126

126

JOEL'S POV

The notification on my phone buzzed as I stood in line for coffee, already irritated from the wait. Glancing down, I saw it was an email from Vivian. The sight of her name alone made my blood simmer, and my jaw tightened as I opened it. Whatever she had to say, I was sure it was more of her usual nonsense—just another attempt to manipulate, control, and make herself feel superior. But nothing could have prepared me for what I read.

Each line hit harder than the last, my pulse accelerating with a mix of disbelief and seething fury. Legal consequences? Was she seriously filing a restraining order against me? After everything I’d done, everything I’d invested in this plan of hers? She thought she could just cut me out and label me a threat? My fists clenched involuntarily, and the coffee I’d been craving suddenly didn’t matter anymore.

I left the shop without a second thought, walking briskly, my mind racing. This was beyond insulting; it was downright betrayal. Vivian thought she could keep me out, that some pathetic legal restriction would keep me from what I was owed? After last night’s confrontation, I knew she was furious with me, but this was a new low—even for her.

Back at my apartment, I threw my keys on the counter, the metallic clink echoing in the empty space. Her words looped through my mind, each one like a jab to the gut. I paced back and forth, unable to shake the image of her smug face as she typed out that message, probably thinking she’d “handled” me. Vivian had always had an ego, but this time, she’d crossed the line.

My phone buzzed again, and I grabbed it, half-hoping it was her calling to backtrack, to realize she couldn’t pull this stunt and get away with it. But it wasn’t Vivian. Instead, it was a voicemail notification. I pressed play, and the automated voice on the other end began reciting information.

“This is a courtesy notification regarding a temporary restraining order filed against you by Vivian Thorne. As outlined, this order restricts you from contacting her directly or indirectly and prohibits physical proximity within a 100-yard distance. Any violation of this order will result in legal action.”

The message continued, listing details of the legal parameters, but I barely heard the rest. My hands shook, anger boiling in my veins. She’d actually done it. Vivian had filed a restraining order against me. She thought she could use the law to box me in, to keep me out of her life like some discarded nuisance. The audacity was infuriating.

She was playing with fire, and she knew it.

I sank into the armchair, every muscle in my body tense. Vivian was delusional if she thought I’d let her pull this without a fight. She’d taken everything we’d planned, everything I’d poured my time and energy into, and thrown it all back in my face. All because she couldn’t stand that she couldn’t control me anymore.

The memory of last night flashed through my mind—the way she’d looked at me, cold and dismissive, her voice dripping with disdain as she’d called me weak. Every part of me had wanted to put her in her place, to make her understand that I wasn’t someone she could just toss aside. And now, this restraining order… it was nothing more than a continuation of her pathetic attempt to have power over me.

I leaned back, trying to think clearly, to sift through the anger clouding my mind. If Vivian thought she could push me out, she was about to learn just how wrong she was. I’d been an integral part of her plans from the start, doing the dirty work she couldn’t handle herself. She needed me, and deep down, she knew it. Filing a restraining order didn’t change that.

Grabbing my phone, I considered calling her anyway, restraining order be damned. But I knew she’d just ignore it or use it as further justification for her actions. No, if I was going to make my point, I’d have to be smarter than that. Vivian wasn’t the only one who knew how to manipulate, and if she wanted a fight, I’d make sure she regretted every step of the way.

I needed to find a way to hit back, to show her that cutting me out was a mistake she couldn’t afford. I’d learned things in my time working with her, things about her connections, her secrets. And I had no qualms about using them.

The thought brought a bitter smile to my lips. Vivian had always underestimated me, always seen me as nothing more than a tool. She’d manipulated me, yes, but she’d also given me plenty of information along the way. And now, I’d use that information to turn the tables.

First, I’d start with Kane. Vivian’s plan to go behind my back had clearly involved him, and if I could sway him to my side or at least sow some discord, it would be a solid first step. Kane was pragmatic, but he was also ambitious, and if I dangled the right incentives, he might reconsider his loyalty to Vivian.

I picked up my phone, dialing a contact who could get me Kane’s number. Within minutes, I had it and was tapping out a message.

Kane, it’s Joel. We need to talk. Vivian’s cut me out of her plans, and I’m guessing she hasn’t been entirely transparent with you either. Let’s meet. You might find it worth your time.

Satisfied, I hit send, a sense of grim satisfaction settling over me. If Kane had any sense, he’d take the bait. And once I had his ear, I’d make sure Vivian realized just how wrong it was to turn on me.

The second step would be more delicate. I needed to keep an eye on her without violating the restraining order. Luckily, I had contacts for that as well. There were plenty of people willing to do a little surveillance for the right price, and I knew just the person.

I dialed another number, waiting for the line to pick up. When it did, a familiar voice answered.

“Joel,” came the voice on the other end. “It’s been a while.”

“Got a job for you,” I said, keeping my tone cool. “I need someone followed. Discreetly.”

There was a pause, then a chuckle. “Always knew you’d come back with something interesting. Who’s the target?”

“Vivian Thorne,” I replied, feeling a dark satisfaction at saying her name. “She’s been making things… complicated. I need to know her movements, who she’s meeting with, and anything out of the ordinary.”

“Consider it done,” he replied, his voice filled with a confidence that made me feel a little better.

After hanging up, I leaned back, feeling some of the tension drain from my body. With Kane and my contact in play, I was finally taking control again, piecing together a strategy that would put me back in the game.

Vivian might think she’d shut me out, but I’d make her realize how mistaken she was. She could file all the restraining orders she wanted, send all the emails she could type, but none of it would change the fact that I knew her, knew her weaknesses, her flaws. And I wasn’t done with her yet.

If Vivian wanted to cross me, then I’d drag her down with me. Every secret, every scheme she’d been building—I'd make sure it all unraveled. She’d regret underestimating me.

A twisted satisfaction settled over me as I put my phone down, the pieces of my plan beginning to take shape. Vivian thought a restraining order could cage me, silence me. She thought she could toss me aside without consequence. But she’d underestimated just how much I knew, how far I was willing to go to make her pay. Soon enough, she’d realize that cutting me out was a mistake—a mistake that would haunt her.

As I sat in the quiet of my apartment, my anger hardened into determination. This wasn’t over. Not by a long shot.