She Who Laughs Last

Chapter Eighteen: A Dangerous Game

Serenity headed to the break room, the soft hum of the office filling the air. She filled a mug with coffee, the aroma wafting up to tease her senses. As she carried the steaming liquid back to Mr. Mercier's office, she passed by a group of colleagues huddled together, their voices low in conversation. The words "hiring season" caught her attention, a familiar wave of dread washing over her. It was that time of year again.

Knocking softly, she entered Mr. Mercier's office, the sound echoing off the cold, gleaming surfaces. He looked up from his paperwork, his eyes sharp and assessing. "Your coffee, Mr. Mercier," she said.

"Thank you," he said, his voice as smooth as the leather chair he sat in. His eyes never left her, making Serenity feel like she was the only person in the room. She handed him the coffee, their fingers brushing briefly.

The warmth of his hand sent a jolt through her, and she stepped back quickly. She knew better than to let her guard down around him. Mr Mercier picked up an envelope from his desk, his eyes flicking over it briefly before he handed it to her. "This arrived for you," he said, his tone indifferent.

Serenity took the envelope, her curiosity piqued. Inside, she found a ticket to the Vale's annual charity ball. Her heart skipped a beat. So, it was finally happening. But she also noticed a white envelope.

"René LeBlanc dropped it off a few minutes ago," Mr. Mercier explained, his eyes meeting hers.

"I see," Serenity replied, her voice barely a whisper as she stared at the ticket. "What about this envelope?"

"It's a surprise, just put it in the donation box at the ball." She knew Mr. Mercier had connections everywhere, but the way he made things happen was eerie. She excused herself and retreated to her office, a small room filled with boxes waiting to be unpacked. The thought of settling into her new workspace was daunting, but she knew it was a necessary step. She pulled out her iPad, her mind racing with the details of the upcoming event.

Logging into her fake i********: account, she followed Tessa, the first step in her plan to reconnect with her old life. As she scrolled through the suggested friends, she found profiles belonging to Khalia, Liora and Sienna. Yet she couldn't find any trace of her ex-sister-in-law Delilah or their parents.

As for Cole, there was no sign of him on social media, other than the occasional company announcement from Vale & Co Watches. His life was a ghostly presence, taunting her from the shadows. Serenity knew she had to be careful, her plan had to be foolproof. She couldn't risk Kaia getting caught in the crossfire of her vendetta.

Serenity clicked on Sienna's i********: profile, the glossy photos painting a picture of a carefree lifestyle. There were images of her lounging on a beach with a cocktail in hand, the blue sea stretching out behind her. In another, she was perched atop a mountain, the wind whipping her hair into a wild tangle it was clear that Sienna was trying to project an image of success and happiness, but Serenity knew better than to be fooled.

Determined to dig deeper, Serenity searched for Sienna's Twitter handle. Serenity followed her, her fingers hovering over the screen as she scrolled through Sienna's recent tweets. A post caught her eye. Sienna was complaining about struggling to find a new job after being laid off from the airport three months ago. A smirk crept across Serenity's face. It seemed her old friend was not living the glamorous life she portrayed on i********:.

Serenity leaned back in her chair, her mind racing. It was time to put her plan into action.

The meeting finally concluded with a firm handshake between Mr. Mercier and his newest investor. As the man exited the conference room, Serenity glanced at her phone, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of the time. It was already three o'clock.

"I should probably head home sir," Serenity said her voice barely audible.

"I'll drop you off," he stated, his tone leaving no room for argument. Serenity felt a twinge of annoyance but knew better than to argue with Mr. Mercier. She followed him out of the conference room, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

As they exited the building, Serenity followed Mr. Mercier to his car, a sleek black Bentley with tinted windows. The chauffeur held the door open, and Serenity slipped inside, the leather seats enveloping her in their luxurious embrace. Mr. Mercier climbed into the drivers seat beside her, his presence as imposing as ever.

The car pulled away from the curb, and the cityscape of LA began to blur as they sped through the streets. The silence in the car was palpable, a stark contrast to the chaos outside. Serenity's mind was racing with thoughts of the charity ball and her impending encounter with Cole and Khalia. She hadn't anticipated this level of involvement from Mr. Mercier.

