Between Us

Chapter 35 : Parting Ways

Flashback

The next morning, I was in the kitchen making a cup of coffee, my headphones in my ears and a smile on my face. I was thinking about Engfa as I prepared my coffee, eagerly anticipating seeing her today. I had missed her terribly last night. Engfa had stayed over at her place with Mia, and her absence had been keenly felt. I took a sip of my coffee, savoring the warmth and comfort it provided.

Suddenly, my father walked in with Sarah trailing behind him, her head bowed. I frowned, looking between my father and Sarah, sensing something was wrong.

"What's going on?" I asked Sarah directly, removing my headphones.

Sarah lifted her head, her eyes filled with regret. "I'm sorry." Her lips forming a whispered.

I turned to my father, confusion and concern mingling in my expression. "What's happening?"

"Follow me to my office," he said sternly. "We need to talk."

With a sigh, I set my coffee down and followed him, my mind racing with possibilities of what I could have done wrong this time. We entered his office, and I sat down, my nerves on edge. My father stood by the window, a hand on his hip, looking out before turning to face me.

"Do you really know Engfa?" he asked, his tone serious.

I frowned, not understanding where this was coming from. "What do you mean?"

"Are you aware that Engfa deliberately came to work here to get close to you and our family?" he began, his voice dripping with accusation. "To investigate me and my company?"

I stood up, laughing incredulously. "Have you lost your mind? What are you talking about?"

He stepped closer, his expression grave. "Engfa managed to infiltrate our system. She was foolish to think she wouldn't be traced. We have skilled people working for us, Charlotte. And several times, staff members saw her leaving my office when I wasn't around."

I crossed my arms defensively. "Maybe she was just cleaning your office."

He laughed bitterly. "Don't be naive. You know perfectly well that no one is allowed into my office, not even the staff."

He threw a photo onto the desk. It showed Engfa near his company, sitting in her car. I picked it up, my brow furrowed. "This doesn't prove anything. She could have been there by coincidence."

"She could have just asked for money if that's what she wanted," he continued, ignoring my comment. "After all, she is your girlfriend."

My heart skipped a beat. "What? How do you know?" I stammered.

He approached me, his demeanor softening slightly. "You're my daughter, Charlotte. I know you. Sarah confirmed my suspicions." He gently caressed my hair. "I would have accepted your relationship because I see how happy she makes you, but Engfa wasn't honest with you."

I pushed his hand away, defiant. "I know Engfa better than anyone."

He shook his head. "Do you know she once got into a fight with one of my security team members? She beat him up and fled."

My mind raced, recalling the time Jax had taken Engfa to Haven. She had told me she had a fight with some guy on the road. Was that a lie too?

"And did you know I asked Engfa for help on an investment project? I trusted her because she seemed so capable. But she used that opportunity to gather all the information she needed."