Taniya Finds Out
201 Words
I didn’t go home.
I went straight to Taniya’s apartment.
She opened the door in pajamas, hair in a messy bun, holding her phone like it burned her.
"Ava? It’s 10 PM. And why are you trending on the business news?"
I walked in and dropped my bag on the couch. The city lights from her window felt too bright.
"Because I did it," I said.
"Did what?" She followed me to the kitchen, frowning.
"I bought 8% of Sterling Group," I said, pouring myself water. "Cash. From the settlement."
The glass slipped in her hand. Water spilled on the counter.
"You’re joking." Her voice was barely a whisper.
"I wish I was," I said. "I sat in that boardroom today. Right across from Ethan Carter. I told him I dropped the Carter."
Taniya stared at me. Then she started laughing. Loud. Disbelieving.
"You absolute psycho," she said, pulling me into a hug. "I’m so proud of you. You actually did it."
My phone buzzed on the counter. Unknown number.
Text: We need to talk. Now.
Taniya saw it. "Don’t you dare reply."
I deleted it. My hands didn’t shake.
"I won’t," I said. "Not until I’m ready to end him."
- Writer
