Darling, Thanks For Stabbing Me

Chapter 38

“So, the question is… Who will be going there?” Linda asked as she passed me her baked strawberry cake which I gladly accepted.

“Don’t ask me! I am a poor actor.” Erik raised his hands in surrender.

“That means…” Linda stared at me and Erik too but I kept indulged in the cake which by the way was delicious.

“No wonder your café is renounced Linda. Do you wish to merge it with my company?” I asked taking her by surprise.

“Are you kidding me?” She asked in a high pitched voice as I smiled at her.

“I can’t believe; I am getting myself involved with the two most-irresponsible women.” Erik sighed dramatically as I placed my plate on the table before turning to them.

“Fine! So the plan is, Linda would go on my behalf and offer Mr. Ramsey a chance to save his company which only I could provide him.” I devised the amount offered.

Linda was flabbergasted. “How could I go? No, I-I don’t think—”

“Linda… You are the daughter of a well-reputed businessman and you’ve had your own training. We all know how persuasive you can be. Please don’t say a no.” I said feeling tired.

After a long silence of consideration she finally agreed.

***

The footsteps echoed against the cream marble of the lobby as Linda walked to the office. She was guided inside as she sat with a gentle yet uptight smile.

“Ms. Jones. How may I help you?” Mr. Ramsey asked smiling widely at her.

Who wasn’t aware of the Jones’s? But hardly anyone has seen the daughter of Mr. Jones.

“Mr. Ramsey!” She looked around with displeasure which was noticed by him as he felt embarrassed.

If only his business wasn’t going down…

“I heard that your business is going to shack and decided to offer a deal to you. If you are interested, that is… ” She said only to find his interest.

“And what is that?” He asked supporting his face on his palm.

“According to my information, you’ve a debt of USD 60 million and you’re struggling to keep it.” She saw him nodding averting his gaze and suddenly he looked older than he was.

“Well then, how would you like if the debt was paid and you can keep your company?” She asked as he straightened in his chair.

She was nervous all this time keeping a straight face.

“Is that even possible?” He asked with pleading and hopeful eyes.

“Absolutely! All you’ve got to do is sign an agreement wherein the major share holder is us and a member of the board management. The final decision on any matter would be made by us.” She said as he smiled.

“Just by letting them become major shareholder, I can keep my company? But… What will be your benefit in this? As far as I know, you weren’t interested in the delivery line?” He asked feeling confused.

She came out of nowhere and decides to help me.

“As you see Mr. Ramsey, we are just being generous as your last year data was very impressive and having a say in the management will only strengthen your performance also, being shareholder is itself beneficial for us as well as you. Rest, I think you needn’t know.” She smiled a forceful smile.

He had his own doubts but he wasn’t saying a no to a tempting offer. So, he shook hands with her and was even more surprised when he realized that the offer wasn’t from the Jones but the Reiders. He was dancing inwardly.

It was not less than a miracle. He can keep his company, his mansion and all the luxuries without compromising. Till the things were smooth, it doesn’t matter to him the real purpose of the Reiders but he was already appraising them for their help.

The deal finalized as he made an urgent call with authoritative tone.

***

Aiden’s POV

I’d been working my ass off from past two months and now I was able to get the company I needed. The company gone bankrupt as I offered them to sell it for 10 million but the old man was becoming too greedy asking if I could hand him 60 million, like hell.

Why would I do that? I’m not responsible to pay his debts whatsoever. Working in Singapore on my new project, it had been restless week. I wasn’t sleeping because my project was outlined but the data was needed to support it and so, my market research compilation and the PMS was needed to approve the required patents and copyright.

The client who was my co-worker in it would be resigning soon from his firm and he was the most intellectual man who was thorough with this work. Before he could bid his farewell, I needed to complete this task.

I was missing Iris badly and was even worried about her but I knew, Derek would take good care of her considering his open confession. A rage built in my system as I decided to remind her of me daily by sending her bouquets. She loved flowers and so, I religiously sent her those flowers.

Hey babe, had dinner?

I sent a quick text to her not hoping for her answer. It was already late there and I know that, she must be sleeping. This girl loved her sleep.

Yes, what about you? Had a good night sleep and lunch?

My heartbeat escalated seeing her reply. It was what? 2 PM and that would mean it was 2 AM there.

Why aren’t you sleeping? Everything alright?

