Thirteen
Suspicions
EPOV
I sat in my office, the morning light filtering through the blinds, casting thin stripes across my desk. Last night with Bella lingered in my mind—a warmth I hadn't felt in years—but today, reality pulled me back. I ran a hand through my hair, forcing myself to focus on the stack of documents in front of me.
As I skimmed through the latest financial reports, something jumped out—a glaring discrepancy. My brows furrowed as I double-checked the figures, hoping I'd misread them. But no, it was there, clear as day, gnawing at me.
Without hesitation, I reached for the phone and dialled Tanya's extension. She answered almost immediately, her voice cool and composed. "Yes, Mr. Cullen?"
"I need you in my office. Now." My tone left no room for argument.
Minutes later, Tanya appeared at my door, her expression carefully neutral. She stepped into the room with a grace that barely masked the tension hanging in the air. "You wanted to see me?"
I pointed to the documents spread across my desk. "There's a discrepancy here. A significant one. I need an explanation."
Tanya's eyes flickered to the papers, and for a moment—a brief moment—I saw something pass across her face, something she quickly hid. She composed herself, stepping closer. "Let me take a look."
She leaned over the documents, her brow furrowing as she reviewed the numbers. After a few moments, she looked up, a mild concern on her face. "It looks like a simple error in data entry. I'll have the team correct it immediately. There's nothing to worry about."
I studied her, my instincts telling me to dig deeper. But her calm, professional demeanour was disarming. I wanted to believe her. Hell, I needed to believe her. The merger had too much riding on it, and paranoia could ruin everything.
"Make sure it's corrected," I said, my tone firm. "No more surprises."
"Of course." Tanya smiled, gathering the documents. "I'll personally oversee the corrections and ensure everything is in order."
As she turned to leave, I couldn't shake the nagging doubt tugging at me. But before I could dwell on it, my phone buzzed with a new message—a positive development on the merger.
I opened the email, scanning the details quickly. The news was better than expected. One of the major investors had come through with additional funding—enough to give me hope that I might not need to rely on the merger after all. If things continued to improve, I might be able to pull the company out of this mess without selling out.
Relief washed over me, easing the tension in my chest. Maybe, just maybe, I could turn this around. The thought of keeping everything—my company, my family, and now, even Bella—safe from whatever forces were working against me filled me with renewed determination.
But as I sat back, staring at the promising numbers on the screen, something still gnawed at me. Tanya's explanation had been too smooth, too quick. That discrepancy… it wouldn't let me go.
I decided then that I'd keep a closer eye on everything—on the merger, the accounts, and on Tanya. I couldn't afford to take anything at face value anymore. Not with so much at stake.
After Tanya left, I tried to refocus my energy on something that always grounded me—architecture. I pulled out the blueprints I'd been working on, spreading them across my desk. Normally, the familiar lines and angles calmed me, but today, no matter how hard I tried, my thoughts kept drifting back to Bella.
I was in the middle of fine-tuning a layout when my phone buzzed. I glanced at the screen. It was Bella.
Bella: About to meet with Dad. Any words of wisdom?
A smile tugged at my lips. I could picture her, probably nervous but putting on a brave face. I quickly typed a reply.
Me: Be honest but don't let him push you around. You're stronger than you think, Bella.
A few moments later, my phone buzzed again.
Bella: Thanks… I needed that. Btw, I can't stop thinking about last night.
My pulse quickened at the memory of last night, the way we'd almost crossed that line. I typed out a playful response.
Me: Me neither. You almost got through all my buttons…
Bella: And I'm still plotting how to finish the job. What are you up to?
Me: Drawing up blueprints. You?
Bella: Blueprints on how to get you alone again. Think you can come over tonight?
My heart pounded at the thought of seeing her again, giving in to what we both wanted.
Me: If you get through the rest of my buttons tonight, I won't stop you.
Bella: Promise?
Me: I've been staring at building plans all morning. I could use a release.
Bella: I might be able to help with that. Just finished something for you…
My breath caught as my phone buzzed again, this time with an image. I opened it, and my heart nearly stopped. It was Bella, standing in front of a mirror, wearing nothing but black lace lingerie. The photo was artfully done, showing just enough to be incredibly alluring without being too revealing. She looked breathtaking.
I stared at the image, my pulse racing, my mind reeling. Was I falling for her? No… it was more than that. I might actually love her.
Me: You're beautiful, Bella.
Bella: You better come over tonight… I'm already planning our next move.
Leaning back in my chair, I realised I was in deep—maybe too deep—but I didn't care. The realisation that I was falling for Bella hit me like a ton of bricks. It was thrilling, terrifying, and I couldn't wait for tonight.
