled when I came in.
"Looks good, Ms. Cope, thank you," I smiled at her as I walked towards the fridge to grab some water. I also noticed a bottle of wine laying out. I raised my eyebrow in response at Ms. Cope who gave me a grin.
"Mr. Cullen asked me to lay it out, celebration for your first day," she said as she poured the potatoes in a bowl.
I awkwardly grinned. I didn't think my day was a big deal, I really hadn't done anything.
"Ms. Stanley has left as well. She told me to tell you that the whole top floors have been fully cleaned. I know you like doing some stuff yourself, but she went ahead and finished everything," Ms. Cope said, and I sighed. I knew Jessica was trying to keep busy, but I didn't want her to have to do everything. It made me feel lazy when I didn't do much.
"I'm done. I'll see you on Wednesday, my dear." Ms. Cope moved from the kitchen to grab her purse from the nearby closet. Since I was only working three days at the foundation, Ms. Cope would only come those days to help out with breakfast and dinner. Jessica still came regularly except Fridays. However, I did clean most days that I was home.
After hearing Ms. Cope leave, I sat at the table. I texted Edward and asked when he would be home. I didn't know if I needed to set out a plate or what. I never received a response, so I went ahead and sat a plate out for him just in case. After filling a glass of water, I sat it down to bring the steaks, potatoes and vegetables to the table.
"Shit, it smells good in here." I screamed because I didn't fucking hear him until he was right up on me.
He smiled. "Sorry, I thought you heard me from down the hall," he said as he came towards me and gave me a kiss on the forehead. He grabbed the bowl of potatoes and tray of veggies from me.
"Did you just get here?" I asked making my way to the table with the plate of steaks and sat them down.
"Sit," he said to me as he pulled out my chair. I sat down and gave him a smile. Sometimes he was just too much. He went to the counter and grabbed the wine bottle and brought it to the table. "Yes, my wife, I did just get here. I saw Ms. Cope off."
Lifting my wine glass, which sat empty on the table because I had water, he poured the red liquid into the glass. "We're celebrating!" he said with a laugh and poured himself one as well. He sat down on the other side of the table from me.
I lifted my glass and took a sip. It was a bit strong, but I still drank some of it. "What are we celebrating?" I said as I took another sip already knowing the answer.
"Your first day of course!" he said as he gulped down the whole glass.
Something was up. I mean something felt like it was up. He had been way too agitated and angry the past few days to be this calm. Yesterday we spent pretty much all day in bed watching TV and movies. It was nice but he was still angry no matter how hard he tried to hide it yesterday.
"You're being awfully cute." I started cutting up my steak while keeping an eye on him in my periphery.
"I try," he smirked while eating a bit of the steak. "So, how was it?" He was now looking at me with his full gaze.
"It was…," I trailed off. "Enlightening?" I finished as I ate the veggies.
Edward's shoulders slumped. "So, you're not going to like it?" My eyes went wide at his comment
"No! No, that's not what I meant. It's just something I've never done before. I have to find my groove first."
He nodded as he scooped up some mashed potatoes. "How was your day?" I asked him and he smiled again.
"I found out more information on who was stealing from me. Well, the one hacking anyway." I dropped my fork, and my eyes went wide.
"What? That's why you're in a good mood," I commented and he gave me a look.
"Yes and no. I'm glad you had a good day. I'm happy you left and got out there and you're happy, but yes I'm glad I found a piece to the puzzle."
"Who was it again and why?"
"Some bitch that works in my finance department, she's been there a few months. It should have been obvious. I still haven't found out why but you can fucking bet I will! " he assured me as he greedily ate his potatoes.
It didn't make sense to me though. Why would some woman who works for him steal his money through offshore accounts and other resources? Why not directly? She would have had access to it or was she trying to make it look like someone else was doing it?
"It doesn't make sense," I said aloud. Edward gave me a look waiting on me to elaborate but I was just saying my thoughts. Oh shit, I looked up at him and said, "she's working for someone." And Edward nodded.
"Has to be and I'm going to find out."
Edward POV
I couldn't sleep no matter how much I tried to get comfortable. I was too fucking wired with the information I had found out. Tomorrow I would confront the bitch and find out who exactly she was working for. I wanted to today, but Jasper wanted to dig some more. I don't know why I listened to him, but I would probably have more answers if I waited.
I knew the bitch was either being blackmailed or working for someone else. I wasn't stupid that a woman fresh out of college did this on her own. She had no motive unless it was greed and I highly doubted that was it.