"There's a dress in the trunk for you," Mr. Mercier said, breaking the silence that had settled in the car.

Serenity's eyes shot to him, her mind racing. "What?" she asked, her voice filled with confusion.

Mr. Mercier's expression remained unchanged, his eyes on the road ahead. "You're going to the Vale's charity party," he said, his tone as smooth as the leather seats surrounding them. "I thought it would be appropriate for you to have a suitable dress."

"Bu-but," Serenity stuttered, "why did you get me a dress?"

Mr. Mercier's eyes never left the road. "Because I wanted to." Serenity frowned, unsure of how to respond. "There is also a necklace in the bag," he continued, "it's not just for aesthetics. The necklace is equipped with a discreet recording device. Wear it, and if you come across any information that can help us... or you, record it."

Serenity stared at Mr. Mercier, her mind racing. A recording device in a necklace? The man's resourcefulness was as terrifying as it was impressive. "I... I'll take care of it," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Mr. Mercier nodded curtly, his eyes never leaving the road. "Good," he said, his tone devoid of any warmth.

After a few more minutes of tense silence, Mr. Mercier pulled the Bentley into the Sovereign Towers' parking lot. Mr. Mercier stepped out of the car and opened the door for Serenity, his movements fluid and precise. She thanked him, her voice tight with anticipation and nerves. She slid out of the car, her legs feeling like jelly as she stood on the cool pavement. The weight of the envelope in her pocket was a constant reminder of the task ahead.

Mr Mercier walked over to the trunk of the car and popped it open, revealing a sleek black garment bag. He pulled it out and handed it to Serenity, his eyes lingering on her face for a moment too long. "Your dress and the necklace."

"Thank you," Serenity said, her voice barely a whisper.

Mr. Mercier nodded, his expression unreadable. "Be careful, Ms. Harper," he said as Serenity took the garment bag from him. "And remember, you are representing L'Empire du Lion."

Serenity felt the weight of his words as she took the bag. "I won't disappoint," she said, her voice firm. Mr Mercier nodded and got back into the car and drove away. Serenity watched the car disappear from sight, her mind racing. She took a deep breath, the weight of the world seemingly resting on her shoulders. She had a lot to do, and very little time.

Serenity stared at the large black bag in her hands, a silent battle raging within her. The thought of unpacking loomed over her, a daunting task that she was eager to postpone. With a resigned sigh, she stepped into her apartment, the sight that greeted her causing her jaw to drop.

The sight that met her eyes was pure chaos. Boxes, once neatly stacked, were now transformed into a towering fort, surrounded by a moat of towels and clothes. James, a boy around 7 years old, was moving her around the makeshift castle in her wheelchair. His mischievous green eyes sparkled with excitement, a stark contrast to his neatly combed brown hair. Despite the playful chaos, James' crisp white shirt and khaki shorts remained surprisingly tidy, hinting at a naturally neat demeanor beneath his current exuberance. The children's squeals of excitement pierced the tension in the air. Kaia looked up, her eyes lighting up at the sight of Serenity.

Kate, James' mother, was crouched down, her arms outstretched, roaring like a dragon as she attempted to 'capture' Kaia. Her long, wavy auburn hair, usually so meticulously styled, now fell in wild disarray around her face, adding to her dragon-like appearance. Kate's emerald, green eyes, a mirror of her son's, glinted with playful ferocity. Her designer jeans and silk blouse, clearly not intended for such types of games, were now creased and askew, a testament to her wholehearted commitment to the game.

The scene was so jarringly at odds with the cold reality of their situation that Serenity couldn't help but smile. "What on earth is going on here?" Serenity asked, her voice filled with amusement.

The chaos came to a sudden halt as everyone turned to look at her. Kaia's face broke into a wide grin. "Mom! Come play with us!" she shouted, her voice filled with excitement.

Serenity couldn't help but laugh. The sight of her daughter's joy was infectious. "Okay, okay," she said, setting the bag aside. "What should I be?" she asked, joining in the game.

⚛"""◆"""⚛

Serenity finished tucking Kaia into bed, smoothing out the blankets around her. Kaia's eyes were already closed, a content smile playing on her lips. She had enjoyed the whimsical afternoon, a rare moment of carefree happiness in their otherwise tense lives. As Serenity walked out of the bedroom, she found Kate sitting on the sofa, her eyes lost in the flickering images on the TV screen as James slept soundly beside her.

