Chapter 17
IMANI’s POV
“That bastard! Why would he change the questions at the last minute??” Jay gasped as we entered the car.
“it’s not surprising.” I replied, my voice calm.
“We paid him a lot of money to ask those specific questions, and he does this?”
“Someone must have paid him more.” I stated.
“But who could it be?” He mused.
I scoffed. “Isn’t it obvious?”
He paused for a moment, and then it clicked, “Cody Simmons?”
I nodded, “Who else has directly opposed me since I arrived?”
“But why include the image of you two?” He asked, confused.
“That part wasn’t his doing.” I stated in a matter-of-fact tone.
“But you just said-”
“If it were him, he’d have used the most humiliating one, with my dress torn. Not a suggestive image as that.” I reasoned.
He would have probably embarrassed me right there on the dance floor if he wanted to.
I scoffed, “I guess he isn’t the only one threatened by my arrival. Interesting.”
“You just got here, and they’re already attacking you babes.” He said, worry lacing his features.
“Honestly, I didn’t think they’d start coming you so soon.” He sighed.
“Like I said before, Jay- “I crossed my arms. “The worst is yet to come.”
“Do you really plan to stay here?” Justin sighed, a furrow coming to his brows. “After everything you went through?”
Every street I passed triggers a familiar memory, every corner I turn always drags me back to that pit I have tried so hard to escape.
“It’s in the past, Jay. I can’t be sulking over it. There’s work to be done.’’ I turned to the window, closing the conversation as I always did. And he stayed silent, knowing that I didn’t want to pursue that memory. I never did.
There was a certain evil that lurked in every corner, one that seemed to always taunt me. But I had a greater evil of my own, and I would harness it to get what I desire.
To win.
“Gerald.” I called out to the driver.
“Yes, Ma’am.” He regarded me through the rearview mirror.
“Make a stop at Valley Tech.”
“Yes, Ma’am.” He nodded, taking a turn.
“Valley Tech?” I already felt his stare before he spoke.
“It’s time I paid him a proper visit.” I watched the New Yorkers buzz by in a blur.
It took about 20 minutes to arrive. The building was an architectural wonder. The unique V-shape it formed looked even more daunting with the opaque black glass
completely covering its surface.
“I won’t take long.” I said to Jay’s concerned face, before stepping out of the car.
I strutted into the lobby, the gentle hum in the background and the clattering of keyboards echoing through the empty space.
I walked up to the receptionist, her eyes locked on the screen before her. “Is Mr. Alvarez in?”
Her eyes shot up immediately the words left my mouth, and then they widened.
“Oh, Miss Rodriguez! Y-you’re here?” She stuttered, surprised by my sudden appearance.
“Is he in?” I repeated. The receptionist sat straighter, her eyes flashing.
“Y-Yes, do you h- “I didn’t wait for her to finish. I turned to the elevator, walking ahead and clicking on the highest floor.
“Miss Rodriguez! Wait, you have- “The door closed, blocking out her calls.
I shut my eyes and hummed; my mind focused on one endeavor.
As the doors opened, I stepped out quickly, taking a deep breath before straightening out, and stuttered to his office.
I caught sight of him as soon as I barged In, and he looked up from the documents in his hands.
“Can I have a word, Mr. Alvarez?” I spoke calmly, staring straight at him, caring less for the men seated round the coffee table in his office.
Everyone, including him, was silent for a moment, before his gaze dropped back to the documents he held.
“Give me a moment.” He waved me off, returning to the board.
“I’ll be brief.” I said, taking a seat at the table.
He stared at his documents for another moment, his form seemingly frozen, before sighing quietly, turning to the board.
“This meeting is adjourned.”
Everyone present looked confused and shocked, questions filled their eyes but they lips gave no sound. His words were final.
They all stood, their eyes brushing past me as they left the office.
He rose from his chair, crossing the room to the bar directly opposite his desk. I watched, as he poured himself a glass of whisky.
“To what do I owe this…intrusion?” He turned to me after taking a gulp.
“Let’s cut to the chase, Mr. Alvarez.” I cocked my head to the side, my eyes narrowed. “I need intel.”
His eyes narrowed as he walked back to his desk. “Intel on who?”
“Those sharks you warned me about… you’re quite familiar with them, aren’t you?”
He chuckled, taking another sip, “I wouldn’t call knowing a thing or two, ‘familiar’. But you seem to be getting quite familiar with them… Simmons specifically.”
He must have watched the interview too.
“Familiarity with the enemy is vital to survive, wouldn’t you agree?”
“True. But recklessness in enemy territory will only end you.” he responded.
I smirked, “That’s why you have puppets to do your bidding.”
I watched his jaw clench as he leaned slowly against the desk, “I’ve told you everything I know.”
“Clearly not enough.” I retorted, “Start with Sims industries.”
His shoulders stiffened, his eyes narrowing.
“Is there a problem?” I raised a brow.
“I- “he hesitated. “The Sims Industries is not as careless as you imagine.” He sighed. “It’s not some small group that you can just play around with.”
“The size of their group matters very little to me, Mr. Alvarez.” I scoffed. “Find the missing link, and give me what I need.”
My eyes narrowed at his further silence. “Is there a problem, Mr. Alvarez?” I repeated.
“This...” He shook his head. “I... I don’t know if I can do this…”
“You seem to forget, so quickly, that you are in my debt.” My words were sharp. He visibly stiffened.
His lips drew into a thin line “I can’t- “
“How’s your son?” I cocked my head to the side as I asked, watching his face harden. “Alive and well, I suppose?”
His eyes shifted. “Healthier than ever.”
“It would be a shame if that were to change.” I hummed.
“Imani- “
I shot him a sharp glare, and he cut himself off, clearing his throat.
“Miss Rodriguez, what you’re asking of me is dangerous.” He spoke lowly.
‘What I did for you back then was even more dangerous.” I smiled darkly. “I never took you for a coward.”
He chuckled, but there was no humor to be felt. “Cowards live longer than the bold.”
“The bold trample on the cowards, they are used as stepping stones to our victory.” I retorted, crossing my legs.
He stared at me like he was seeing me for the first time, his shoulders dropping.
“You’re just like your father.” He let out a breath.
“Thank you.” I stood up, dusting my suit trousers as I turned to leave.
“I’ll expect feedback by tonight.” I stated as I turned the nob open. “You know I hate being kept waiting.”
I didn’t wait for his reply, shutting the door as I walked out. I was already in the elevator when I dialed his number.
And as usual, he picked before the second ring.