Venom's Alliance: Loyalty's Fracture

Chapter 23

Kalia's POV

I stared at my fresh tuna steak as the powder turned blue, a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Part of me expected this outcome since I had been carrying the testing powder with me all the time, checking my food for any signs of poison. But the other part of me was terrified. This meant that Chad no longer trusted me, and the discussion we were about to have could end with my life in danger or my entire plan ruined. I pushed the plate away, suddenly not hungry at all, and headed for the restaurant's bathroom.

The place was full, and I hadn't seen Chad yet. I was sure he was in the vicinity, watching and waiting, making sure I would eat his trap. I wasn't surprised to hear the bathroom door open shortly after I had entered. I didn't need to look to know who it was. I felt him approaching, and my body tensed in response, ready for whatever might come next.

"How was your meal?" Chad asked, his voice dripping with malice. I remained composed, keeping my emotions in check, as I moved to the sink to wash my hands, ridding them of any contact with the poisoned plate and the blue powder.

"Lovely. You should try it. A dog like you might enjoy some leftovers," I replied, my tone devoid of emotion.

"Careful," Chad warned, his voice lowering. He leaned in, revealing the handle of a pistol concealed under his dark blue blazer. But I had no intention of engaging in a confrontation or debate with him. I needed to get to the point and make sure he believed me.

"In three days, at dawn, they will have a weapon transport around 2:30 AM," I continued. "I don't have all the details, but it's going to be a big operation. And, because of the last ambush, they'll be taking extra precautions, including additional guards."

Chad's scrutinizing gaze locked onto mine, searching for any signs of deceit. But my face remained stoic and controlled, revealing no hints of dishonesty.

"From what I heard, it was planned even before the last job. The previous one was just a smaller operation, which is why they had fewer guards. But this time, they'll be ready," I said, my voice full of confidence.

"And you only found this out three days before the operation? Is your husband still not trusting you?" Chad asked, a hint of doubt in his voice. I knew he was reluctant to trust me, but I met his gaze head-on.

"He trusted me, and I found out when I did, and I came to tell you. Take it or leave it, Chad. If you think this is too much for you and your boss, you shouldn't have messed with them," I replied with a touch of amusement, hoping to taunt his pride.

His eyes blazed with anger, and for a brief moment, I felt a small sense of triumph because I knew I had him right where I wanted.

"Your file stays with me until I get what I want," Chad declared. My sense of triumph quickly faded, and I took a deep breath while offering a dark smile.

"Do you think this power game would make your wife proud? I'm sure she'd love to see her husband..." My sentence was cut off as Chad's hand shot out, trying to grab my throat. I dodged his grip and swiftly delivered a powerful blow to his midsection. He winced, clutching his stomach, and I was tempted to grab his gun, but I decided against it. Before he could react, I landed another strong blow to the back of his head, leaving him on the floor with fury in his eyes.

"You know what's the difference between you and me, Chad?" I asked, taking a short breath as I smoothed my hair. He gazed at me with narrowed eyes, his stomach clenched in pain, trying to get up with a puzzled expression on his face, his eyes still burning with anger.

"That's unlikely you; I've got nothing to lose," I continued, unfazed by his threats. "This is your last chance to reach the top. Assemble all your men and make sure you enter the port silently, a few hours ahead of time. And as for the file," I applied my red lipstick with deliberate focus before locking eyes with him as he got up but didn't try to do anything because he knew that this time around I wasn't playing. "I expect it to be handed over to me the following morning. Make sure you get it right this time. I'm done playing games. As you can tell, I'm not the same woman I used to be, and there's only so much a file can do."