I waited and her reply was fast.

Yups. I was just wondering why aren’t you sleeping well?

I chuckled.

So you would do the same? For me??? Awww…

I tried to tease her a little.

Shut up! Now be honest. What is keeping you awake?

I sighed as I explained about the deal and how it was important for me. She said it shouldn’t bother me anymore knowing that the deal has come to an end in the next few days.

***

Finally, the days are over and I submitted the project which was finished. Few hours and I would be handed my patents before I reach back to NY to get the agreement papers and finalize the deal.

As I waited excitedly, my focus solely on seeing Iris after a long tome of 8 days; she was being patient and I know that. She as coming back to track and what’s important right now was that I could completely trust her. There was no doubt that she still remained the same only a little fiery at times. Ryan rushed in all flustered.

“Sir…” he said urgently.

He was perplexed and I wondered what could it be?

Is it related to Iris? Is she in trouble?

My heart raced frantically and I snatched the phone from his hand avoiding his widened eyes.

Before I could have answered the voice caught me by surprise.

“Mr. Johnson. I wanted to inform you that we are breaking the deal as I ain’t selling my company now.” The man said.

I sneered. Is he for real?

“What did you say? Are you sure you want to let your company demolish but won’t sell it, huh?” I asked feeling agitated.

“Who said my company would be demolished? My debts are paid and I’ve managed to keep the company as well and that’s why I needed to thank you for reaching out to me at my rough time.” He explained but my eyes bulged out.

This bankrupt man was able to do that? How? Surely I am missing out something.

“Uh-Okay but who is it, Mr. Ramsey?” I asked seething.

“Sorry Mr. Johnson, I can’t and you know the rules. If things go right, you can hear it from the media soon. Thank you again.” And he hung up on me.

I threw the phone away but Ryan caught it quickly. Wrecking my brain on who could be behind this.  Someone surely did it on purpose but who could that be. My mind was in a whirlpool and there’s only one person I can think of right now- Derek!

He was that f*****g bastard who could do things to torment me and I wouldn’t be surprised how he was able to find this out. I growled in frustration scaring away few employees that lingered around me.

***

Aiden suffered his huge loss at Singapore cursing Derek while on the other hand, Linda giddily walked into Iris’s office shutting it behind. Erik reached there as well as he presented her a USB with data regarding the server access to Ramsey Corporation. Linda handed her the agreement papers and Iris leaned back on her swivel chair with an evil smile.

She let go of a deep breath before throwing the folder back on the desk and resting her head on the arms behind her.

“I wish I could’ve seen his face right now.” She laughed bitterly making the other two worried.

“If that’s what you want.” Erik whispered surprising her.

Within few clicks and link he handed her his screen which displayed the office and Aiden standing against the glass wall staring outside. He was fuming and she could see the agitation on his face with the way his chest heaved up and down and his fists balled up by his side. He kicked the bench beside him and even though it didn’t move but she flinched with the sudden outbreak.

He looked scary and defeated and hurt… Her heart felt that pinch again followed by guilt and she handed the phone back taking deep breaths to calm her.

He deserved it… He should feel what I felt when he betrayed me.

“I’ve heard that Aiden would lose $25 Billion with this project.” Linda informed fidgeting.

She wasn’t sure what Iris’s mood was because she was behaving weirdly. She laughed but it sounded so hollow as if she was in pain, like she just wanted to prove herself.

“What?” Iris shouted taken aback.

Does she really wants to suffer him with loses?

She was irritated with her. She wanted to take her revenge but then again, her soul felt pity on her thoughts as if mocking her to backstab Aiden the man she was in love with few months back. Then again, she shouldn’t just let him go easily… she stood from her char leaving behind the two astonished people as she went downstairs, in her car while driving rashly to take out her anger.

The memories of that night flashed her mind like a movie, blinding her with tears of frustration and fury as she failed to notice the lamp-post on a concrete pillar ahead of her.

Few sobs escaped her lips and she wiped her tears roughly by the back of her hand. Her eyes back on the road going wide like saucers. She swiveled her steering wheel and hit the break in hopeless attempt. The car tires screeched against the road, giving rise to fumes with burnt rubber smell but it made the car fly up; going out of control.

Her arm flew over her eyes as she ducked her head away screaming at the top of her lungs.

“Noooooo….”

*Crash*