BPOV
I arrived at the café a little early, my nerves already tangled in a mess as I waited for my dad. The playful back-and-forth with Edward was still fresh in my mind, and for a moment, it helped distract me from the looming conversation. But as soon as I saw Charlie walk in, that familiar tension returned, settling deep in my chest.
He spotted me instantly, his expression a mix of anger and disappointment. I braced myself as he made his way over and sat down across from me, skipping any pleasantries.
"Bella," he started, his voice low but charged with barely contained fury. "What the hell are you doing?"
I swallowed hard, trying to keep my composure. "Dad, I—"
"You're with Edward Cullen? The man I've been investigating? Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?" His voice rose, drawing a few glances from nearby tables. But Charlie didn't care.
"Dad, please, just let me explain," I pleaded, my voice shaking despite my effort to sound calm. "It's not what you think. Edward—"
"It's exactly what I think," he snapped, leaning forward, his eyes burning with frustration. "I found something, Bella. Something big. Felix, the man Edward's been dealing with—he's not just some shady businessman. He's connected to the mafia, and not just any mafia. He's working for someone even bigger, someone pulling the strings."
The blood drained from my face. "What… what do you mean?"
Charlie sighed, his expression softening just a little as he saw my fear. "Edward is in deep, Bella. And if you're involved with him, you're in danger too. This isn't a game. These people… they don't mess around. They'll do whatever it takes to protect their interests."
The weight of his words settled heavily on my shoulders, and for a second, I couldn't find the right response. Everything—Edward, our conversations, last night—it all seemed so far away from this terrifying reality. But as the initial shock began to wear off, a new resolve started to take root.
"Dad," I said quietly, my voice trembling but firm. "I know you're trying to protect me, but I need to know the truth. I need to know if Edward is really involved in this… or if he's just a pawn."
Charlie frowned, clearly taken aback. "Bella, you can't seriously be thinking of continuing this. You need to get away from him before it's too late."
"I can't just walk away," I insisted, my resolve strengthening. "Not until I know the truth. If Edward is innocent, if he's being manipulated by Felix, then I need to help him."
Charlie shook his head, his frustration growing. "You're playing with fire, Bella. This isn't something you can fix on your own."
"I'm not alone," I countered, my voice hardening. "I have you. And if Edward is being used by Felix, he needs us to help him. Please, Dad, just… trust me."
Charlie's expression shifted—hardening, closing off. "No, No, Bella. I can't let you do this. I forbid it."
His words hit me like a punch to the gut. I stared at him, shocked. "You can't be serious. You can't just—"
"I'm dead serious," Charlie cut me off, his voice low and intense. "You have no idea what you're getting into. These people, they don't care about right or wrong. They don't care about collateral damage. And I'm not going to lose you, Bella. Not like I lost your mother."
The pain in his voice was unmistakable, and it broke my heart. I knew he was afraid for me, that he was just trying to protect me. But I also knew that walking away from this—walking away from Edward—wasn't something I could do. Not now. Not after everything.
"Dad," I said softly, trying to reach him, "I'm not Mom. I'm not going to disappear. But I can't just stand by and do nothing. If Edward is innocent—"
"He's not," Charlie interrupted, his voice trembling with emotion. "Even if he's not guilty, he's involved in something dangerous, something that could get you killed. I won't allow it, Bella. I forbid you from seeing him again."
Tears stung my eyes, but I forced myself to hold my ground. "You can't stop me, Dad. I'm an adult. I can make my own decisions."
Charlie's face softened slightly, but the determination in his eyes didn't waver. "Maybe so, but I'm your father, and I'm begging you—don't do this. Don't throw your life away for someone you barely know."
His words nearly shattered my resolve, but I couldn't back down. Not now. Not when I felt so strongly that Edward wasn't what my father thought. I couldn't walk away from him—not when he needed me.
"I'm sorry, Dad," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion, "but I have to see this through."
Charlie closed his eyes, and I saw the pain and sorrow on his face. "Then I guess I can't stop you. But know this, Bella—if anything happens to you, I'll never forgive myself. And I'll never forgive him. If you're hurt in any way, I will find him the coldest, loneliest cell possible, and I'll put him in it."
His words hit me like a ton of bricks, and I felt my heart break a little more. But I nodded, knowing there was nothing else to say. I would move forward with my plans, but it would come at a cost—a rift between my father and me that might never heal.
As I walked out of the café, my heart heavy with the weight of my decision, one thing became clear: I had to know the truth. No matter the cost.
