Episode3
1158 Words
Chase Harry sat in his sleek car, as the driver drove through the smooth street. He had an important contract to sign with a random gallery here in Houston. He looked at the expansive view of the city through the window. His jaw tightened as he spoke to his inspector on the phone.
“The attack was calculated,” Caldwell began, his voice steady. “The car bomb was meant to scare you, but if you’d been a minute late leaving the office…”
Chase's cold gaze met that of the driver, as he replied Caldwell. “I don’t need reminders of what could have happened, Caldwell. I need answers. Who’s behind this?”
Caldwell sighed. “We’re still investigating. The pattern is similar to the previous threats—anonymous messages, no clear links, and a trail that leads nowhere. Whoever’s doing this knows how to cover their tracks.”
“This isn’t random,” Chase said, his voice cold and deliberate. “Someone wants to dismantle everything I’ve built, and they’re willing to go to extremes to do it. Find them.”
“We’re doing everything we can,” Caldwell assured him. “But Chase, I have to ask—do you think this could be connected to...personal matters? Someone from your past?”
Chase’s expression hardened. “Is that my job to find or your job. You had better get to work, Caldwell”
“Alright. But until we know more, I recommend laying low. Tighten your security and avoid unnecessary risks.”
Chase shot back. “I don’t lay low, Caldwell. That’s not how I operate.”
“Then at least let me station more men around your properties,” Caldwell countered.
Chase nodded curtly. “Do it. And keep me updated.”
As Caldwell hanged up, Chase rested his back, his mind racing. The attacks were escalating, and he couldn’t ignore the growing threat.
Just as he hanged up, a message popped up on his phone. It was from his mum....
Victoria.
"Chase my dear, are you alright? We are all worried sick about you. Please take care of yourself?"
That was what he hated, getting his family into his cooperate world. They always weaken his resolve, whenever they showed that worried or scared expression.
The sleek black SUV pulled into the driveway of the client's building. As the driver parked the car, he found the face starring at the car familiar and just as he thinned his eyes. He realized it was the woman, who he had struggled to get off his mind for two years.
As he stepped out of the car, he looked at the shocked face before him as they both echoed.
"You...."
He knew it was he. For two years, he had been planning ways to get to her and starring at her only brought back memories he tried to hide.
***********
Olivia collected a tab from the woman beside her, starring at it intensely.
"Why didn't you show my the tab, before accepting the contract?'' She whispered but it was audible for Chase to hear.
''You told me not to show you anything. That so far the contract was fair, I should accept it'' Clara said and she eyed her.
''Mr Harry, I am sorry. But I can't accept this contract proposal'' Olivia said as Chase looked at her in a confused way.
He collected his tab from his driver, and hovered his hand over the contract form.
Olivia looked at him in a confused way; was he really going to cancel the contract? It was a fuckin' once in a life time contract and he won't even appeal to her, she thought as Clara pinched her hands.
''Ma'am I don't know what you have against this man. But this is a contract we can't afford to lose''
For some minutes, Olivia thought about it. Before walking forward to stop Chase. ''Would you like a cup of coffee''
Chase looked up from his tab....
************
Hours later, they were both sitting opposite each other in Olivia's office like some stranger.
A mix of emotions creeped inside her: satisfaction, vindication, and a hint of anxiety. How would she navigate this unexpected turn of events? She thought as she managed to hide her emotions.
It wasn't easy, because that man had ridiculed her, joked with her love and had ended the marriage she thought was going to turn out well in a piece of paper.
She had vowed not to go back to New York but her past she was running away from. Had walked up to her?
As the meeting progressed, Olivia found herself lingering between her professional life and her personal feelings. She was determined to keep the conversation focused on business, but the thoughts of their past relationship lingered, making the atmosphere uncomfortable.
She wondered if he was married to Natalie now and for some reason. She found herself starring at his fingers continuously. And when she found the finger empty, she gave a sigh of relief she didn't expect.
Despite the initial shock, Olivia was determined to prove to herself and Chase that she was a capable, successful businesswoman. She would not let their past define her or her company.
As the meeting drew to a close, Olivia stood up, a sense of confidence and closure washing over her. "I think that's all for today, Mr Harry. I'll have my team send over the proposal by the end of the week'' She said and Chase nodded, before walking out of the office.
She gave a heavy sigh, which carried all the emotions she had held for hours.
''Clara, please get me a cup of coffee?''
Clara looked at her ackwardly, ''ma'am are you okay?''
''Do I look okay to you?'' She asked and Clara shook her head and turned to leave, but Olivia called her back.
''You were telling me something about that man, what was it?'' She asked her expression fragile.
''Oh, yes ma'am. I said he was having a charity gala tomorrow here in Houston''
She looked shocked, as she told Clara to get her the coffee.
What could possibly happen within the one day?
She was confused.....
She didn't know, whether to be crying or sad....
All she wanted was a cup of coffee.
**************
Olivia was lost in the phone, when Clara brought her a parcel.
''Yes Emma, but he isn't married though?''
''Didn't I tell you, years ago. He was going to come chasing after you...'' Emma said satisfaction in her voice.
''But he isn't Emma... He isn't chasing after me, he didn't even say a word till he left. He was just carrying a face, I don't understand'' She said as she opened the parcel; she wasn't expecting any parcel. Especially, not this time of the day....
As she unboxed the parcel and opened the envelope. Her mouth opened in awe.....
Chase had just invited her to the charity gala!!!
- Writer
