Chapter 94: Family Secret
>Eleina
I kept on pacing around my office, back and forth between my desk and the tall glass window behind it. My heels clicked sharply against the marble floor, the sound echoing in the quiet room. I didn’t even realize how fast I was moving until I nearly knocked over the small chair near the coffee table. My feet didn’t seem to know where they were going, carrying me in restless circles while my mind ran through every possible explanation.
It might be rage. Or disappointment. Or both mixed together. I honestly have no idea anymore.
"Ouch!" I winced as I bit down on my nails harder than I should have. A sharp sting shot through my finger, and a metallic taste spread across my tongue. I pulled my hand away and saw a thin line of blood forming where I had bitten too deep.
I stopped pacing and stared at my bleeding fingers, my chest rising and falling quickly. My mind slowly snapped back to the present as I watched a small drop of blood bead at the edge of my skin.
I walked back to my desk and dropped into the recliner behind it, the leather creaking under my weight. I leaned back for a second, pressing my head against the chair, forcing myself to breathe slower. Then I leaned forward and opened one of the drawers of my desk. My fingers moved past folders and documents until I found the blue envelope I had carefully tucked between official papers so no one would find it.
I pulled it out slowly and placed it on the table, my fingers brushing over its surface.
The owner of the envelope hasn’t revealed himself to me, but I can guess he’s an enemy of that woman too. We’ve been meeting in secret a few times. He would give me updates about what was happening with Mallory, since I can’t follow them anymore and my sister told me to stop.
"Are you telling me I’m being monitored?" I muttered,in a noticeable frustration.
I exhaled roughly and leaned back in my chair again. I didn’t hear the entire conversation earlier, but I heard enough of the pieces through the door. Enough to build the whole meaning in my head.
And I know one thing for sure.
She was protecting Mallory instead of helping me seek my revenge.
The rage slowly crept up my chest. My jaw clenched as I stared at the ceiling. So, all this time I was waiting for something that was never going to happen? Not only did they lie to me, they betrayed me.
My hand shot out and gripped the arm of my chair so tightly that my knuckles turned white. The leather strained under my fingers.
"So, I worked for her for nothing?" I suddenly stood up, my chair rolling back slightly from the force. "She did all this so she can easily monitor me? I can’t fucking believe it!"
My voice echoed against the walls of my office. I ran a hand down my face and turned toward the window, staring at my faint reflection in the glass.
It’s a good thing I quickly left earlier without alerting anyone. I remembered keeping my head down, pretending to check my phone while passing by the hallway cameras. I took the back elevator instead of the main one. I even waited for a group of employees to exit first so I wouldn’t stand alone in view of the surveillance.
But that’s not all.
I also heard about my mother trying to contact The Phoenix. I have no idea what they are or why my mother was trying to reach them.
And why Alisha didn’t want her to.
This is all suspicious. Every piece feels connected in a way I don’t understand yet.
I can’t trust anyone anymore.
I have to conduct my own investigation.
And if worse comes to worst, I’ll take my revenge into my own hands.
I can’t just stand still while the two people who ruined my life continue living happily, smiling like nothing ever happened. I would rather die.
I opened the blue envelope and pulled out the card inside. The paper felt thick and firm between my fingers. I unfolded it carefully and read the message again.
"Are you satisfied? If you don’t act now, it’ll be too late to exert your revenge and they’ll keep on living their happy life while you suffer."
My grip tightened around the card until the edges bent slightly.
This is my last choice. I can’t be picky anymore.
I blindly trusted my sister because she told me I ruined the big plan she had in mind with my last intervention. I believed her. I stepped back.
Now I realize she was just upset because I hurt her precious sister.
I bit my lower lip, tasting the faint trace of blood again. They are not going to get away with making a fool out of me.
I grabbed my handbag from the corner of my desk and pulled out my phone. My fingers hovered over my contact for a brief second before I pressed call. It rang a few times.
Then someone picked up.
"Hello, darling?"
I nearly winced at the smooth sound of his voice. It made my stomach twist, but I kept my tone steady.
"Leo, do you still remember me?" I asked.
Leo was one of my suitors when Venz and I were still together. He knows a lot—too much sometimes. His connections run deep. I also found out he walks in some underground business.
People who deal with illegal things always have access to information normal people can’t reach.
"Of course," he replied softly. "How could I forget your beautiful voice, Mademoiselle?"
I rolled my eyes as I turned toward the window again. "Well, have you had dinner yet? Wanna grab something to eat?"
There was a short pause.
"Oh? Did the sun rise in the wrong direction perhaps? I know you hated everything about me." His tone suddenly turned serious. "Just state your business."
He’s perceptive. That’s why I find him creepy.
"Fine." I tightened my grip on the phone. "I have a favor to ask."
A low chuckle came from the other end. "Well, I wouldn’t pass up a dinner with you."
"Alright. See you in a few minutes. In your favorite Italian restaurant."
I ended the call before he could add anything else. I slipped my phone back into my bag, grabbed my coat from the back of my chair, and walked out of my office, turning off the lights before closing the door behind me.
He was far from my favorite person.
But at this point, beggars can’t be choosers.
"Madamoiselle."
His blonde hair was the first thing I noticed when I entered the restaurant. He stood up as soon as he saw me. He looked surprisingly good in his white long-sleeve shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The tattoos covering his arms were fully visible, dark ink against his skin, and it immediately turned me off.
"I ordered Spaghetti alla Assassina. I heard it was your favorite." He smiled as he pulled out the chair for me.
I placed my bag on the floor beside me and sat down. "I appreciate it," I said, straightening my posture. "So, I want to get down to business."
"Relax." He poured wine into my glass slowly, watching the liquid fill it halfway. "How about you have a sip first?"
He flashed me a smile that made my jaw tighten. It was charming, but it felt fake. Grating.
I picked up the glass and took a small sip, letting the cool wine slide down my throat. Then I twirled some pasta around my fork and took a bite, chewing slowly while he watched me with too much interest.
"Anyway," I said after swallowing, placing my fork down carefully. "Are you familiar with The Phoenix?"
He stopped mid-motion.
The playful look in his eyes disappeared, replaced by something sharp and serious.
"And how do you know that name?" he asked quietly.
His voice turned cold, sending a chill down my spine.
It seems like my family’s secret goes deeper than I ever thought.
