Chapter 48 48

Chapter 48 48
Nora’s POV

The next day came and I couldn’t help but feel even more nervous. I couldn’t get any sleep at night as I wondered what would happen if something went wrong.

I yawned tiredly as I rubbed my puffy eyes. I checked the time and saw it was already 11:00 am.

Just then, my phone lit up with a call and it was Aria. My heart skipped a beat.

“Hello?” I answered.

“You’re going to hold on and wait for my command before you go into action, do you understand?”

“But why?” I asked, confused. I was doing it alone so why does she have to keep tabs on me?

“Dummy, it’s because I need to be very sure you’re not going to try to play smart. You should know better.”

“Right. But be rest assured I am not going against your orders in any way. I will do what you have asked but I don’t think you need to order me around. It’ll only get me more nervous,” I explained.

“Last time I checked, this is my game, not yours. I spell out the rules so all you can do is listen and obey. Don’t do anything stupid by trying to go against me. Do you understand?”

“Fine.” I sighed. The call ended afterwards.

I tried to think of ways to make me calm down a bit but I couldn’t seem to relax.

A knock on the door broke my chain of thoughts. I went to open it and saw a maid outside. It was the particular one that didn’t seem to like me when I first arrived.

Though I didn’t have any issues with her, I noticed she was being super friendly these days by always checking up on me and making sure I was well fed. It felt odd but I just brushed it off because I had bigger issues on my plate.

“Good morning ma’am,” she greeted.

“Good morning,” I replied.

“I noticed you’ve not had breakfast so I thought to check up on you,” she said.

“Yes, I just woke up. Do you need anything?”

“Absolutely not. Do you need me to bring breakfast to you? You look tired,” she said.

“Uhm sure, thank you.” She smiled and walked away.

As I closed the door after me, I wondered why she was being so nice but still, I brushed it off and headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

After a couple of minutes, she brought my food in a tray.

“Thank you so much,” I said as she dropped the tray of food on my table.

“My pleasure ma’am. Don't hesitate to let me know if you need anything,” she said, offering me a small smile.

“Sure. What’s your name?”

“Sophie.”

“Right. Thank you so much, Sophie,” I said, sounding genuine. She smiled and walked out of the door before I locked it.

I ate but could only stomach a little bit of food. At some point, I began to nervously pace around my room and wait for Aria’s call. I literally had to stop myself from calling her.

Did she forget? I wondered as I paced tiredly around my room.

At one point, my tummy was so stiff with anxiety that I had to throw up. The little food I ate was back outside. After throwing up, I continued pacing my room as I repeatedly told myself that everything is going to be fine.

Finally, Aria called me.

“What’s taking you so long?” I asked, rubbing my sweating palm on my dress.

“Don’t question me. Now, I need you to know that whatever happens, you’re on your own, do you understand?”

I fought the urge to roll my eyes.

“I knew this, Aria. You would never let me drag you down with me,” I said.

“Good. Now, all you have to do is wait for about ten minutes before heading to the office.”

I frowned. "But why? Is there something I need to know?” I asked, my nerves getting worse.

“What do you think? I am just trying to make sure you don’t make this job go down the drain. Do not try to disobey me. When it’s ten minutes, you go. And when you’re back to your room, call me immediately,” she said.

“How much am I taking?”

“Only $50,000.”

My eyes widened in shock.

“Are you insane? That’s an outrageous amount of money, I will get caught,” I said.

“Don’t be silly. Do whatever I’ve asked because if you’re a dollar short, you’re going back there,” she warned.

What other choice do I have?

“I’ll get it done,” I finally said.

“Good girl.” And with that, the call ended.

Just like she had asked, I waited for ten minutes before walking out of the door. I looked carefully down the hallway but everywhere was silent so I began walking.

Fortunately, I didn’t encounter any maid on my way, which helped me to stay coordinated.

When I got to Julian’s wing, I headed straight for his office because I already knew he was at work but still, I opened the door quietly to check first before walking in.

“Oh God…” I breathed as I approached the safe. I felt like passing out but I couldn't dare.

As I stood in front of the safe, I took several deep breaths and continuously wiped my sweaty palms on my dress as I braced myself for what I was about to do.

I looked back at the door to make sure I was completely alone before reaching my fingers for the code. My fingers shook badly and I missed the codes a couple of times due to this but I didn’t give up.

About six trials later, I successfully opened the door.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding before pushing the door open more. My eyes widened at the stacks of cash inside the safe. It was insane.

After feeding my eyes, I forced myself to come out of the trance because I didn’t have all day. But as I reached my hand inside the safe, I triggered an alarm on a dim blue light I had been too distracted to notice.

Before I could pull away, the safe let out a sharp sound and almost immediately, the whole room began beeping with very loud alarm sounds. I was stunned as I stood transfixed for a moment.

The door to the safe snapped shut and it barely missed my hand.

The sound of the door snapping shut was all it took for my shock to wear off. I spun around and raced for the door, hot fear pooling in the pit of my stomach.

I ignored the alarm that continued blaring.

When I reached the door, I pulled it open but my way was blocked. I looked up to see Julian, who had a deadly look on his face. By his side was no other person but Aria. A smiling Aria.

I stumbled back in shock.

“You,” Julian growled.