Chapter 23
1138 Words
The morning light crept through the curtains, casting long shadows across Anola's study. Atlas's phone had stopped recording hours ago, its memory card now filled with damning evidence of the previous night's debauchery.
Atlas had left before dawn, leaving Hannah and Anola tangled together on the chaise, their bodies sticky with dried fluids. He'd retrieved his phone, securing the footage that would soon become another weapon in his arsenal of revenge.
Now, dressed immaculately in his security uniform, he moved through the mansion corridors with quiet confidence. The weight of the memory card in his pocket felt like a loaded gun.
"Good morning, Mr. Reed."
Atlas turned to find Victor Mercer approaching, his expression pleasant but eyes sharp as razors. The investigator carried a leather portfolio and wore the same understated suit, though today's tie featured a subtle burgundy pattern.
"Mercer." Atlas nodded curtly. "Early start?"
"I never quite stopped." Mercer fell into step beside him. "Fascinating house, this. So many secrets in the walls."
Atlas maintained his neutral expression. "Most old mansions have their share of skeletons."
"Indeed." Mercer studied Atlas's profile. "Though I'm more interested in the living than the dead."
They walked in silence for several paces before Mercer spoke again.
"I reviewed the security footage from last night. Curious thing—there's a two-hour gap in the east wing cameras."
Atlas didn't break stride. "System maintenance. I logged it in the protocol book."
"At midnight? How conscientious of you." Mercer's tone remained conversational, but his eyes never left Atlas's face. "Even more curious that both Mrs. Finnegan and her future daughter-in-law were in that same wing during the... maintenance period."
"The residents' movements aren't my concern unless they trigger security protocols."
They reached the main staircase, their footsteps echoing in the grand foyer. Morning light streamed through stained glass windows, painting prismatic patterns across marble floors.
Mercer paused, turning to face Atlas directly. "Let me be frank, Mr. Reed. I know what you're doing."
Atlas raised an eyebrow, the picture of professional curiosity. "And what might that be?"
"Creating chaos." Mercer's smile didn't reach his eyes. "Dividing the family against itself. The question is why."
Before Atlas could respond, Aaron's voice boomed from above.
"Reed! My office. Now!"
Aaron stood at the top of the staircase, his face thunderous. His hair stood in disarray, his shirt half-buttoned, as if he'd dressed in haste. Atlas ascended the stairs with measured steps, feeling Mercer's gaze boring into his back.
In Aaron's office, papers were strewn across the desk, and multiple computer screens displayed financial data in alarming red. Aaron paced behind his desk, hands clenched into fists.
"The stock is still falling," he growled as Atlas entered. "Eastern Holdings has completely pulled out of all negotiations. There are rumors of an investigation into our business practices."
Atlas adopted a concerned expression. "I'm sorry to hear that, sir."
Aaron stopped pacing, fixing Atlas with a suspicious glare. "Are you? Because everything started going to hell the moment you arrived."
"I understand your frustration-"
"No, you don't!" Aaron slammed his fist on the desk. "My empire is crumbling, my wedding is in three days, and now my fiancée is avoiding me. She didn't come to bed last night."
Atlas carefully schooled his features to mask the satisfaction he felt. "Perhaps she needed space. The recent events have been stressful for everyone."
Aaron approached, invading Atlas's personal space. "Where is she?"
"I'm not responsible for tracking family members, sir."
"Don't play dumb with me." Aaron's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "I've seen how she looks at you. How my mother looks at you."
Atlas maintained perfect composure. "I've done nothing inappropriate, sir."
Aaron laughed bitterly. "Right. The perfect employee. Too perfect." He circled Atlas slowly. "You know what's strange? Since your arrival, I've had this persistent feeling we've met before."
"I have that kind of face."
"No." Aaron stopped in front of him. "It's more specific than that. Like a memory just out of reach."
Atlas met his gaze steadily. "Perhaps you're overthinking things due to stress."
Aaron stared for a long moment before turning away. "Find Hannah. Tell her I need to see her immediately. The wedding planner is arriving at noon, and we need to finalize the security arrangements."
"Yes, sir." Atlas turned to leave.
"And Reed?" Aaron called after him. "Remember who signs your checks."
Atlas smiled thinly. "I never forget who I work for, sir."
The double meaning hung in the air as he exited the office.
…
In another part of the mansion, Hannah sat at her vanity, wincing as she applied concealer to the marks on her neck. Her eyes were puffy from lack of sleep, her lips still swollen from the previous night's activities. Her hands trembled slightly as she dabbed foundation over a particularly dark bruise.
A soft knock on her door made her jump. "Who is it?"
"It's James." Atlas's voice carried through the wood.
Hannah quickly tied her robe tighter, glancing nervously at the rumpled bed she hadn't slept in. "Come in."
Atlas entered, closing the door behind him. He assessed her disheveled state with a calculating gaze.
"Aaron is looking for you," he said simply.
Hannah's face paled beneath her makeup. "What... what did you tell him?"
"Nothing." Atlas moved closer, his presence making her pulse quicken despite her exhaustion. "But he suspects something."
She stood abruptly, moving away from him. "Last night was a mistake. A terrible mistake."
"Was it?" Atlas leaned against the vanity, studying her. "You seemed to enjoy yourself."
Hannah's cheeks flushed crimson. "I was caught up in the moment. It can never happen again."
Atlas's laugh was soft, dangerous. "Never is a strong word, Hannah."
"I'm getting married in three days," she whispered, more to herself than to him.
"Yes, to Aaron Finnegan." Atlas's voice hardened imperceptibly. "The man who helped break every bone in Atlas Prime's body before dumping him in a trash heap."
Hannah froze, her eyes widening with shock. "How... how do you know about that?"
Atlas straightened, closing the distance between them. "I make it my business to know everything about the people I work for."
Her breathing accelerated as he approached. "James, please... whatever you think you know..."
"Shh." He placed a finger against her lips. "Your fiancé is waiting. You should get dressed."
As he turned to leave, Hannah grabbed his arm. "Wait. About Anola... what happened last night..."
"Don't worry." Atlas's smile was cold. "Your secrets are safe with me. For now."
The implied threat wasn't lost on her. She watched him go, sinking back onto her vanity stool as the door closed.
In the corridor, Atlas pulled out his phone, typing a quick message: "Phase four initiated. Evidence secured. Begin final preparations."
The reply came almost instantly: "All systems ready. Detonation on your command."
- Writer
