Reprisal

Chapter 20 : Setting The Trap & Working On The Desk

Christopher and Isabel were working in his cabin. Both were seated on the couch, files scattered before them at the table as the board of directors were holding a meeting coming Saturday upon the new appointment of managing director. Christopher had finalized the digital work but he had deliberately asked the finance manager to provide him with those files. One among them, highly important.

“If you're getting bored, you can go home love.” - he said, his tone cottony soft. “It's nearly 6 anyways. I'll follow you shortly.”

Isabel smiled, flipping through the pages of a file. “Getting rid of me ?”

He chuckled. “Setting you free actually. I know you don't like to work.”

She laughed softly. “Honestly, I'm starting to now.”

“Really ? Why the sudden change of mind ?” - he asked with an exaggerated frown.

She grinned. “My boss is very inspiring.” - she whispered mischievously, making them both laugh.

His smile turned evil when his eyes fell on the file for which he was tiring them both out for an hour. Aiden's project file. Which Aiden had tried his level best to keep tucked away in his office drawers but Christopher had his ways. There was a reason why he had maintained cordial relation with every employee of the company.

As Isabel's hand moved to grab the next file, he casually pushed it towards her while picking another one. But his focus wasn't on it. He observed her from side eyes. Her smile slowly faded and gave way to a frown the further she read.

“Chris, there's something wrong here...” - she said, forwarding the file to him.

He took it to read, feigning confusion although he already knew what was wrong there. The project Aiden was working on had payment slips of only half the amount whereas he had taken double the money from Foxen already. Not only that, the file said Aiden had taken the full money from the investors which was yet to be invested on the machinery while Aiden had told Foxen that he had done that already.

“I knew Aiden couldn't be trusted. He definitely is messing up with the accounts again!” - Isabel concluded, furious.

Before Christopher could say anything, there was a knock on the door and Foxen walked in a moment later. Christopher's insides swooped. The old man had perfect timings but this time, he would take advantage.

“You guys are still here. It's 6:02 already.” - Foxen said with a smile but slowly realized the expressions on their faces. “What happened ? Everything okay ?”

Isabel jumped to her feet with the file in her hand. “How can it be when we have Aiden around.” - she remarked sarcastically as she handed him the file to read.

Colour drained from Foxen's face. His eyes nearly popping out of the sockets. Christopher smirked. Foxen should brace himself for shock after shock. For disaster after disaster. Because Christopher had decided that for the cruel man. It was just the beginning. By the end, Foxen would be begging Christopher for support.

“Dad!” - Christopher rushed forward as Foxen wobbled on his feet. He and Isabel made Foxen take a seat on the couch and offered water which the later refused to have. “I can't believe he is betraying me again!”

Christopher smiled inwardly. Betrayal hurt, didn't it ? But people only realized it when they were betrayed. They didn't care while doing that to others.

“What have I not given him ?! Love, attention, luxuries! And he is doing it again!” - Foxen exclaimed, highly distressed.

The fierce satisfaction Christopher felt at seeing Foxen's state was indescribable. But he calmed himself, putting on a worried look on his face to play the beloved son.