Thawing the CEO's Heart

Chapter 34: Frozen Memories

Six Months Later...

Inside her office, Aoom's demeanor was back to its old, cold self, striking fear into everyone present. Ice, seated outside Aoom's office, could hear her boss shouting at the marketing team for what Aoom deemed a subpar proposal. Glancing at the calendar, Ice realized the significance of the date—it was exactly six months since the tragedy with Meena, explaining Aoom's current behavior. Every 19th of the month since that day, Aoom would exhibit this same demeanor.

After Aoom finished addressing the marketing team, Ice entered the office with a cup of coffee. Aoom's expression softened upon seeing her.

Ice started gently, "Aoom, you're doing it again, and I understand why."

Aoom simply looked at her with a hint of sadness. Ice continued, "If Meena could see you right now, do you think she'd be happy to see you like this?"

"It's just frustrating," Aoom admitted, "It's been six months, and we still haven't caught Charlotte. She needs to pay for what she did to Meena. Meena deserves justice."

"I know, Aoom," Ice replied empathetically, "Uncle Chet and Mr. Austin are doing their best to locate her, and I know you're doing everything you can."

Aoom sighed, "I miss her, Ice. I miss Meena."

"I do too," Ice admitted. "But one thing's for sure—if she were with us right now, she'd scold you for lashing out at your employees. You know that."

Aoom nodded, gazing at Meena's framed picture on her desk. "I wouldn't mind her scolding me, as long as I could hear her voice again."

Ice moved to Aoom's side, placing a supportive hand on her shoulder.

Aoom received a call from Uncle Chet, his voice urgent and determined. "Aoom, we found Charlotte. We found her."

Aoom's reaction was immediate. She stood up abruptly, causing Ice to startle beside her. "What's going on, Aoom?" Ice asked, her eyes wide with concern.

"They found her," Aoom replied tersely. "Let's go. I need to make sure she rots in prison. I need to see her."

Aoom and Ice rushed to the police station where Uncle Chet and his men had brought Charlotte. As they arrived, Aoom's eyes locked onto Charlotte, who was standing in handcuffs, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Hey, Aoom," Charlotte greeted with mock cheerfulness. "I missed you. How have you been without Meena?"

Aoom's anger flared, and she lunged forward, aiming to punch Charlotte in the face. But Uncle Chet and the police quickly intervened, restraining Aoom before she could reach Charlotte. Charlotte's laughter echoed through the room, unsettling everyone present.

"Does it hurt, Aoom?" Charlotte taunted. "How does it feel to lose the one you care about the most?"

Aoom's fury simmered beneath the surface as she locked eyes with Charlotte. "Lost who? Meena?" Aoom countered. "That's what you thought, Charlotte. Meena is not gone. It's you who lost."

Charlotte's facade wavered for a moment, confusion flickering in her eyes. "You're being delusional, Aoom," she retorted. "I saw it on the news. She's dead. You think I didn't know?"

Aoom's lips curled into a smirk of her own. "Clearly, I am smarter than you," she replied coolly. "I paid all the media outlets to report that Meena is gone so it would reach you, and you would think that you had won. But I'm sorry, Charlotte. You lost. Now you will rot in jail. I will make sure of that."

Charlotte seethed with rage, attempting to launch herself at Aoom, but she was quickly restrained by the police. Aoom turned away, ignoring Charlotte's threats as she left the station with Ice by her side. Charlotte's shouts echoed in the background, a futile attempt to intimidate Aoom.