Love and Rivalry

Chapter 12

Aria dove into her work with a vengeance. Reading that ominous message made something snap inside of her. She knew of only one person who could have sent it. Riku. Her first response was fear. She had only been working with the team for less than an hour, and he already knew about it. How was that even possible? Was the Kaiba Corp building bugged? But that seemed very unlikely. Kaiba must have protocols to prevent that from happening. Which led to the conclusion that Riku must have someone else on the inside, besides her. And since the message was sent so readily, it was most likely one of the other six programmers. But if that was true, then why get her involved?

Aria was dumbfounded by the level of underhandedness her stepfather seemed to be executing. She didn't think he was capable enough to implement something so complex. It was with that thought that Aria knew she couldn't make the mistake of underestimating her stepfather. He was obviously willing to risk everything to ensure that this deal went through.

Which led to Aria's second response. Anger. She was fed up with Riku meddling with her life like a doll in a playhouse. She knew she needed to break free from his control, once and for all. But how? With his threats dangling over her head, not only was her future at stake, but possibly people's lives as well. Who knew what Riku was capable of at this point.

Aria finished up her work late Monday night, then headed home, her thoughts still in turmoil on how she was going to beat her stepfather at his own game. When she walked through the front door, she could see light spilling out from underneath the study door. Part of her wanted to go charging in yelling and screaming at her stepfather to get out of her life and to leave her alone. But she knew in the end it would serve no purpose. So instead, she slowly climbed the stairs, feet dragging behind her.

Going into her room, Aria threw her bag onto her bed then went over to her desk to check her messages on her computer. She stopped when she saw a small white envelope sitting on the top of her closed laptop. She didn't trust anything that may have come from Riku. Feeling the package, something firm and thick was on the inside. Curious, Aria slowly opened it. Inside was a wad of bills. Her eyes widened at the amount, probably a couple thousand dollars. There was a note stuck to the inside. For some support.

Renewed rage built up in Aria, she took the envelope and threw it across the room. Knowing that her stepfather was now entering her personal space, Aria knew it was time for her to get out and fast. But first she needed a plan. She began pacing around the room. She had no money and nowhere else to go. Not exactly a good start to going out on your own.

Aria's steps slowed, an idea forming in her head. She could go to Kaiba and share with him everything that was going on. Alone, Aria could do nothing but surely Kaiba was rich and powerful enough to protect Mokuba and his company? She let out a breath. It would be risky. If Riku ever got wind that she had told the very person of who he is trying to steal from...who knows what might happen.

But what other choice was there? If she did help carry out Riku's diabolical plans, her future would still be ruined, Kaiba would make sure of that. She'd much rather see Kaiba come out on top then her stepfather.

With her decision starting to firm up, Aria felt a little better. But now came the hard part. Approaching Riku and getting him to lay off. Otherwise, she couldn't go to Kaiba, not until it was safe to do so. She hoped Téa would be able to put her up for a few days.

You're stronger than you think.

Her mother's words echoing through her, Aria felt a new found boldness begin to fill her up. Walking over to where she had thrown the money, she picked it up and started to head back downstairs to her stepfather's study. Not bothering to knock, she barged in, guns ready to start blazing.