Chapter 106 A Step Ahead Denise
DAVID
I spent the entire night poring over strategies to dismantle Denise’s plans. The moment Bella insisted on joining the fight, I knew I had to shut her down.
“No, Bella,” I said, my voice firm but gentle. “You’re pregnant. I can’t risk your life or our baby’s.”
Her eyes flared with defiance, her hands folding over her growing belly. “But you and Janet risked your lives to bring the people who tried to kill me to justice,” she argued, her voice steady, daring me to counter.
I sighed, running a hand through my hair, frustration evident. “How about you visit your father for a while?” I suggested. “By the time you’re back, we’ll have taken care of Denise.”
She crossed her arms, the set of her jaw telling me I’d already lost this battle. “No, David. I’m staying. That’s final.”
I exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of my nose. Arguing with a determined woman especially a pregnant one was a battle destined for failure.
“All right, fine,” I muttered, waving a white flag in my mind. “But promise me you’ll be careful.”
Her defiance softened, but her determination remained unshaken. “I will,” she said simply.
When Bella asked to see a picture of Denise, I pulled it up on my phone and handed it to her. She froze, the color draining from her face. Her expression shifted from curiosity to recognition, her wide eyes revealing a connection I hadn’t anticipated.
“Do you know him?” I asked, my voice cautious.
“Yes,” she said after a long pause. Her voice was quieter now, almost hesitant. “When I first started working, I used to see him picking up Vivian from the office. They were close.”
A spark ignited in my mind. Pieces of the puzzle started to fall into place. “That’s it,” I said, turning to Bella and Janet. “We’ll use that connection. Bella, is there anyone in the office who’s close to Vivian? Someone she confides in?”
Bella bit her lip, deep in thought. “Yes,” she said finally. “Emmanuelle. Vivian tells her everything.”
“Perfect,” I said, leaning forward. “Here’s the plan. Bella, you’ll get close to Emmanuelle. She’s our key to making Vivian talk about Denise.”
Bella nodded. “That won’t be hard. Emmanuelle is also close to Elowen. She tells her everything too.”
“Good,” I said. “But this plan stays between us.”
Bella agreed, and I laid out the details while Janet listened intently.
BELLA
As I got ready for work, a flicker of excitement buzzed through me. It had been months since I’d stepped into the office. David had been overly protective lately, almost smothering. But now, I finally had a chance to contribute.
I opened my wardrobe, groaning at the sight of my tighter clothes. Nothing seemed to fit over my growing belly. Then I noticed a sleek box tucked in the corner with a note attached.
“I got this for you. It’ll fit your beautiful body.”
A smile tugged at my lips as I opened it to reveal a flowing gown that elegantly concealed my baby bump. David’s thoughtfulness never ceased to amaze me.
When I stepped in front of the mirror, I barely recognized myself. My cheeks were fuller, my body softer. Pregnancy had changed me in ways I hadn’t expected.
“Time to face the world,” I whispered to myself, grabbing my bag and laptop before heading downstairs.
David and Janet were still deep in discussion when I joined them. “You look stunning,” David said, his gaze lingering on me with pride.
“Thanks,” I replied, heat rising to my cheeks.
“Do you want me to drive you?” he offered.
“No, I’ll take the driver,” I said, smiling. “Besides, not everyone at work knows you’re my husband.”
“Husband, huh?” he teased, a boyish grin spreading across his face.
I laughed, but he pulled me close, his lips brushing mine in a deep kiss. His voice dropped to a husky whisper. “I want you so bad right now.”
Flustered, I pushed him back. “Work, David. Work,” I said, trying to hide my blush.
Janet smirked. “You two should make a movie about this,” she quipped.
When I finally got into the car, I raised an eyebrow at the sleek Royce Rolls parked outside. “Really? No other car?”
“Boss’s orders,” the driver replied, opening the door for me.
The ride was smooth, but as we approached the office, my heart skipped a beat. A shadowy figure was pacing near the gates. Denise. Our eyes met briefly before he bolted, disappearing into the alleys.
The air felt lighter as I entered, the familiar buzz of the workplace wrapping around me like an old friend. Elowen was already at her desk, her bright smile welcoming me.
“I thought I’d be the first today,” I said, setting my bag down.
Elowen laughed. “I beat you. But not by much.”
Before I could reply, she pointed toward another desk. “Actually, Emmanuelle was here first.”
Emmanuelle? That was unusual. She never came to work without Vivian.
Curious, I approached her. “Morning, Emmanuelle. You’re early today.”
Her face twisted in frustration. “Vivian. She’s unbearable!” she exclaimed, throwing her hands up.
“What happened?” I asked, feigning concern.
“She chose some guy she barely knows over me. Can you believe that?”
A spark of opportunity lit up inside me. “What guy?” I asked, keeping my tone casual.
“His name is Denise,” she said, her voice dripping with disdain. “I told her something’s off about him, but she wouldn’t listen.”
She launched into a tirade about Vivian’s poor choices, her words tumbling out like a dam breaking.
“That’s not all,” she continued. “I saw a message on her phone. Something about a ransom. I think she’s up to something shady.”
I nodded, piecing together her story, careful not to let my excitement show. This was the break we needed.
“Don’t worry,” I said. “Your secret’s safe with me.”
Emmanuelle relaxed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “You’re not as bad as Vivian says you are.”
I smiled back, knowing we were one step closer to taking Denise down.