Chapter Sixty-Five: I Am an Assassin Now

Chapter Sixty-Five: I Am an Assassin Now
The meeting started smoothly. I sat in the capital chair. Taylor didn’t dare to look at me or talk in the meeting. I had to ask her some questions that relate to our agenda, but she would just give brief answers. She has become mute, and I am loving every second of it.

“The meeting has adjourned,” I announced. “You can now dismiss.”

“Thank you, madame,” they said alternately.

I didn’t waste time standing and went to the door so I could go out. I heard Dara following me. I bet the managers stayed in the conference room so they could talk, while we went back to my office.

“Dara, can you give me the summary of the meeting we had?” I asked her as soon as I sat in the swivel chair.

“Sure, madame. I will send you via WhatsApp,” she said and pressed on her tablet.

I lifted my focus to the laptop, waiting for her message to pop up. But as we were talking, the doors creaked open, revealing Taylor. She looked at me in shock before her eyes surveyed the interior. She then smirked devilishly, like she couldn’t believe a thing. I observed her walk and look like she was in a museum. Her eyes then went to the family portrait where I was with my parents. Her head slowly nodded, finally getting it.

“So…” she muttered before looking in my direction. “You really are Mr. Santiago’s daughter. The family heiress.”

“Yes, and-“

“And the supposed Red Cartel queen?” she cut me off and arched her eyebrow.

I bit my tongue to let her speak because I felt like she had a lot of things to say. I am mature enough to listen to people now, no matter how much I have hatred against anyone.

“Ever since I met you, I was already uncomfortable enough around you,” she shared and went to the center of the office. “Who would have thought you were going to be the Red Cartel queen who will lead the organization?”

“Can I know what you mean by that?”

“I have heard about you when you were still in high school and in college…”

I looked at Dara, who seemed confused about what we were talking about. I glared at Taylor, signaling her to stop talking. She got it and looked at Dara. She even smirked even more.

“I say that you don’t deserve to be the CEO of this company. You don’t deserve to be the queen. You can stay with your stupid Jennie identity because I don’t see you as someone capable enough to lead us.”

Her eyes were full of ambition as well as disappointment. It hurt me to the core. To be underestimated. To be looked down upon. I stood up and walked towards her. Before she could open the door, I grabbed her shoulder and pushed her to the floor. Dara shrieked.

“We are still not done,” I said. “The queen is still talking to you.”

“You are not the queen!”

She stood up and launched towards me. Dara screamed when Taylor was about to punch me. I grabbed her fist and pulled the neckline of her dress to pin her against the door. She grunted when her back hit the door. I put pressure on her dress, almost choking her. I gritted my teeth.

“This is your first warning. If ever you show me any attitude to me and to the people close to me, I won’t hesitate to knock you out. The third time, your position as the finance manager will be at risk. The fourth time will be the last; you will be kicked out of the Red Cartel,” I said firmly. “Again, that is not a threat but a promise.” 

I released her. She held her chest. The tears in her eyes were evident. She was about to say something but forgot it and went outside the office after slamming the doors. When I turned my back, I saw Dara trembling in fear. I tried my best to smile at her.

“It’s going to be okay, Dara,” I assured her. “She won’t hurt you ever again now.”

“Oh, my gosh, Ms. Santiago!” she exclaimed while covering her mouth. “You are so amazing. You know how to fight?!”

I giggled. “It’s Mrs. Rodriguez now, Dara,” I corrected her and placed both my hands on my hips. “And yes. My husband taught me.”

Dara was so amazed by that thought that I could see from her expression that she would rain me with questions. The only thing that is stopping her is our professional boundary. We got back to work afterwards.

Karlo: How was your meeting? I am in the construction of the resort now.

I read Karlo’s message next to a photo that he sent. It was him taking a selfie, and behind him was a building that was being constructed. There were also construction workers around doing a salute pose, as if he had invited them for the photo. A smile crept onto my lips while typing my reply. So cute.

Me: Take care.

Glaidel: I found you a dress, Miss Minerva. I’ll wait for you in the mansion.

The smile on my face eventually faded when I saw Glaidel’s message pop up on my laptop. I typed in my reply.

Me: Sure. I will have an early out today at work. Wait for me.

I checked the wall clock. It’s already five forty-five. At six PM, I will go.

When I finished the paperwork in my office, I grabbed my bag and my aviators to go outside. Dara bid goodbye to me. As I went to the lobby, every employee's eyes followed me. I disregarded them because they had been doing it since I came here. But I heard some murmurs…

“Finally! I know her! She’s the CEO!”

“Right? Our manager in the department secretly took a picture of her during their meeting today! She’s the Santiago family heiress!”

“Wow, that explains why she’s so beautiful and confident whenever she comes to work!”

“I know, right? I thought she was just a regular employee who shines so bright. That’s why Miss Taylor doesn’t like her either. She saw someone who could compete with her beauty and position, who turned out to be the company’s CEO!”

From those whispers, I felt a little bit proud of myself. I didn’t mind if I was captured by a secret photo from a department manager during the meeting. Now they must know about me. It feels good for some reason since I don’t want my identity to be hidden forever.

The road was not that traffic, easing the tension I have been feeling today. Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off blared inside my car. I didn’t care if it was loud outside the road, but as long as they are not disturbed, it would be fine. Goodness gracious, I miss this kind of fun.

When I arrived in the mansion, I found Glaidel sitting on the sofa while manipulating her phone. Her eyebrows were furrowed and his lips pouting, serious about what she was doing. I had to clear my throat while walking towards her so she would notice me. She lifted her head and stood up with a formal smile on her face.

“Miss Minerva,” she addressed me. “I am glad that you are here now.”

“Hi. Would you like some refreshment? I will get you some,” I offered.

“No need. Thank you. But we both would get ready for the ball. We have a lot of things to talk about and do.”

There was a meaningful gaze that she was giving me, urging me to conclude that those things might be dangerous but indispensable.

“Tell me,” I encouraged her. “Is there something I need to know, Glaidel?”

She parted her lips to say something, but she slowly shook her head. “Nothing important,” she answered. “You can prepare yourself now, madame.”

I knew there was something wrong that way she said those words, but I chose not to chase it. Attending the ball tonight is more important, so I nodded and turned away.

Timothy: According to my investigation, he resides in a forest cabin with his family ever since he was born. I am still finding out the whereabouts of his family because nothing is showing up.

A sudden rush of guilt washed over me when I read Timothy’s WhatsApp message as I reached my room. I should not be doubting Karlo now. He is my trusted companion now over everyone. I’ve been with him for a long time already. There should not be any reason to doubt him, because all he did was protect and cherish me.

Me: Timothy, stop the investigation. Don’t waste your time. I don’t think it’s worth it.

Timothy: You sure?

Me: Definitely sure.

I threw the phone on the bed before going to the shower.

Glaidel was also preparing herself in the guest room. There were a lot of theories that I thought of while I was in the shower. I don’t know how I would react if I saw Helen, because every time I see her fucking face, I would like to break it because of what she did to Victor. Now that she is linked with Ian, I have no idea what her plans are.

I walked out of the shower. The red halter dress was lying on the bed. It had a secret outfit beneath in case of an emergency that was convenient for combat. My accessories and my mini bag were on top of the dress. Besides, the dress was a silencer. Inside my mini bag was a pack of bullets. I know it would be heavy, but who cares? I am an assassin now.