Deadly Affairs

Chapter 7

Vivian stood in front of the mirrored elevator doors, watching her own expression change as they opened to the top floor of Lotus Holdings. She'd taken every precaution to avoid being followed, but as she walked down the silent, plush-carpeted hallway, she couldn't shake the feeling that someone was watching her every move.

At the end of the hall was a sleek glass door, with the name A. Pierce etched on it in delicate script. She took a deep breath and pushed it open, stepping into an office that was both elegant and intimidating. Dark leather furniture, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a wall lined with art pieces spoke to the wealth and power Alexandra Pierce held.

Pierce herself was seated at her desk, her gaze calm and calculating as she watched Vivian approach. Dressed in an immaculate black suit, her presence filled the room. There was a faint smile on her face as she gestured for Vivian to sit.

"So, you're the detective everyone's talking about," Pierce said, her voice smooth as silk. "I have to admit, I didn't expect you to be so bold as to come here alone."

Vivian held her gaze, unflinching. "I'm not here to play games, Ms. Pierce. I know what Black Lotus is, and I know you're at the center of it."

Pierce's smile widened, but there was no warmth in it. "Is that what you think? You believe you can walk in here, demand answers, and walk out unharmed?"

Vivian kept her tone steady, though her heart was pounding. "I think you understand that I'm not just anyone. I have enough information to bring some very unwelcome attention to Black Lotus, and that's the last thing you want."

Pierce laughed softly, the sound cold and unnerving. "You have spirit. I'll give you that. But let me be clear, Ms. Chase—you're dabbling in forces beyond your comprehension. You might think you have leverage, but in reality, you're nothing more than a small thorn in our side. One that can be easily removed."

Vivian clenched her fists under the table, refusing to be intimidated. "Then why haven't you done it yet? I think you're more afraid of me than you're willing to admit."

Pierce's smile vanished, her expression hardening. "Afraid? No. Curious? Perhaps. You've caught the attention of powerful people, Ms. Chase. You should consider yourself... lucky. For now."

Vivian's mind raced as she absorbed Pierce's words, feeling the weight of the unspoken threat. But she couldn't show weakness. "What is Black Lotus planning? And why do you keep people like Liam in your grip?"

At the mention of Liam's name, something flickered in Pierce's eyes, a brief shadow that vanished almost as quickly as it appeared. "Liam is... useful. Nothing more," she said, her tone indifferent. "He knows where his loyalties lie."

Vivian's stomach twisted, but she kept her expression neutral. "Loyalty? Or fear?"

Pierce raised an eyebrow, as if amused. "Does it matter? In the end, people do as they're told. Including you, I suspect, once you realize the cost of defiance."

Vivian's heart raced, but she met Pierce's gaze with defiance. "I'm not like the others you control, Ms. Pierce. I don't scare easily. And I don't take orders from anyone."

Pierce leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Is that so? Tell me, Ms. Chase, are you willing to risk your life just to prove a point? Because that's exactly what you're doing by continuing this little crusade."

Vivian felt a chill run down her spine, but she refused to back down. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to stop people like you."

Pierce studied her in silence for a long moment, then leaned back, as if making a decision. "Very well, Ms. Chase. Since you're so determined to play this dangerous game, I'll give you a taste of what you're up against."

She pressed a button on her desk, and a screen behind her lit up, showing a series of images: photos of people who had vanished over the years, their fates unknown but all connected to Black Lotus in some way. The images flashed by, each one a haunting reminder of the group's power and reach.

"These are the people who tried to expose us," Pierce said, her tone cold and detached. "Some were brave, like you. But bravery doesn't always lead to victory. Remember that."

Vivian forced herself to look at the images, even as dread coiled in her stomach. She knew Pierce was trying to scare her, to make her see the futility of her mission. But instead, it only strengthened her resolve. She wasn't going to end up like them. She was going to bring down Black Lotus, no matter the cost.

"You can try to intimidate me, Ms. Pierce," Vivian said, her voice steady. "But it won't work. I'm not backing down."

Pierce tilted her head, regarding her with a mixture of admiration and disdain. "Very well. But don't say I didn't warn you."

She pressed another button, and the screen went dark. "Our meeting is over, Ms. Chase. You're free to leave... for now."

Vivian stood, feeling the weight of Pierce's gaze on her as she walked out of the office. She'd faced her enemy and walked away unscathed—for now. But she knew that Pierce wouldn't let her get away so easily next time.

Later That Night

Vivian sat in her apartment, replaying the meeting in her mind. She was more determined than ever to take down Black Lotus, but the encounter had left her shaken. Pierce wasn't just powerful; she was ruthless, a force that would stop at nothing to protect her secrets.

Her phone buzzed, and she saw Liam's name flash on the screen. She hesitated, then answered.

"I know you met with Pierce," he said without preamble, his voice tight with concern. "Are you okay?"

Vivian leaned back, closing her eyes. "I'm fine. But she made it clear that I'm walking on thin ice."

Liam was silent for a moment, then he said quietly, "Vivian, this is serious. Pierce doesn't give second chances."

"I know," Vivian replied, her voice softening. "But I don't have a choice, Liam. I can't just walk away."

Liam sighed, and she could hear the worry in his voice. "Just... be careful. Pierce isn't someone you want as an enemy. And if things get bad, you need to tell me. Promise?"

Vivian felt a pang of emotion at his words. Despite everything, she knew Liam cared about her, even if he was tangled in Black Lotus himself. "I promise."

They stayed on the line in silence, each of them weighed down by the knowledge of what they were up against. Finally, Liam spoke again. "I should go. But remember—you're not alone in this."

Vivian nodded, even though he couldn't see her. "Thank you, Liam."

When the call ended, she sat in the quiet of her apartment, feeling the weight of everything she'd learned pressing down on her. She was in deeper than ever, and she knew there was no turning back.

But as she looked out at the city lights, she felt a spark of hope. She wasn't alone. And maybe, just maybe, that would be enough.