Chapter 5 Chapter 5
“Yes, Mr. Ferro,” they replied.
I sat back in my chair. This girl had the audacity to jump out of a car?. Well, that was interesting. I didn't know the Rhodes girl was this careless; she was always so well poised in public, acting ever the lady. It is right when they say, “Don’t judge a book by its fucking cover.”
I heard the knock at the door, and Esme walked in.
“Mom is returning with Grandmother, and heads up, they’re starting to make decisions about your marriage,” she said.
I didn't answer her. She stood there for a few more minutes; after she realized I wasn't going to answer, she left. I threw the glass sphere into the door.
Fuck marriage; who wanted to get married? There wasn't a fucking woman on the face of this planet that could make me get down on one knee. I picked up the phone and called him. He answered immediately.
“Mr. Ferro, what can I do?”
“Brax, I need all the information on the Rhodes family, including their daughter. She just pulled a fucking runner.”
“Well then, I'll have that for you before sunrise. Should I put out a word?” He asked.
“No, not yet; get me the info first. Also that other information I asked for?”
“Mr. Ferro, no. It’s as if she disappeared, but I will keep looking for her.” he said
“Good,” I said, ending the call. I dropped the phone back onto the table. When I was ten a girl saved my life. I had no idea who she was or where she belonged to; all I remember about her was that she had a moon-shaped scar, or birthmark. I never forgot that favor; I never would not until I repaid that favor.
Jules and Wesley walked in hours later; Wesley’s head was bandaged.
“Boss, that girl is... We tracked her, and... she actually hit me,” Wesley said, and that actually made me smirk. So, she not only had the guts to jump out of a moving car but also had the guts to fucking hit my security detail. Well, Ms. Rhodes was becoming interesting.
“Sure, go ahead, leave her for now and find Carrington.”
“Yes, boss,” they replied.
After they left, I poured myself a drink. I had business to take care of; I would deal with Ms. Rhodes later. She was running; she would definitely go back home.
At six on the dot, Brax sent the report.
CONFIDENTIAL DOSSIER: THE RHODES HEIRS
FILE STATUS: ENCRYPTED / EYES ONLY PREPARED BY: BRAX
SUBJECT A: BLAIR Rhodes (The Intended)
Age: 19
Education: Finished at Institut Le Rosey, Switzerland. Degrees in Art History and International Relations.
Profile: The epitome of Riverside high society. She’s polished, elegant, and has a spotless reputation. She’s a "Rhodes" through and through—classy, quiet, and knows exactly how to play the part of a trophy wife for a man of your status.
Current Status: Living at the Rhodes Manor. She is the designated party for the Ferro loan payment.
SUBJECT B: ISLA RHODES (The Ghost)
Age: 18
Background: Adopted by Alistair Rhodes at age 8.
The Disappearance: At age 14, all records cease. No school enrollment, no digital footprint, no sightings in Riverside social circles. For five years, she didn't exist.
Notes: The family hasn't breathed a word about her to the press or anyone. She’s being kept off the books; maybe she wants to stay out of the spotlight, or she left the family. I couldn't find any pictures of the adopted daughter.
I closed the email. So they had an adopted daughter; well, she was no concern of mine. But Blair, she was the one sold to me, and she would pay the price for running.
After a shower and rushed breakfast because I didn't want to be cornered by any of my family members. I walked out to the car. Jules was waiting.
“Boss, we have Carrington.”
I nodded. “Take me before I get to the office,” I said as I got into the car. On the drive I couldn't help but wonder where that girl ran to. When the car pulled into the garage, I got out and walked in.
Zachary Carroway was tied to a chair. I walked over and stood before him and began trembling.
“Mr. Ferro, I'm sorry, please, spare me,” he muttered.
“Spare you?” I asked, grabbing his throat.
“You fucked up. You thought you could steal from the Ferros and get away from it?” I stretched my hand out and took the knife. I began slicing his hands, and he began screaming.
“Shut up, you’re fucking annoying.”
I raised the knife to his throat and began slicing, the blood flowing onto my hand, warm and dark. All he could do was make gurgling sounds as his body shook. I handed the knife to one of my security and wiped my hands.
“Make sure his body is tossed in front of the Carroway mansion, and have them know who did it, and remind them what happens when they go against the Ferros.”
“Yes, Mr. Ferro.”
I washed my hands and left. I needed to get to the company. My convoy always drew attention. When the car stopped at the entrance, I was about to get out when this crazy woman threw herself at the car.
She was a fucking nuisance. I nodded at Jules to get rid of her. He got out of the car and pulled her away. Every fucking day was the same drama with her. Always throwing herself at my car. She was a love-obsessed fool.
Presley Ardridge, only daughter of the Ardridge family and my shadow. Her antics were over the top; once she sent over fifteen dozen roses, then she moved on to making me lunch. Then a megaphone shouted her love for me. It was endless, and the only reason I haven’t fucking killed her was because of old Mr. Ardridge.
One month later.
It's been one month, and there was no sign of Ms. Rhodes. I was sitting at the table, and we were having dinner. Once a week, family dinner.
“So Nikolai, have you decided what to do about those idiots that have been stealing our money?” My grandmother asked.
“Yes, Grandmother,” I replied.
“Good, Anita, it seems your son has become sensible after all. Now the Ferro family needs an heir,” she said, and I froze. Everyone thought being Nikolai Ferro was great but had no fucking idea what goes on behind closed doors.
“Yes, Grandmother.”
“You have one week, or I will choose a bride myself,” she said.
“Yes, Grandmother.”
My phone vibrated, and I checked it.
JULES: Boss, we have Ms. Rhodes at your place.
I put my fork and napkin down.
“Thank you for dinner; I have some urgent business to take care of,” I said, standing up and walking out. On the drive back to my place, I looked at Wesley.
“Where did you find her?”
“In the woods, sir. She was staying in a tent,” he replied.
“What?”