"Thank you for taking care of Imani," Serenity said, her voice soft as she picked up a stray towel from the floor, the sound of her heels clicking against the marble echoing through the living room.

"It's nothing," Kate said, her eyes never leaving the TV. "They're good kids."

Serenity smiled. "So, when do you go back to work?" she asked, as she folded the towel and placed it neatly on the chair.

Kate stretched, yawning widely. "Mr. Mercier said I can start next week," she replied.

Serenity chuckled. "Lucky you," she said, "I just moved here, and I already have to go back to work."

Kate laughed. "That's Mr. Mercier for you," she said. "Obsessed with work. He's actually staying at a hotel right now, so I don't have to cook for him."

Serenity took a seat opposite Kate, her mind racing with thoughts of the charity ball and the recording device in the necklace. She handed Kate a glass of wine, the amber liquid shimmering in the soft light of the lamps. "The taxi should be here in a few minutes," she said, her voice casual.

Kate smiled gratefully, "Thank you," she replied, taking a sip of the wine.

Serenity hesitated, the words forming in her mind. "I'm sorry for the inconvenience, but can I bring Imani over to your place in two days? I have an event to attend," she explained.

Kate's friendly smile widened. "Of course! No problem at all, James's off school anyways," she said, setting her wine glass down on the coffee table. "We'll keep her busy. But let me guess it's work-related?"

Serenity nodded. "Yeah, the Vale family are hosting their annual charity ball," she said, trying to keep her voice steady. "Mr. Mercier bought me a dress for the event," she added, pointing to the bag still lying on the floor.

Kate's eyes widened in surprise. "Mr. Mercier bought you a dress?" she repeated, setting her wine glass down with a clink. "Mira, Mr. Mercier never buys anything for anyone. I've worked for him for ten years, and I've never seen him buy a gift for anyone."

"So what?" Serenity shrugged, trying to play it cool.

Kate's eyes sparkled with mischief. "So what? That could mean Mr. Mercier has a little crush on you," she teased, raising an eyebrow.

Serenity rolled her eyes, trying to ignore Kate's knowing smile. "No way," she scoffed, her voice filled with disbelief. "Mr. Mercier of all people? He's just my boss."

"Sureeee, he's my boss as well but he's never bought me a dress," Kate said with a knowing smile, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Besides Mr has only had flings," she added with a knowing look. "And he never buys gifts for the women he sleeps with, so technically, you're the first woman he's bought something for."

Serenity rolled her eyes, "So what? That means he has a crush on me?" she scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "It's probably just because I'm his personal assistant," she said, her voice sounding more defensive than she'd liked.

Kate's laughter filled the room. "Come on, Mira, don't be so dense. Mr. Mercier is one of the most eligible and richest bachelor in the world. He practically runs the law in France and LA, and he's only 35. A man like that doesn't buy dresses for his employees unless he's got something else on his mind."

Serenity shook her head. "I'm not looking for love right now, especially not with a man with such high status," she replied, her tone firm. "I've been there, done that, and got the scars to prove it," she added, as she pointed to her scars on her lips, eyes and neck.

"I know you haven't told me much about Imani's father but was he really that bad?" she asked, her voice gentle.

Serenity hesitated, the memory of Cole's abuse a painful reminder of her past. "He was worse than bad," she replied, her voice barely a whisper. "He was atrocious."

Kate reached out and took Serenity's hand, offering silent comfort. "I'm so sorry, Mira," she said softly.

Serenity squeezed Kate's hand gratefully. "It's okay," she replied, forcing a smile.

Just then, Serenity's phone rang, the shrill sound cutting through the quiet of the apartment. She checked the caller ID and picked up the phone. "Okay," she said, her voice barely audible.

Turning to Kate, she announced, "The taxi is here."

Kate stirred, her eyes slowly opening. "Alright," she mumbled, sleep still clinging to her voice. Gently, she shook James awake, her voice soft but firm. "Time to go home, sleepyhead," she said, a smile playing on her lips.