My fucking body was tense, restless, usually a good fuck or some cocaine would knock that shit out of me but currently neither were options. I haven't touched the white stuff since Bella was taken. That night was fucked, and I needed to be numbed. The other thing, well that was a different story. I turned my body towards the hot breath I felt on my shoulder.
My wife was dead asleep. Today must have been more tiring than she let on. As I faced her, I couldn't help but smile as I held her close. My brave wife, who truly had been through hell and back was probably the most amazing person I've known. I kissed her forehead, and she moved a bit. I froze, I didn't want to wake her up. Shit.
Bella moved a bit before her eyes landed on mine. "Hey!" she yawned and smiled at me. "Can't sleep?"
I moved a piece of hair that fell in her eyes behind her ear. "Edward," she whispered, trying to get my attention. Not wanting to have this conversation with my wife on why I was up, I leaned in and kissed her.
She didn't pull back but took me in her mouth even more. "Bel—," I tried to say as she grabbed my head.
I rose up. Bella attached to me before she let go. She quickly turned to the side before I realized what I did. She probably felt rejected again, insecure. That's the thing about my wife. I wished she knew that I only wanted her and will only ever want her.
"I'm sorry," she said in a quiet voice.
I quickly turned towards her and pulled her in my arms. "Don't. Don't do that."
Her tears slipped out and I felt like an even bigger asshole than usual. Damnit, I knew she wanted to have sex. I shouldn't have pushed with that kiss. I'll admit I missed our physical connection as well. I just hated that I couldn't give her a kiss without it turning into something else.
"Bella…," I trailed off.
"No," she said, and she didn't sound sad anymore. I was pretty good at reading the wife's emotions and the sudden change in her voice was either embarrassment or anger.
"Bella, I'm sorry I shouldn't have kissed you like that," I excused myself. This was my fault entirely
"Why? Why are you sorry? I don't get it, Edward, why won't you?" she muttered looking away again. "I miss you so much, I want to feel normal again." She trailed off. I couldn't take it, the sadness in her voice so I leapt up from the bed.
"Edward!" she cried as she jumped up from the bed with me. She didn't know or she didn't remember that night. That night she called me his name. How would it feel to be called that while I tried to make love to her? I couldn't tell her that either, it would reset the progress she's made. I knew she still had flashbacks from time to time but I didn't want to be the reason for it all. I didn't want to be the reason my wife would lose her progress.
I was so lost in thought that I didn't feel Bella against my back, kisses trailing across my shoulder down my back. I quickly moved away from her. I wasn't ready for this yet. I wasn't ready for this step.
"Edward," Bella said sadly as I looked at her. A mix of hurt and embarrassment was etched on her face. "I'm sorry," she said as she turned away from me. I hated seeing that look of hurt but I wasn't ready. My mind and self- esteem wouldn't be able to handle another rejection from my wife right now.
I couldn't look at her. I couldn't see the hurt knowing I put it there. What was wrong with me? Was I this weak? She kept me lengths away while she was mourning and then blamed me for it. It then hit me like lightening. I was still a little angry at her. I still blamed her for not letting me in. I hated having this feeling because it wasn't her fault. Well, most of this wasn't her fault.
"Bella, listen, I'm going to sleep in my office, okay? You should get some sleep. I'm sorry for leading you on."
"Edward!" This time she yelled, and her voice sounded frightened. "Edward, don't go!" She came up behind me and touched my shoulder with her hand. It took every ounce of self-preservation to stay calm and not turn around and fuck her like I wanted to. My body and my brain were on two totally different wavelengths it seemed.
Luckily my brain won. "I'll see you tomorrow. I love you," I said as I left my bedroom and shut the door behind me.
****BID*****
Raising my head up groggily from my desk, I stared at the bottle of Jack laying there. Shit, my head throbbed. I stretched out my muscles, my neck popping in different places. The memories from the night before coming back. What a motherfucking asshole. I didn't want my wife to lose her progress, but I probably did by my actions last night
She probably felt rejected and I couldn't blame her. What was I supposed to say, I can't fuck you because if I'm on top you might see his face? A memory flashed in my mind of that night. Bella laying on the bed afterwards and screaming through a nightmare. I tried to help her, but her eyes opened and stared at me from below. She called me his name and told me to get away from her.
I'm such a fucktard. I knew last night shouldn't have happened. I should have told her why I felt like this instead of pushing her away. I just didn't want to stall her progress. I quickly rose up from my chair and made my way out of my office.
