There was a faint knock on my door, and I called, "come in." The door opened as I swiveled around to face it. In walked Rick and his assistant.
"I wanted to introduce you to Romano," he said.
Romano grinned. "Getting comfortable, Zade?"
His behavior emitted a sycophantic vibe reminiscent of the Tom Wambsgans character in Succession. However, I wasn't inclined to play the part of Kendall Roy. "Just Zade is fine. I'm doing well. Have a seat, gentlemen."
After updating me on their ongoing projects, they prepared to leave, but I signaled for Rick to stay. Romano shot a quick glance our way, a fleeting frown crossing his brow before he concealed it and exited. Once the door was closed, I turned to Rick, picking up our conversation.
"So, how's the troublemaker?"
"His situation is precarious after losing the Chase account last week."
"Does he know who clinched it?"
"I made sure he found out."
"Good. I assume he's aware that BB Tech is my company."
"Zade, there's no need for billboards or skywriters. He's well aware of the brains behind BB Tech."
"Good. He needs to realize he picked the wrong opponent, friend or not. Any idea if he knows I'm out?"
"No need for grand gestures. It's been all over the news. If he's in this city, which he is, he knows."
"Good." I fell silent.
Rick continued, "I'm sure she does too." He focused on me.
I shifted uncomfortably. "Don't bring her up."
He concealed his amusement. "I didn't specify anyone. There are plenty of 'shes' in this city."
"You very well know you're referring to Sapphire."
"Now that you mention it, I'm sure she's aware you're out as well."
"It's irrelevant to me whether she knows or not."
"Liar. Mia always said your right eyebrow twitches when you lie. Too bad the jury didn't catch your tell. You do care if Sapphire knows."
Bitterness surged within me. "Only enough to seek revenge, just like I'm doing with Randy."
"To be fair, she didn't actually harm you."
"She didn't even offer me the benefit of the doubt. Simply judged me and abandoned me when I needed her most." I kept my suspicion that she then got involved with Randy to myself, as that was the true betrayal I held against her.
"Mia and I believe it's out of character for Sapphire. There must be an explanation."
"You can explore it when you find it. As far as I'm concerned, she's history," I said coldly.
"Come on, Zade. Give her a chance."
"No."
"But-"
"End of discussion, Rick." My voice was stern.
He raised his hands defensively and stepped back.
"Okay. I won't mention Sapphire Stone again."
"And relay to Mia that I'm not interested in hearing her speculations about Sapphire either."
"She's your sister. You should be aware, more than I am, that she'll express her thoughts, whether you want to hear them or not. We're on the same page regarding Randy. But Sapphire-"
"Rick, let it go, alright?"
"Fair enough."
I shook my head. "My sister had to choose a man as obstinate as she is. Both of you are like bulldogs when you're holding onto a point."
"Now who's revisiting it. I'm done!"
"You know you're not."
He grinned. "True. But I'll leave it for today. It's good to have you out, Zade."
Tension dissipated. "It's good to be out."
"Now let's concentrate on truly propelling this company. If Randy thought he was in trouble before, he'll feel like hell has been unleashed by the time we're done with him."
I nodded in agreement. Revenge had fueled me in my cold prison cell. "I'm extracting every penny from him, and that still won't be enough."
"By the way, Mia wants you for dinner tonight. Seven okay?"
"Perhaps tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow it is," he said with a smile.
I observed the door close behind him, then turned back to face the window. The afternoon had slipped into evening, casting the sky in golden hues. Memories of beach sunsets, her skin bathed in pinkish light, and her whispered words, "I love you, Zade… forever and ever," surfaced. With a frown, I pushed them away hastily. I couldn't indulge in childish memories any longer, not with revenge to exact.
Betrayal demanded payment. Both of them.
Reflecting on the conversation with Rick, I dismissed his defense of Sapphire. My family adored her, evident in Rick and Mia's support. Nevertheless, I wouldn't entertain such notions. No, I knew better.
Glancing out the window one last time, I approached the filing cabinet. Outside, my staff began to leave. My tenure as CEO was just beginning. Once everything aligned to my liking, I'd confront Randy.
And then Sapphire.
By the time I returned to my apartment, it was almost midnight.
A quick shower, and I settled into bed. Scrolling through my phone, my heart raced at the sight of the email address linked to the school where Sapphire taught. I stared, feeling the world halt.
"Calm down. It's not actually from her. Besides, you're angry. She left you for Randy. Furious, in fact," I muttered.
Yet, curiosity burned. I opened it, finding over thirty addresses it had been sent to, including Randy's. The mystery unraveled as I read the content—an invitation to a fundraiser for alumni.
Well, well.
Lounging in bed, staring at the ceiling, I hadn't planned to track down Randy and Sapphire so soon. However, this invitation to an event where they'd both be present felt like a gift from the heavens, urging me to strike while the iron was hot. I needed no further encouragement.
With a few clicks, I sent a brief message.
I'll be there.