Episode:Web tightening
1029 Words
Anita’s POV
Men in sharp suits and ladies in glittering gowns crowded the huge ballroom. As the attendees sipped pricey champagne and discussed business agreements in whispers, the guests were bathed in golden light from crystal chandeliers hanging overhead.
My hands were balled into fists as I stood close to the entryway. I had no place here.
Jerry, however, did.
At that precise moment, he commanded attention by standing in the middle of the room. Speaking to a group of investors, his angular tuxedo fit him flawlessly, and his demeanor was unreadable.
I should have stayed home.
As I turned to walk away, a solid grasp encircled my wrist.
"Driving off?" I got chills from Jerry's deep voice.
Startled, I looked up at him. "I have no business here. People are looking at each other.
"They ought to," he stated. "I'm about to present them with something to look at."
He dragged me forward, straight into the spotlight, before I could react.
The crowd erupted in gasps as he put a tight grasp around my waist.
With a voice that reverberated across the room, Jerry declared, "This woman is under my protection." "I demand answers from anyone who dares to touch her."
Quiet.
Then, all around us, whispers burst forth.
"Who is she?" a voice whispered.
"I assumed she was employed by him."
"Jerry Lang has been protecting people since when?"
My cheeks felt a flood of heat. I fought against his hold. "What are you doing, Jerry?" I gave a little hiss.
He clenched his fingers. "Preserving your life."
My heart was racing. I had no idea what he had planned, but I was certain that things had become riskier this evening.
I slipped away from the crowd as soon as Jerry let me go, my heart beating. I had to breathe.
I positioned myself against the wall in a quiet hallway close to the rear of the ballroom. My head was whirling.
Protected by him?
All of his enemies would now be observing me because of his recent audacious declaration.
I tried to calm my breathing and close my eyes. At that moment, I heard faint whispers coming from the room next to me.
I strained my curious ear to the door.
Marcus hissed, "You have my support, Victoria." "The demise of Jerry Lang is long overdue."
Victoria Lang gave a somber laugh. After that, we proceed. He won't have a business to manage by the time I'm done.
A harsh breath came out of my mouth.
Victoria and Marcus were collaborating?
Marcus went on, "I have something that will destroy his priceless little empire." And that young woman—Anita? She is just the key we require.
My stomach turned over.
Jerry needed to be warned.
However, the door creaked open before I could get much farther.
Marcus went outside.
And he looked right into my eyes.
When Marcus noticed me, his piercing eyes narrowed. Even though my heart was racing, I made myself remain composed. My guilt would only be confirmed if I ran.
Marcus stepped closer and snarled, "Well, well." "What are we holding here?"
I tilted my chin up and straightened my posture. "I just happened to walk past. I had no idea that this was your tiny, private meeting space.
With her arms folded and a cunning grin on her lips, Victoria emerged behind him. “Anita, are you listening in?”
I sneered. "Please," as like I'm interested in whatever crap you two are planning.
Marcus laughed softly, but it was a serious laugh. "You ought to be concerned, my love. Jerry Lang will just exist as a memory after we are finished. And you? He bent closer. "You'll be sorry you ever crossed me."
A shiver went down my body.
Before they discovered just how much I had heard, I had to go.
I smirked against my will. Marcus, you talk too much. You wouldn't need to slink around like a rat if you were so strong.
He clenched his jaw.
Excellent. I had touched a tender spot.
I took a step back and pivoted on my heel before he could respond, leaving with all the assurance I could muster. I was urged to run by every nerve in my body, but I resisted showing signs of weakness.
I had to find Jerry quickly.
Jerry was talking to a group of executives near the grand staircase of the ballroom when I located him. His eyes darted to me instantly, piercing and evaluating.
I rushed at him and grabbed his wrist. "We must speak. Right now.
His forehead furrowed. "Anita"
I tightened my hold and demanded, "Now."
Some of the businesspeople said to one another, while others were amused. With a groan, Jerry excused himself and ushered me into a more peaceful area of the room.
With his arms folded, he questioned, "What is it?"
I paused. What would he do? Is he going to believe me?
I inhaled deeply. Victoria and Marcus are conspiring to overthrow you. I overheard them conversing.
Jerry's face was still unreadable. "And what did you hear exactly?"
I lowered my voice and looked around. "Marcus possesses something that has the potential to wipe down your empire. And they intend to employ me to carry it out.
Jerry's mouth clenched. It was unsettling that he was silent.
Say something, I said in a whisper.
His deep, inscrutable blue eyes met mine. Then, before my response—
He reached up and grabbed my chin.
Then his mouth slammed into mine.
My throat tightened with each breath. Around me, the world became hazy. The ballroom reverberated with gasps.
With his eyes blazing into mine, he withdrew. "There." Everyone is aware that you are mine now.
My heart struck my ribs hard. "Jerry"
His breath was hot against my ear as he leaned closer. "You desired my defense? You're trapped with me now.
I saw movement out of the corner of my eye before I could comprehend what had just transpired.
A sneer tugged at Marcus's lips as he stood at the opposite end of the room.
In his hands, too?
A paper.
A fake document.
My blood froze.
- Writer