Heading down the hall, I noticed my bedroom door opened. This usually meant Bella was downstairs or she wasn't home. Since it was Tuesday, I was betting on her being downstairs. I knew Tuesdays and Thursdays, she was home. Once I reached downstairs, I noticed it was quiet. I could see Mike outside mowing the lawn and a couple of guards patrolling the yard.
I listened for any sounds in my home but was met with quietness. What time was it? I looked at the clock on the oven and it read 9:05 a.m. I ran down the hall to the garage to see if she was home. Her car was gone, and I instantly got mad. I wasn't aware of any plans she had today and since that day she was taken she had been pretty good at informing me of her whereabouts.
Not that I wouldn't find out with a simple phone call. My phone! I left it upstairs. I bet Seth had called or left me a message to their whereabouts. Bella must have been pissed because she usually told me her plans. It made me mad because it didn't matter how mad she was, she needed to know that her safety mattered at all costs.
I heard a noise before turning to go upstairs. It was Jessica coming out of the laundry room, talking to someone who I found out was Laurent who in turn was helping her carry a laundry basket. "I'm just not ready to go out in public again yet." I heard Jessica say as Laurent looked on. It looked like he was about to say something until he noticed me.
"Boss!" He sat the basket down on the table, which Jessica picked up and carried into the living room giving me a nod.
"L," I answered, my mood was still angry at this morning's events. I couldn't even focus on what I just saw between them. I knew they was dating; it became apparent the night he brought Jessica over. All I know things were slow between them. I wouldn't hesitate to put L in his place if he fucked up though. Something though, was telling me they had been together much longer.
"Do you happen to know where my wife is?" I said and I saw L's eyebrow lift.
"Your mother's. She told me to tell you, "He cautiously said and then his face showed concern. "You alright, Boss?"
I nodded, no I wasn't alright. "I'm going to get ready and then we can head out," I said, turning from him to go upstairs. I grabbed my phone and checked it. I had one message from Seth and a missed call. The call had come first but since I didn't answer it, he had texted me.
"Mrs. Cullen called Mrs. C; some foundation shit I believe. We're going to her house. Told L as well."-Seth
My anger subsided and I went to dial Bella's number. It rang and then reached voicemail. Fuck! I didn't like this, not one bit. This was giving me anxiety and made me feel like that day again. I dialed Seth this time and he answered after the second ring.
"Boss," he said calmly.
"Where's my wife?" I said, trying to sound calm.
"She and Mrs. Cullen are going over blueprints I believe. They are about to go into the city as well."
"Why won't she answer her phone?" I said letting my anger ooze out. I didn't play games.
"I'm not sure, Boss, they have been busy since we got here."
"Put. Her. On. The. Phone," I grunted each word slowly. I heard shuffling in the background and voices of women.
"Hello?" Her voice rang out like bells but I could detect a hint of anger in her voice.
"Why aren't you answering your phone?" I said, trying to keep my anger at bay.
"Your mother and I are going over blueprints to a couple of empty places around Seattle."
Deciding right now was not the best time for me to express my anger because honestly, she hadn't done anything wrong. She told Laurent where she was going. I was just angry at myself for last night and angry that she left this morning before I could speak with her. "Keep your phone on you at all times. I don't think I have to tell you why," I said, sounding even more like a dick.
"That was low," she whisper yelled. "I have to go, if you have nothing else to say to me"
"I do, actually. I thought Tuesdays and Thursdays were your chill days?"
"They are. I'll be back in my prison this afternoon," she replied in a dull voice speaking of the house.
It made me angry since she had wanted to stay in "said prison" all this time.
"Have a good day," I said feeling guilty for last night and just now all of a sudden.
"Yeah." She then hung up and I quickly texted her phone telling her I love her. Even if she didn't respond, I know she will read it. I didn't know why I was being an ass to be honest. I think that was my default mood when I didn't know how to handle a situation. It wasn't fair to her at all. We really needed to talk about everything. I didn't think things were going to get back to normal unless we did.
*****BID*****
Stepping out of the elevator on the financial department floor I made my way to the fiscal officer's office. She was expecting me of course and was told not to alert any employees that I was on my way down. Laurent was following close behind as well as Jasper.
The looks I received were suspicious. I'm sure they were wondering why their Boss was on their floor. I was only looking for one face and that was the face of the one who was stealing from me. Jasper had already run a background check on her, and she never had anything suspicious jump out at her. I'm pretty sure she was the scapegoat to this whole thing.
Not that I didn't already have my employees checked before hiring but another ran just in case. Stacey Maxwell seemed clean, but it was most definitely the IP address coming from her computer that Jasper had managed to find.
