Chapter 28 Evil in shadows
Arielle's POV
The doting never stopped, neither did I allow allow it cause a setback in my plans. Zane forced me to stay home for two weeks and only permitted me to work three hours a day, maximum. In his words, ‘You need to fully recuperate.’
When I argued that I am a worker and owe accountability to the agency, he had a smug grin on his face as he told me; ‘I own the agency, who would dare confront you?’
So, I gave up, there was no arguing with him and strangely I had a hunch that he knew what Leo and I were hiding but he pretended not to and on several occasions, I tried to see if he was just pretending but I only got confused the more and just let it go.
“We're going for a launch tonight, some party or so.” Zane informed me as I was laughing at the threat texts Lisa sent to me. She had been spamming my inbox since our last encounter.
“I thought you said I'm on bed rest, why do I have to go to some boring party with you?” I protested, pretending to be annoyed but in a real sense, it would restrain me from meeting up with the private investigator I had secretly hired to dig some dirty secrets and information.
“You're still a model at my agency, this is for work, not pleasure.” He sternly said with a straight face and I instantly felt scared, being used to him smiling around me all the time.
“OH, okay, what should I wear?” I asked, my smiling gradually fading and he burst into laughter, pointing at me mockingly.
“You should've seen your face, you looked like a scared puppy. Leo will bring in the dress, we need to leave early, there's somewhere I need to go before heading there.”
Zane didn't wait any longer before he left and I was stuck with Leo who has now reverted to being not only stoic but quiet, I didn't say a word instead, as long as he keeps his mouth shut, I don't have a problem with him.
As he earlier stated, we took a brief stop at some jewelry store and Zane bought me a ridiculously expensive necklace.
“I had it specially made for you, I need you to stand out tonight and ladies are naturally drawn to expensive jewelry, you'll meet top world models there, the CEO is a supermodel herself, play your cards well and you'll have her wrapped at the tips of your finger without her even realizing it.” Zane explained.
“Okay.” I responded, inwardly scolding myself for momentarily losing view of my big plan.
When we arrived, there was little paparazzi around, ‘It's a closed party.’ Zane had explained.
Our entrance was simple yet it turned dozens of head. Zane wore a grey tuxedo and a pair of Louboutin platform shoes to match with, he didn't wear a wrist watch but rather a black cheap looking bracelet, one I instantly recognized as what I playfully gave to him before his last business trip, subconsciously I smiled.
While me? I screamed of glamor and luxury but in a hushed tone loud enough to cause a tsunami. I wore a Jenny Peckham champagne gold dress with sequin details, a Hermes clutch and a shiny black Malono Blahnik heels to match, in summary, I complemented his dress.
“Mister Zane!” A gorgeous woman called out, elegantly waving her hand at us.
She had a beautiful build, her dress hugged her tiny waist which highlighted the tempting curve of her hips. The men around her were obviously smitten by her and when she smiled it came off as a twinkle. As she walked up to us, I felt my confidence waver, who would have thought a woman would make me this insecure about myself.
As she halted in front of us, her smile didn't falter, instead she gently smacked her lips in a poised manner.
“You must be the CEO, Miss…”
“Gwendolyn Heathrow, please call me Gwen.” She replied Zane as she extended her hand for a handshake.
Zane hesitated for a split second and briefly shook her hand, he retracted his hand as if he was repulsed by her touch but she casually flipped her hair in a way that drew attention even though she didn't go seeking it.
“I believe we've met before Mister Zane.” She spake, her voice so soft I could soar in it.
“I don't think so.” Zane replied, dismissively.
I stylishly pinched him, he was obviously being rude.
She didn't get angry though there was a flicker of distaste in her eyes. “Oh, you probably forgot, you saved me at the gala in Hong Kong, where thr chandelier almost crushed me-”
“I'm sorry but I don't remember.” Zane interrupted her and though it was embarrassing, her smile still didn't falter.
“You twirled me out of the way and took the hit, you don't remember? Are you fine? I tried to reach out to show my appreciation but I couldn't get in contact with you.”
“Oh really?” I asked, fascinated. I had ask him if anything interesting happened on his trip but he conveniently forgot to include this.
“It's fine Miss Heathrow, I did what any responsible man would do. It's great to see you're starting a modeling agency here, our paths will cross if business ever call for it.”
“Oh please don't leave, you myst allow me to buy you dinner or lunch sometime, to thank you for saving my life.”
“That won't be necessary, I'm just glad you're fine.”
I could feel the unnecessary tension in the room, the lady was just being nice and Zane was frankly acting cold towards her, she laughed awkwardly, trying to sabotage the situation.
“You run a modeling agency too? BELLE? I see future collaboration coming up, maybe you could give me a tip or two about the business seeing this is your city.” She asked, nicely.
“Yes, this is Rielle, one of our top models, she'll fill you in on every information you need, now if you'll excuse me, I think it's time to say hello to the other guests.” Zane said and without much any time, he let go of my arm and began walking towards a group of men which left me with Gwen.
She looked totally embarrassed and I felt it.
“So um, Miss Gwen, I love your dress and you look extraordinarily beautiful. Do you have a secret to how you maintain such celestial beauty?” I asked her, using honest flattery would work.
“Thank you so much but you can just call me Gwen. You're a model at this company right? Nothing else?”
Her question caught me off guard.
“I don't know what you mean by that but yes, he's my boss and I have no desire to be here but you can't so no to the one who signs your paycheck, can you?” I joked and she let out a forced smile.
“So, tell me all about your modeling career.” She urged me.
I fed her with the scripted lies I had long practiced for situations like this but her attention was barely on me, I caught her stealing glances at Zane and when she finally excused herself to go speak with others, I knew she was uncomfortable especially after a champagne attendant brought me some champagne as ordered by Zane, followed by a butler who came bearing little delicious hors d'œuvres.
Leo came over later as I mingled with other ladies who found my sense of dressing impeccable.
“We need to leave, now.” He had briefly said, offering no explanation.
I looked towards Zane and he gave an approving nod so I excused myself. Leo escorted me to the car and got in with me.
“Drive.” He ordered the driver who immediately sprung to action.
“Is everything okay?” I asked Leo but he responded with a low hum.
We didn't say a word to each other until we got home. We alighted and he still insisted on escorting me safely inside.
“Leo.” I called, drawing his attention. “Zane is acting suspicious lately, you think he knows something?”
“Zane is a complex being, he's also sensitive to things around him, if he knows something, he'll say something.” He replied in a tone that suggested that it would be inadvisable to pursue the topic any further so I let him be and went to my room. I stayed up, waiting for Zane, curious and anxious at the same time.
Then he finally came home around midnight, I had already fallen asleep and though he thought he was stealth and sleek, I caught his silent movements.
“You've decided to come back home after I don't know, sending me away?” I challenged, though my voice was croaky.
“Someone was trying to harm you, I had to send you home early. Congratulations you've caught the attention of a worthy opponent.”