Chapter 39 The Scheme "Kaia, isn't that your ex? Looks just like that dude you dated!" She offered a strained smile. "Jude, when did I ever say he was my boyfriend? And it's not him! Different guy!" "Oh, yeah, you're right. Not exactly the same." Jude squinted. "Hmm. Yeah, you're probably right. My bad-old man memory kicking in. For a second there, he'd really thought Kaia's ex was in their work chat. Kaia managed a weak smile, her gaze dropping to the chat list. The starry night avatar flickered and changed, updated to a fluffy white rabbit. She slammed her phone face down on the desk, terrified to even glance at the group. Please, no more questions. But fate had other ideas. Jude texted: [Mr. Rhodes, our team's all set. Looking forward to working with you all!] Julian texted: [Thanks, Mr. Halston. The new member is Mr. Graves. A pleasure to be working with everyone!] "Mr. Graves?" Warren gasped. "Jude, that bunny avatar… That's Mr. Graves? Wow. He seems so icy in person, but his avatar's actually kinda cute." Jude didn't dwell on it, though he did find Lucien's presence in the chat a bit odd. "Yeah, well, maybe he's secretly a softie. Or maybe it's ironic. Either way, keep it professional in that chat. Most folks have their info up. If it's sensitive, pick up the phone." Lucien joining the chat definitely made Jude uneasy. The M&A wasn't just a big deal-it was the deal. For the next few months, this case was going to be their entire world. ***** As the workday wound down, Kaia packed her bag as usual. Warren, however, looked like he was settling in for a late night. Kaia nodded at him. "I've got plans tonight, so I'm heading out." "Cool. Go ahead." She had to make good on the bold promise she'd made that morning. The thought of the elevator still made Kaia's stomach clench, but walking down eighteen flights? Yeah, no. She'd just stepped out of the elevator on the ground floor when her phone rang. It was Sally. "Kaia, dear! I'm driving right past your office. I was going to wait 'til your next visit, but since I'm here, I figured I'd just drop it off." Kaia raised an eyebrow. "Drop what off?" Sally replied. "Oh, nothing much. Just some special health tonics from my trip. You're always on your own, never coming home. Thought you could use a little boost." Kaia scoffed internally. "No, thank you. Save them for Kimberly. She probably needs them more." "Oh, we've got plenty at home! Just pop down and grab them. I'm parked right out front. The silver car. Won't take a sec, promise." Hanging up, Kaia walked toward the entrance, a flicker of annoyance in her eyes. She spotted Sally's car immediately. "Kaia, over here!" Sally waved a little too eagerly. Kaia paused. What's with the Stepford smile? She's laying it on thick. As she approached, Sally thrust a bag at her. "Read the instructions later, okay? If you can't figure it out, just call me; I'll walk you through it." She sounded so sweet and concerned that Kaia felt bad refusing such a seemingly kind gesture. "Okay, thanks," Kaia muttered. The instant Kaia took the bag, Sally leaned in. "Oh no, sweetie, you've got a little something right here-" Before Kaia could react, Sally whipped out a tissue. Suddenly, Kaia sensed something was wrong. She instinctively tried to pull back, but Sally's handkerchief brushed against Kaia's nose. A wave of dizziness washed over Kaia. Her knees buckled. "Kaia! Oh my god, is it your low blood sugar again?" And just like that, Sally, with surprisingly little effort, bundled Kaia into the car. She showed a smug smile as she told the driver, "Let's go home." Kaia dug her nails into her palms, fighting to stay conscious. "W-What the hell do you think you're doing?" "Shhh," Sally cooed. "I just need you to stay home for a few days. Just until the wedding. You'll thank me later." "I told you." Kaia seethed. "I am not marrying him!" Sally just chuckled, "Silly girl. The invitations are out. The venue's booked. You can't back out now-not without humiliating all of us." She smoothed Kaia's hair like a mother tucking in a child. "There, there. Just rest. Everything will be fine after a few good days of sleep." ***** Alden stared daggers at the main gate of the Graves Manor. It was almost eight o'clock. And not a damn sign of Kaia. He knew it. She is just playing games, trying to make me grovel and apologize. "Alden, are you waiting for someone?" Luna asked softly, nibbling her lip. "No. No one." Alden draped an arm around her shoulder. "I'm taking you upstairs. We're going to set them straight. That guy is not good enough for you." "But…" Alden saw the flicker of uncertainty in Luna's eyes. "But what? You don't want to clear the air with them?" Hearing the edge in his voice, Luna continued her damsel-in-distress act. "Alden, I just… I don't want to cause any trouble between you and them because of me." "You won't," Alden assured her. "Grandpa never said anything about marrying you off for alliances. Alyssa doesn't have to, and neither do you." His words were a warm balm to Luna's anxious heart. "Thank you, Alden. You're so good to me." Alden nodded and glanced disdainfully toward the main gate. "Let's go upstairs. Zane should be over by now." *** Kaia stared at the locked door, then at the two maids stationed like sentinels beneath her window. Is Sally seriously planning on keeping me prisoner? She immediately texted Alyssa: [OMG, babe, my wicked stepmother locked me up! Pretty sure it's because I'm ditching the wedding, so she's resorting to hardball tactics! SOS-any chance you can get me out? I have to talk to your grandpa about this.] Coin Package: Earn up to 1200 bonus for free. X get it Write your comment 1r Gifts