Chapter 49 49

Chapter 49 49
Julian’s POV

“Send the files to me immediately,” I said to my secretary as I typed away on my computer.

“Okay sir, do you need anything else?” she asked.

“That’ll be all,” I said and she left the office.

My phone began to ring and I frowned when I saw the caller. It was unknown. I pondered for a moment about picking it up because it wasn’t even my business line. This was on my personal phone. On the second ring, I chose to answer.

“Who is this?” I said when I picked up the call.

“Your wife is a thief and she’s about to steal from your safe.”

I took the phone away from my ear and took another glance at the number.

“Excuse me?” I said.

“You heard me right. She’s about to steal from you.”

“Who is this?” I asked. It was a lady’s voice.

“I don’t have to be known. I am only here to deliver a very important message.”

“Well, if you’re not going to tell me who you are then I guess there’s no need to have this conversation. If you’re ready to reveal your identity, call me.”

Without saying more, I ended the call and dropped my phone on my table before going back to work. I wasn't up for some hide and seek with some stranger.

My phone lit up again and I saw it was the same person.

“Are you ready to talk now?” I asked.

“Yes but you don’t really have to know who I am—”

“I’ll end this call right now and do not call me again. If you do, I am going to track you down and come for your head,” I said, meaning every word.

“No please, hold on. Okay, I’ll tell you who I am but only if you’re going to listen to everything I have to say,” she begged.

“I am all ears,” I said, tapping my fingers impatiently. I needed to go back to work. For all I know, this might be a prank call.

“It’s Aria,” she said.

“Okay?” I asked, still clueless.

“Nora’s sister.”

Oh. Why is she reaching out to me?

“What do you want?” I asked, going straight to the point.

“Your wife is about to steal from you and I just thought you should know.”

“Why?” I didn’t believe her one bit. Nora would never steal from me.

“Because she’s broke and selfish!” Aria said, venom dripping from her voice.

I still didn’t understand why she was giving her sister up for me. Nora had a lot of secrets that she thought nobody knew but I knew them all. I knew everything about their family. Even the little stunt she pulled by switching places with Aria was all seen by me but I chose to ignore it because either way, their family was going down.

“Why are you selling your sister out? What do you stand to gain?”

“Nothing, really. I just hate to see people trying to take advantage of others.”

I let out a laugh.

“I don’t believe you, Aria. You see, human nature isn’t complicated at all. We are selfish and greedy and we do not miss chances to pull people down in order to lift ourselves. We both know you want something for this piece of information, what is it?”

There was a moment of silence as she weighed her options.

“If you’re not ready to spill, I’ll have to end the call—”

“No, please don’t. I just need $50,000 as compensation for the information.”

I knew it. I was expecting something like this but I didn’t think she would be so shameless. With her dad’s company going bankrupt at an alarming rate, I knew something was bound to happen. But this? And what does it have to do with my wife?

“So, you want me to pay you for selling your own sister out?” I asked.

“No, do not put it that way. I would never ask for money from you in that manner. You see, my sister isn’t what she portrays herself to be and it’s sickening to me. And the money is compensation for my kind gesture.”

“Why would Nora steal from me?” I asked, still not buying the idea.

“Because she’s broke as well!”

“And how do you know this?”

“Well, she told me about it because she trusts me but it’s disgusting and I can’t let her do something like that. You’ve been a very nice husband to her.”

Hmm.

“Nora has no idea I have a safe and how would she get the code?”

“I don’t know, honestly. I’ve told you all that she told me. I tried to make her tell me more but she refused.”

“Do you know how dangerous it is to tell me lies?” I asked, my tone running low.

“I—I know.”

“Good. So you’re willing to put your life on the line? If I find out this is some sort of lie or a stupid prank, I will have your head. Do you agree?”

Silence.

“I agree,” she breathed. “But if I am correct, you give me the money I asked for.”

I took a moment to weigh my options. If it was really some sort of prank, she wouldn’t be willing to put her life on the line. Damn Nora. How could she ever think of stealing from me? I thought we were past all that.

Even if I still hated her, asking me for money won’t cost her anything. It was better than trying to steal from me. Although I know Aria wasn't being entirely truthful, I wasn’t going to push for answers. The mere thought of Nora stealing from me already had my temper rising.

If it really turned out to be true, Nora was going to regret ever knowing me.

Aria told me she was going to keep in contact with me when it was time to go back to my mansion and I agreed. When she arrived, I went downstairs to meet her. I could tell Nora had nothing in common with her sister because Aria was dressed in super revealing clothes and I couldn’t help but wonder how she felt comfortable coming to my office like that.

Even though she showered me with warm smiles, I barely paid her any attention. All I wanted was to see Nora in my office. Although my safe had an alarm that would go off immediately if someone else tried to touch my cash, I was still livid.

The ride back to the house was a noisy one. For some reason, Aria thought I would make a good gist partner. She brought up several conversations but when I didn't utter a word, the car slowly got quiet.

We got to the mansion and my assistant helped me into my wheelchair before we hurried inside. For a moment, I thought I was being stupid for believing a stranger but as we got into my hallway, the security alarm began to beep immediately. I knew my guards would be here in any moment but within seconds, I was already at my door.

Just as I was about to reach for the closed door, it sprang open and a scared Nora rushed out. She looked stunned to see us and her eyes widened even more when she saw her sister standing by my side.

She stumbled backwards in fright.

I saw red.

“You.”