Chapter 15 The offer
VICTORIA
My heart dropped into my belly while I stared at the large screen before me.
As the word ‘serial killer' rang in my ear, the date of my last wedding anniversary nudged me coldly.
That night, someone was killed. An entire family was wiped out.
I should have been there, but I wasn't. Instead, I spent all day preparing an anniversary for that bastard. If only I had been at work…
I shuddered at the thought and gripped my head, wincing in regret.
That was when the killing started, I was sure of it.
I looked up at the screen again and kept my gaze on the face of Mr Thompson. He never seemed to age a bit, though the coldness in his eyes years ago remained. He looked up from the stand from which he was giving a speech and stared directly into the camera. I shuddered and drew back, feeling his cold eyes pierce my heart.
His words back at the CID rushed into my head, and my hand grew cold. I didn't have any intention to return, but from what I noticed, Mr Thompson definitely needed more help. He looked famished and worn out. I was sure the ongoing serial murder going on for months must have eaten deep into him.
Maybe I should…
“Why are you watching that?" My father's voice caused me to jump.
I gasped loudly and spun around, my heart racing.
“Father!" I gasped and bowed slightly, “Good afternoon, father. I'm sorry I was late."
He smiled and waved his hand in the air, then sat down.
“Was there a problem in the company?” I asked as I took my seat next to him.
“The director embezzled the company's funds. This is not the first time something like this has happened, and I'm sure it won't be the last either," father muttered, and anger burned my heart.
“Have him fired, father, I think you're showing mercy to these people a lot," I replied in a fierce tone.
My father's lips twitched into a smirk, and he nodded his head, humming.
"Dear, since you're back, how about you take over the company?” he asked, and my throat knotted.
“What?" I gasped. My father leaned closer and gripped my hand, staring deep into my widened eyes.
“If there is anyone who can put that company in place, it has to be you, my princess. Your brothers are doing well in their various companies and fields. I know you will do well, too, if you take over the company," he muttered.
My lips parted and slammed shut, then my eyes dimmed in confusion.
“Father, I lived my life and career as a detective…”
"Shh!” My father hushed me up as he placed his finger over my lips.
My throat knotted and my cheeks heated up as I flushed in embarrassment. The only time my father had ever hushed me was when I was still a child. It felt weird seeing him do that in my adulthood.
“I know you're worried that the board may not accept, but you're still my daughter, and you're super intelligent. You've always wanted to know about my business when you were a child. I was surprised you began to change interests as you grew older. You don't have to go to a school of business to know how to run your family company, hmm?" He muttered with so much tenderness in his eyes that I almost cried.
“Oh, father, you're the best," I blurted out as I covered my face with my palm to stop him from seeing the tears on my face.
“That’s enough!” He groaned and pulled me into a hug, rubbing my back gently.
"Have you eaten anything?” He asked after long minutes of sobbing.
“No."
“Let's have lunch then," he muttered.
I raised my head from his chest and nodded with tears in my eyes, then stood up and followed him into the dining room.
The maid came in and served us, then moved away while we ate in silence.
“Are you going to say yes?" He asked during the meal.
I stopped cutting the steak on my plate and looked up.
I parted my lips to answer, but paused as the pale face of Mr Thompson flashed over my eyes.
“I'm not sure yet, Father," I muttered.
The smile on his face faded, and he sighed, dropping his fork with disappointment smeared against his face.
“Are you still thinking of going back to being a detective?" He asked. My heart skipped a beat at his question, and my fist clenched.
"No!” I blurted out, but from his eyes, I could tell he didn't believe me.
“With the serial murder case going on, I'm sure you'll want to go back. You've always loved thrills and complicated cases like that,” he muttered.
I gripped the edge of the table and released a deep breath. From the look of things, this case seemed pretty complicated. This was the kind of case I'd love to solve with no hesitation when I was still a detective.
“I can't go back. I left the CID a long time ago. I have no intention to return,” I muttered.
Father sighed and shrugged before picking up the cutlery.
"Your boss always asked of you, though. He made me promise that I'll let him know whenever you return,” he muttered, and I felt my breath hitch.
My heartbeat increased, and my belly knotted in horror and a feeling I couldn't predict.
"Wait…what?" I gasped loudly, my eyes as wide as saucers.
My father looked up, a sparkle in his eyes.
“He should be done with the press conference by now," he said.
My jaw dropped, and the fork in my hand fell off and dropped to the ground.
“Is he… coming here?” I stammered.
My father looked up again, his brows furrowing. He parted his lips to respond, but the ringing of his phone stopped him. He looked at his phone and sighed loudly, then got up and moved away from the dining area.
Mr Thompson was coming here?
I gasped again and looked down at the sweater I was wearing. I wasn't ready to see him, and even if I was, it definitely won't be in this thing I had over my body.
I needed to leave. I had to avoid him now, I still had the chance.
I got up, grabbed my purse, and sneaked out of the house when my father wasn't looking.
‘Hey, Dad, I need to go. I'll come back in the evening,’ I sent a message to him as I hurried to the large gate.
The security pulled the gate open, and I rushed out, panting loudly.
I was in so much panic that I forgot to get a car from my father's garage.
That still wouldn't be possible because I need my father's permission to get the key from his study.
I stepped into the street of the estate, hoping a cab would drive by and pick me up.
Thankfully, when I looked up, I saw one coming my way.
“Finally," I whispered and stretched my hand to flag it down.
“Victoria Alexander?" A familiar voice called behind me, and my outstretched hand froze.
The purse in my hand dropped as the realization of who it was hit me hard.
"Boss.”