I then walked into my fiscal officer's office. Didyme Peters gave me a smile as I closed the door behind me.
"I've been monitoring her since yesterday when something seemed off after I talked to you. She's tried to send some codes off. But I'm not sure what they mean but I had her believe she sent them when in reality I have her stuff blocked off. Now her phone, on the other hand I'm sure is where you'll find your answers. Her computer seems clean, but I know you'll want to comb through everything."
I smiled at Didyme, she had been here for years, and I never had any issues with her, but the recent account getting hacked had me suspicious as well. So, I had kept a close eye on her as well.
"Didyme, I need you to escort Miss Maxwell to the conference room, then dismiss everyone for the day. You can leave as well." While L and I had her in the conference room, I was going to have Jasper bug her phone.
"Yes, Mr. Cullen."
Laurent, Jasper and I took our leave into the conference room down the hall. It was a few moments later where Miss Maxwell came in with Didyme. The smile on her face vanished as soon as she saw me. She was guilty, her face screamed it.
Didyme left as well as Jasper who was going to go bug Stacey's stuff. I had her sit down and she looked scared shitless.
"Am I-I-I in trouble?" She stammered out.
"I don't know, are you?" I questioned, noticing her shaking but it looked fake. "Listen, we can do this the easy way or hard way. I know you're helping whoever is stealing from me. You set it up, so my question is this: who is it that you're working for?" I gave her a menacing smile and leaned in her face. "Don't lie either!"
"I-I-I have no idea what you're talking about," she stammered out.
"Laurent." Was all I had to say for him to show her the files we found yesterday of her IP address, past few months of her account codes which had been sent out to an unknown email address that could not be found now. One sent to a different one every week. Her eyes went big as saucers.
"Want to try again?" I gave out a laugh. However, nothing was funny about this. "I could have you arrested for many things right now, Miss Maxwell."
"H-h-he told me that you wouldn't find out," she stammered but I caught on to the he.
"Who's he?" I pressed as Jasper came into the room then gave me a nod. That meant he was done bugging her phone and searching her computer again.
"He?" she questioned, and I tried to push my anger down. I had no patience for this bitch and her acting dumb was just going to make me even madder.
"Don't play stupid," I let out a breath. "It'll just make things worse."
She pushed her hair behind her ears and let out a deep breath. "I wasn't working for anyone, really. I was trying to help my boyfriend," she stated.
"Who's your boyfriend?" I pressed.
"I can't tell you that, but he is the one being blackmailed to sabotage you." Jasper gave me a nod and a look as I quickly glanced at him.
"Why me?" I questioned and took a seat in front of her. Now, I could tell she was scared. Maybe my near presence spooked her.
"I don't know honestly but I was just told to get the company's account details and send them using a bunch of codes. They were able to hack in and take your money, but they always wanted more." She let out a cry. "I'm not a bad person," she added, letting out a cry.
I bitterly chuckled. "Not a bad person? You stole from me!"
"To save my boyfriend's life!" she shouted, and I told her to pipe down. "Wouldn't you do it for your wife?" she said looking down at my hand that held my wedding band. My face went red
"Do not speak of my wife!" I yelled at her before standing up. All I heard was her cries as I went to the bar to make a drink.
"Why were they going to kill your boyfriend?" Jasper had taken over. Jasper wasn't officially a made man, he was my tech dude so him asking had me at a crossroads. I had been debating on whether or not to make Jasper a made man.
"They had files on him, stuff that would ruin his reputation indefinitely," she started, and I swore under my breath. The first person that came to mind was John. Stacey definitely fit the profile of "his type".
I turned back towards her and faced her. She looked down from my face. "Here." I handed her a drink.
She eyed it suspiciously wiping her tears away, but she didn't reach for it.
"What? You think I poisoned you?" I chuckled.
She gave me a look as she grabbed the drink from me and gulped it down.
"I have a proposition for you," I began as I sat across from her.
"Proposition?" she said as she sat her glass down.
"Yes," I clasped my hands together in front of me. "You tell me who your boyfriend is, who he was being blackmailed by, the new account number, and I won't give this to the cops." I held the file of all the information of her dealings.
Her eyes brightened at my words, but she still looked sullen. "I'll tell you who it was and the account, but I won't give out my boyfriend's name."
I chewed on the inside of my mouth, not liking her answer but if she was willing to give up the people that were blackmailing him….
"Fine," I said aloud. It was more than likely I would find out who her boyfriend was anyway since Jasper bugged her phone.
