Reunited With The Bad Boy CEO

Godly

I phoned Mr. Sinclair the moment I returned to the room.

“I found it – the documents,” I said to him after the false pleasantries.

He didn't hide the excitement that swarmed over him. “Excellent work, Ms. Fairchild," he purred “I can now see that you truly are as diligent as rumored. Where are they now?"

“Safe,” I replied, keeping my voice level despite the tremors trembling in my fingers as a result of what I had just discovered. “And hidden. It took everything I had, but I managed to get them out of Donnelly's study without anyone noticing."

I knew this man was no better than Shawn and his motive for doing this was just to get Shawn out of the way so that he’d have all the time there was to commence his corruption without hindrances.

But then again, I’d do anything to bring Shawn down, wouldn’t I? I should not care about whatever Sinclair would do after this.

My main goal was to get Shawn in trouble.

Silence snaked across the line. The air thickened with anticipation as I balled my fist, repeating in my head why I needed to do this.

“Where do you propose we meet?" Sinclair finally asked, his words measured but his curiosity palpable.

Trusting Sinclair was a gamble, venturing into his territory an even greater one. But I had come too far to back down now. “I wouldn't want us to meet at the company. I do not want to risk getting detected yet again. “The state’s abandoned warehouse district, the one by the old smelter," I blurted, deciding on a place known for its anonymity and lack of surveillance. "After work tomorrow. I'll leave it in one of the crates near the loading bay."

A low chuckle rumbled from the other end, this time tinged with amusement. "Boldly chosen, Ms. Fairchild. But remember, discretion is key. One misstep and this information becomes worthless, along with your life."

His warning chilled me. I had to gnash my teeth together to surpass a groan. The bastard; he dared to threaten me. As I said, he was no more or less like Shawn. I composed myself, summoning restraint. "Don't worry, Mr. Sinclair," I said, my voice surprisingly steady. "I know when to hold my cards, and right now, I hold the winning hand."

We hung up. My heartbeat accelerated. I thought of my plan – it had been my lifelong desire now. I was halfway through it. I only had to hold on.

Hold on, Calista. Even if it meant playing a dangerous game with two ruthless men, I’d do it. I hastily hid the book in my handbag. I’ll keep a lookout for it and make sure the maid didn't touch it.

I should be happy but I wasn't. A sadness of no source surged through me and I thought of a possible sanctuary.

Gabe.

I needed to update him on the status of the plan. I wanted to dial his number when a call came through.

It was mum. Mum called me. It’d take the end of the world for Mum to call me. Why had Mum called? Was it the paranoia from the events of the day that was keeping me on the edge?

My hands began to tremble as I struggled to answer the call.

“Mum.” I breathed, unsure of what to say after.

Mum didn't sound as confident as she used to. “Hello, Calista.” She mused.

I would have corrected her that I was Serenity but heavens knows I had no time for that now. “Hi, Mum. I’ve been meaning to call you and Dad.” I lied. “How’s everyone? And Isla?”

“Isla is yet to be back from school,” Mum answered. “It is all the more reason why I'm calling. So that we’d talk before she returned.”

Mum was scaring me. Did they know I was on a quest for revenge? Did Gabe tell them?

“I’m here.” I shifted on the bed. “What’s up, Mum?”

“Well, you see — your father didn't know how to break this to you, so I had to.” She paused.

Granny Carys. Did something happen to Granny Carys? “Speak Mum, you're scaring me.” I urged.

“Okay, okay. Remember that punk that hurt you?” She asked.

Shawn?

Shawn was the only one Mum would describe as such. “Shawn?” I breathed, confused.

“Oh, you remember his name. I forgot it. Anyway, yes, him.”

I blinked rapidly. All the things Shawn had told me he’d work on regarding Calista flew to me right now. I hoped it wasn't what I was thinking. I didn't want it to be. “What about him, Mum?”

“He found us.” She proclaimed.

What?!

“He asked us our for a meeting. But darling, I promise you that if we’d known it was him, we would have never granted that meeting.” Mum, for the first time in a long time, seemed to not want to get me angry.

Closing my eyes and expecting the inevitable, “It’s okay, Mum. Just talk.” I almost snapped.

“He begged is. Pleaded and Calista — he cried. Heaven’s help me; haven't seen a grown man cry that way in a long time. Not to mention someone like him — he seemed rich and influential but, honey, he cried right in front of your dad and me in such a big restaurant.”

A dizzying contradiction of emotions swirled within me. Shawn cried. I never wanted to see any vulnerable part of him so much that I focused on my hatred. Was it possible?

“He cried?” I echoed, lost for words.

“Yes, Calista.” Mum’s voice softened. “He spoke of wanting to make things right, of — regretting everything. Your father and I didn't want to give him an audience but after seeing him like that, we couldn't help but tell him we would get back to him after consulting with you. We have tried to shake it off our chests and not bring this back to you but I sleep and the first thing I see is his tear-stained eyes.” She paused, heaving. “I decided to call you and at least — inform you. You don't have to see him if you don't want to. We’ll just warn him off when next he reaches out. But… I think it’d be nice if you let go of that burden and face him. It's about time.” She finished.

The world seemed to have halted. All my brain concentrated on was Mum’s words. I didn't know what to do or say to her. Mum didn't know.

She didn't know that I had gotten to a juncture where I could not go back on my revenge now. She didn't know I was out seeking revenge on Shawn.

“Mum, I’ll call you.” After a long silence, I finally said.

Mum didn't press on further. “Of course, take your time. Don't rush and remember, you don't have to say yes although it’d be beautiful to say yes. It is Godly to forgive.”

Godly?

I guess I was far from that realm now.