James groaned, his eyes fluttering open. He rubbed his eyes sleepily, his body shifting against Kate's.

Kate said goodbye to Serenity, her voice filled with warmth. "See you soon," she said, giving Serenity a reassuring smile.

Serenity nodded, a sense of gratitude washing over her. As Kate and James left the apartment, Serenity closed the door behind them, a sense of peace settling over her. She leaned against the door for a moment, taking in the quiet of her new home. The events of the day washed over her, a mix of excitement and fear. With a soft sigh, Serenity pushed herself off the door and made her way to her bedroom.

The room was spacious, with a large window overlooking the twinkling lights of Los Angeles. She changed into her nightgown, the soft fabric a comfort against her skin. As she slipped under the covers, Serenity couldn't help but feel a twinge of anxiety. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new faces, and perhaps, a step closer to her ultimate goal. She closed her eyes, willing herself to relax, to find the strength she would need for the days to come.

Slowly, sleep began to overtake her, and Serenity drifted off to sleep. As she slept, she tossed and turned, her mind replaying the day's events in a whirlwind of emotions. The dream began as a distant memory, taking her back to her days in France, working alongside Mr. Mercier.

The sharp c***k of gunfire echoed through the air as Serenity squeezed the trigger. Serenity trembled slightly as she placed the gun back onto the velvet cloth on the table, her heart racing in her chest. Mr. Mercier, standing a few feet away, watched her with a critical eye.

"Encore une fois," he said, his voice cool and measured. "Your stance needs work." (Once again)

Serenity nodded, repositioning herself. As she raised the gun again, Mr. Mercier's voice was in her ear, guiding her through the motions. His hand rested gently on her shoulder, and she could feel the warmth of his body behind her. The dream was vivid, so real she could almost smell the scent of gunpowder and the crisp, clean scent of his cologne.

She squeezed the trigger again, the recoil jolting her back to reality. The bullet hit the target dead center, the paper fluttering before falling to the floor. Mr. Mercier nodded in approval. "Puis-je? (May I?)" he asked, his hands wanting to help her with her posture.

"Oui," she murmured, her heart racing as she felt his hands on her waist, adjusting her stance. His touch was firm, but not unkind.

Mr. Mercier stepped behind her, his body heat a stark contrast to the cool air of the shooting range. His hands guided her arms, his breath tickling her ear as he whispered instructions. She felt a shiver run down her spine, but she couldn't tell if it was from the cold or the intimacy of the moment. The sound of the gun firing seemed to echo in her head, mixing with the sound of her own pulse.

Suddenly, the door to the range burst open, and a young man, sweat beading on his forehead, ran in. He whispered something into Mr. Mercier's ear, his eyes wide with urgency. Mr. Mercier's grip on her arms tightened briefly before he stepped away, his expression unreadable. "Ms. Harper, to my office now," he said, his voice sharp as a knife's edge.

Serenity lowered the gun, glancing at Mr. Mercier with confusion. He was already walking towards the house, his footsteps swift and purposeful on the polished wooden floor of the shooting range. Serenity rushed to keep up, the echoes of their footsteps reverberating through the large space.

Mr Mercier's house was a sprawling mansion nestled in the rolling hills outside of Nice. The scent of lavender and freshly cut grass filled the air as Serenity hurried after him. The urgency in his stride was unmistakable, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. The dream-like quality of the moment was shattered by the cold reality of Mr Mercier's office. The room was stark, with only a large mahogany desk and two leather chairs breaking the monotony of the white walls.

Mr. Mercier gestured for her to sit. He handed her a file, his fingers brushing against hers for a moment too long. "You asked me to look into the whole will situation," he said, his thick French accent wrapping around the words like velvet.

Serenity took the file, her hands trembling slightly. As she opened it, a nagging thought resurfaced in her mind. She had always found the whole will situation peculiar. At the time it was supposedly written, she had nothing to her name - no education, no properties, not even $5 in her pocket. The idea that she had a will at all seemed absurd in retrospect.

Serenity's eyes scanned the documents inside as Mr. Mercier continued, "Cole's grandfather..."

"Mr. Garrick Vales," Serenity interjected. "Yes, he was quite kind to me," she said, her voice filled with a bit of nostalgia.