"I just want you to know I did it for love," she started but I didn't make a comment. "I heard him say it was a new company. They found so much dirt on him he had no other option but to steal. They wanted you to suffer for some reason. He knew I worked for you so I did it if it meant they would leave him alone, but they kept wanting more," she rushed out.
"Who did?" Wanting to know who it was I couldn't give a shit for her reasons.
"Someone from a place called Cadmus. It was a man; I don't know his name."
"A man?" That had me thinking, Heidi was the CEO, the one blackmailing John. So how could it be a man unless she had someone working behind the scenes?
"Yes, I don't know his name, but he had dirt on a lot of people." She reached into her pocket pulling out a list of different numbers. "These are some of his account numbers. I'm supposed to rotate every week by putting money in a different one. Then they send me a new list."
I grabbed it without looking at it and gave it to Jasper. "We'll be in touch Miss Maxwell. I advise you not to alert anyone to what happened today or leave your apartment until I say so."
"What!" she huffed, standing up "I can't just stay at my apartment! I have things to do, how will I buy groceries?"
I rose up livid, not in the mood for playing games. "Fake sick or something I really don't give a fuck what you tell them. All I know is if I see you outside your apartment this." I held up the folder. "goes to the police."
She started crying again and I rolled my eyes. She got herself in this mess and now she didn't want to handle the consequences. She nodded that she understood and quickly left the room.
"L." I said not even looking at him. "Call Mal, I want a tail on her at all times. If she leaves, kill her."
I heard Jasper stop typing. It must have caught him off guard. I then looked at him and he shook his head and went back to work. Laurent left the room after putting his phone to his ear.
"Her phone's bugged, computer, even her car. She isn't going to be able to move without me knowing," Jasper shrugged
"Good." I went to make another drink. "That's what I want to hear."
Laurent then came back into the room and confirmed that Mal would be following her. Tyler was still on Alec and I still didn't know what to do with him. In hindsight, he had been a victim too, but I couldn't just let him go. The Volturi Family was outed, no longer in the families which meant Alec being seen could cause problems. As the last remaining Volturi member that I know of, I had to play that one carefully.
"Come with me J, we are going to talk to Didyme to make sure everything is secure."
"You need a break, Boss, for real. You haven't stopped in months," Jasper said, and I nodded. I really hadn't and it seemed like my personal life was suffering because of it. When my father was down, I was in charge, then I officially took over, then all the Russia shit, Jacob shit, and Bella. Even when I stayed home with Bella during those weeks I was somewhat working.
"The Boss never stops," I said softly as I made myself another drink. On the other hand, it would be nice to get away for a couple of days.
****BID*****
It was dark when I arrived home. Some lights in my house were still on but it was mostly dark. I knew my wife was home. Seth had texted me hours ago upon their arrival. She had texted me back with an I love you as well a few hours after I had sent mine. I knew I was to blame for her mood, but being an asshole was my default setting. I felt horrible for the way I acted last night and this morning.
"Boss," Seth greeted me as I walked into my home. He was in the living room checking something on his phone.
I gave him a chin jerk. "What's my damage?" I asked him, feeling that Bella was upstairs, and I knew she was angry.
"Not sure, Sir, she has been rather quiet today," Seth said and that gave me pause. I looked at him to make sure he wasn't lying. He wasn't from what I could tell by his face. I knew Bella kept things rather private for the most part, but her mood always gave her away.
"My wife upstairs?" Already knowing the answer but it was possible she was down here.
"Yeah, she went up about two hours ago," Seth said as he rose up from the couch. "I'll see you tomorrow, Boss." I nodded as he walked past me to the front doors.
"Seth," I said as a sudden thought entered my brain. "I'll need you this weekend in Chicago for the shower. I have plans after Saturday though for Bella and I. I'll need you to keep mum on that though, I don't want her to know, it's a surprise."
"Where are you going?" Seth's twitched in a small smile.
"I'll let you know the details at a later date, but you can fly back here after the shower. Spend some time with your family."
"Will do Boss." He said as he left the house.
I climbed the stairs after locking everything up. Bella and I needed to get away, and only a few people would know our location. My wife and I were going to reconnect, talk, fight, whatever the fuck we needed to do to get back on track.
Entering my bedroom, I saw my wife's body in the middle of the bed. She was slightly snoring, and I couldn't help but smile. I stripped my clothes off and put on a pair of sweats and climbed in beside her. I lightly kissed her on the forehead.
"We'll be okay Bella. We Will."
Thanks for reading!
