PUBLISHED ON SEPTEMBER 12 2024
FIRE
Sitting in the opulent boardroom of Augustin Baudelaire's Paris office, I felt a strange disconnect. The room was adorned with fine art and antique furniture, a stark contrast to the grim reality I had left behind in Milan. Augustin, a seasoned businessman with an empire in gold exchange, was known for his meticulous nature and unwavering focus.
We sat across from each other, the large mahogany table between us covered in documents and charts detailing the proposed venture. Augustin leaned back in his chair, his eyes studying me intently.
"Cruz," he began, his French accent adding a touch of sophistication to his words, "this partnership could redefine the gold exchange market. Our combined resources and networks can ensure that we dominate the European sector."
I nodded, trying to focus on the discussion. "Absolutely, Augustin. Our initial investment will secure the infrastructure, and with the projected market trends, we should see significant returns within the first quarter."
Augustin smiled, satisfied with my response. "Precisely. And with your family's influence in Milan, we can ensure smooth operations and security."
As we delved deeper into the details, my phone buzzed in my pocket. It was Albert. I frowned, knowing he wouldn't call unless it was urgent.
"Excuse me for a moment, Augustin," I said, standing up and walking to the window for some privacy. "Albert, this better be important."
His voice was pained and confused. "Cruz, your uncle has caught Frost, but there's something strange... she looks like the girl from the hospital. The one you mentioned."
My heart skipped a beat. "Katherine?" I asked, barely able to keep my voice steady.
"Yes," he confirmed. "It's her. I checked."
My world tilted. The air seemed to thicken, making it hard to breathe. "Check the hospital and her apartment. Make sure it's not some mistake," I instructed, my mind racing with a torrent of emotions. How could it be her? Katherine, the woman I thought I knew, was the infamous Frost. The connection seemed impossible, yet undeniable.
I turned back to Augustin, who was watching me with a raised eyebrow, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "I'm afraid we'll have to cut this meeting short, Augustin. Something urgent has come up."
He looked mildly annoyed but nodded with understanding. "I understand. Family matters?"
"Something like that," I replied, already moving toward the door. My thoughts were too scattered to offer more of an explanation. "I'll be in touch."
Leaving the boardroom, I could feel the weight of Augustin's gaze on my back, but there was no time for decorum. The moment I stepped into the hallway, my phone rang again. Albert's voice, tense and urgent, cut through the haze in my mind. "She's not at the hospital, and there's no sign of her at her apartment. It's definitely her, Cruz."
YOU ARE READING
Frost and Fire
RomanceIn the shadowy underworld of organized crime, two individuals stand poised on opposite sides of the law, each concealing their true identity behind a veil of secrets. Frost is a fierce and determined woman driven by a desire for justice and vengeanc...