Mr. Mercier nodded. "Cole's grandfather," he confirmed. "It seems he was more perceptive than the rest of the family. In his will, he left his estate and...7 million dollars to Kaia. But it's all in your possession until Kaia turns 18"

Serenity felt the world spin around her as she stared at Mr. Mercier in disbelief. "What? Why? How come no one ever told me?" she stammered, her voice shaking.

As the shock of this revelation washed over her, Serenity's mind raced, connecting dots she'd long ignored. Cole's adamant refusal to grant her a divorce suddenly made sense. She had proof of his infidelity with Khalia - damning evidence that could ruin him. And Kaia... sweet, innocent Kaia.

The pieces fell into place with horrifying clarity. Cole's attempt on their lives wasn't just about control - it was about erasing the evidence of his betrayal and ridding himself of a daughter he never wanted. The magnitude of his cruelty left Serenity breathless.

"It seems everyone in the family knew," Mr. Mercier's voice cut through her thoughts, his eyes piercing through her disbelief. "Except for you."

"He left only 1 million to everyone else. According to my sources, Cole and Khalia faked a will under your name and signed it to look like you gave everything to her." Mr. Mercier's words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of their implications.

Tears formed in Serenity's eyes, a mix of shock and betrayal washing over her. Mr. Mercier leaned forward, his brow furrowed. "C'est étrange," he mused. "They would have needed your signature. Did Cole ever ask you to sign anything?" (That's strange.)

Serenity shook her head, then suddenly froze, her eyes meeting Mr. Mercier's. "Quoi?" Mr. Mercier's eyebrows shot up in surprise, his French accent thickening.

"Khalia," Serenity whispered, her voice barely audible. "She asked me to sign as a witness for her college presentation... a few years ago. She was really insistent."

Mr. Mercier's eyes narrowed. "That must be how they got your signature," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "They could have photocopied it and used it multiple times. Or they hred someone to forge your signature"

Serenity felt sick to her stomach. The betrayal cut deeper than she could have imagined. Mr. Mercier wasn't finished. "J'ai des hommes à Los Angeles en ce moment," he said, switching to French. "Ils surveillent Cole et Khalia. Si nous trouvons quelque chose, je vous le ferai savoir immédiatement." (I have men in Los Angeles right now. They're watching Cole and Khalia. If we find anything, I'll let you know immediately.)

Serenity nodded, her thoughts racing. "T..thank you, Mr. Mercier," she stuttered, her mind reeling. She couldn't believe that Khalia, her own cousin, had been a part of this deceitful plan.

Mr. Mercier's expression softened slightly. "Et Kaia?" he asked. "Comment va-t-elle?" (And Kaia? How is she?)

"Elle va bien," Serenity replied, a small smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Elle est une enfant très résiliente." (She's fine. She's a very resilient child.)

"Thats good to hear. You may leave Miss Harper," Mr Mercier said, his eyes never leaving hers. Serenity stood up and left Mercier's office, she felt dazed as she walked down the grand staircase of the mansion, her mind reeling from the information she'd just received. Lost in thought, she didn't notice Kate until they collided at the bottom of the stairs.

"Oh! Je suis désolée," Serenity stammered, her French still awkward. (Oh! I'm sorry.)

Kate steadied her, concern etched on her face. "Ça va, Serenity?" (Are you okay, Serenity?)

Before Serenity could respond, the dream began to fade...

Serenity's eyes snapped open, the memory of her dream still vivid in her mind. She sat up in bed, her heart racing, the weight of the past pressing down on her once more. The quiet of her new apartment in Los Angeles surrounded her, a stark contrast to the bustling mansion in France where her dream had taken place.

She glanced at the clock – 3:00 AM. With a sigh, she swung her legs out of bed. Sleep wouldn't come easily now, not with the ghosts of her past so freshly awakened.

Serenity padded softly to the window, looking out at the city lights. Los Angeles sprawled before her, a city of dreams and nightmares, of past hurts and future hopes. She pressed her forehead against the cool glass, her breath fogging the window.

Her thoughts turned to Kaia, her precious daughter. The thought of her innocence being used by Khalia and Cole filled her with a white-hot rage. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, the need for justice burning within her. She hated them with so much passion and she was going to make them pay.