The Contract

Chapter 05

"I'm sorry, Mr. McNight, but Mrs. McNight wants a divorce."

"What do you mean? Is she nuts?" I started to shout. "We've still got four years left of this crap!"

"I know, Mr. McNight, but she said—"

"I don’t want to know what she said!" I couldn’t give her the divorce. I barely had any clues about what happened to Eric. I couldn’t put my legacy, especially my family, at risk.

"I know... She wants to marry someone else," Bruno blurted out.

"What do you mean? Who does she think she is?" I slammed my fist on the table.

"She... she..." Once again, I interrupted him.

"If she wants this damn divorce, fine." Bruno looked at me, surprised. "Tell her that I'll only sign if she asks me in person."

"Sir, she doesn’t want to meet you."

"The nerve of her!" I couldn’t believe she could be so low, betraying me like this. In fact, it wasn’t even a real marriage. It had only been a few hours since I had slept with the stewardess on my private jet. It was never the same one—I didn’t want to risk them falling in love. "That’s my condition," I said as I walked off. Bruno muttered something, but I didn’t understand, nor did I care.

I went back to my room and crashed onto the bed, exhausted from the trip.

My phone buzzed. It was Thiago calling. He’s a detective.

Call On

Me: "Hey, Thiago, my man!"

Thiago: "How are you, Henry?"

Me: "Of course! What’s the occasion?"

Thiago: "You’ve arrived, right?!"

Me: "I had forgotten how fast news travels around here."

Thiago: "Did you forget I’m a detective? I find out everything I want." He chuckled. "That’s one of the perks of being a detective around here!"

Me: "Can we grab a drink?"

Thiago: "Can’t do it. Got surgery early tomorrow." I’ve known Thiago for a few years. He’s also in the mafia.

Me: "What do you mean?" He should’ve warned me.

Thiago: "It’s an emergency. I’ll be out for a few months." He paused. "I was thinking of leaving the station to you."

Me: "Me?"

Thiago: "Yes! Remember, we still don’t know what happened to Eric? I can’t pause the investigation. I don’t know how long I’ll be away."

Me: "Alright!" I really couldn’t leave things as they were. It’s been three years since Eric went missing, and we still had no concrete leads.

Thiago: "I’ll send you an email with everything you need to know, including cases and staff. I’ve already spoken to my superior and sent him your résumé."

Me: "You sent my résumé?"

Thiago: "By the way, he found your recommendations impressive." He laughed. "Oh, and there’s one little thing."

Me: "What?"

Thiago: "You’ll have to teach a class at Central University."

Me: "Seriously, Thiago? That’s too much!"

Thiago: "They’re civil law classes. You’ve always done well in that area."

Me: "Jeez." I had a law degree, taken because of the mafia. It was good to have someone who understood the law. "Okay, Thiago."

Thiago: "There are some attractive students!" We both laughed. Thiago was worse than me when it came to women.

Me: "Send me an email about it."

Thiago: "Sent successfully!"

Me: "Bye. Keep me updated."

Thiago: "Of course."

Call Off

I had just arrived in New York, and I was already full of problems to solve.

I took a long shower, imagining what my wife was like and who she wanted to marry. I never wanted to see her in person. When we got married, she was just a girl. I prefer more experienced women, those who can keep up with my pace in bed. I didn’t want a young girl falling in love with me.

My phone woke me up at 6:00 in the morning. I put on my running clothes, brushed my teeth, grabbed my phone and earphones, and went out for a run. This was part of my morning routine.

By the time I got back home, it was almost 7:30. I had lost track of time today.

I put the coffee on and went to take a quick shower. Today was my first day teaching. Thiago owes me one.

I threw on a dress shirt, jeans, and dress sneakers, combed my hair back, and wore my favorite perfume, Invictus.

I had my coffee quickly and headed straight to the garage. I grabbed my black Porsche and drove to Central University.

As soon as I pulled into the parking lot, I noticed the students' gazes. As I’ve said before, I don’t like girls—only women.

I introduced myself to the school staff. The principal accompanied me to the classroom. It was empty, even though it was already 8:00, with ten minutes left before class started.

In the blink of an eye, the room was full. Just as I began to introduce myself to the students, two late arrivals walked in. If only they knew how much I can’t stand tardiness.

One of them caught my attention. She was a brunette with long, dark brown hair and light tips. Her dark brown eyes were striking. She wasn’t skinny or fat. Her body was just right. She wore light jeans ripped at the legs and a black tank top that accentuated her breasts. I felt a spark of attraction.

The other girl was a redhead with light brown eyes. That was all I noticed.

"Good morning!" I resumed my introduction. "I’ll be your new substitute teacher." Murmurs filled the room as the brunette and redhead sat down. "I’ll be continuing with Civil Law classes."

Some of the girls weren’t paying attention, but I didn’t care. They were the ones who needed to focus, not me.

I continued with the material Thiago had left. There was occasional murmuring, but I ignored it.

Sometimes our eyes met—hers were captivating. I knew I’d have to make an exception for her. I wanted her, and I would have her.

The class ended. I noticed the brunette kept staring at me, almost in a daze.

Her redheaded friend called out to her, but I pretended not to notice.

As they walked toward the door, I decided to ask their names. Before I could, the brunette tripped over her own feet. I don’t even know how she managed to do that. She fell hard.

"Are you okay?" She tried to speak, but nothing came out. I wasn’t surprised—I have that effect.

I crouched down to help her with her books, and I noticed one of them had the name "Navarro" on it. I couldn’t see her first name.

Our eyes met briefly, intriguing me even more.

I extended my hand, and of course, she accepted. Her friend watched me closely.

"Th... thank you," she stammered.

"You’re welcome! Just be more careful next time," I said as I kept my cool and composure.