The elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, revealing the lavishly decorated hallway of Rachel's hotel floor.
Plush crimson carpets muffled their footsteps, and the warm glow of chandelier lights poured a hue of golden hue on the intricate wallpapers.
Darren followed Rachel, hands in his pockets, his gaze idly scanning the ornate patterns along the walls.
Two women walked past them, eyeing Darren as they did. Rachel noticed this and intensified the gaze of her powerful visible eye.
The girls got the memo and only chuckled as they walked past.
"You better hold him tight."
"If you don't want him, I'll have him."
The secretary turned red, but tried to keep her reservedness, especially when Darren lowered his neck and shot her a teasing glance directly to her face.
Still holding the keycard in her manicured fingers, she glanced over her shoulder at him some moments after. "You really considering Sagomoto?" she asked casually.
Darren gave a small shrug. "Maybe."
She hummed in thought as they reached her door.
The subtle scent of her perfume — something floral with a hint of spice — lingered as she swiped the keycard and pushed the door open.
It seemed room service had prepared her room even more.
The king-sized bed was now covered with newer pristine white sheets, her desk was cleaned and polished, and the lounge chair positioned invitingly beside a coffee table now had a complimentary fruit basket and some snacks.
She didn't need to be told that Darren had asked for this.
"Why did you ask?" Darren said. "About Sagomoto Offices?"
Rachel set her handbag down on the desk before turning back to him. "Well, I think it's a good move. They're expanding, and unlike MWMO, they actually seem to value loyalty. They do have some heavy hitters whose wealth they manage. The Zurich Family and the Nelsons for example."
Darren leaned against the doorframe. "I'm surprised you're not pushing for Moon Wealth. Or even PenWealth."
Rachel scoffed lightly, crossing her arms. "PenWealth? What an awful choice that would be. They're stretched so thin they don't even have a solid leadership structure. Their CEO position is a revolving door, and every new executive lasts about as long as a fruit fly. It's chaos. For a new company like yours, chaos is not what you need, sir."
"That makes sense," Darren concurred. "What of Moon Wealth?"
Her expression darkened slightly. "Well... I wouldn't say they're terrible at what they do. They are really good. They're the top for a reason. But from an ethical standpoint, I wouldn't advise it."
Her gaze lowered. "Besides, they also manage Gareth's company. I've been to some meetings. I've seen what they do. They're also very selective. They only deal with the top dogs, and when those top dogs get into trouble? They cut them loose in a heartbeat. No loyalty, just numbers."
Darren exhaled, nodding. "Whatever would I do without you, Rachel. You really are well-informed in things like this." He got closer. "How do you store all that in that beautiful brain of yours?"
A hint of pink dusted her cheeks as she glanced away, clearly flustered. "I have a feeling you're complimenting me because you're about to ask me for something."
Darren chuckled. "Maybe." He turned around. "And though this isn't a very difficult thing, for you, I don't know." He looks at her. "I need you to stay put until I get back."
Rachel frowned. "Why do I suddenly feel like a child?"
He raised a hand before she could argue. "For today. At least, just today, I need you not to worry about me. Don't worry about the company. Everything's fine. The only thing that would please me right now is knowing you're safe."
His voice softened. "So, stay here. Everything you need is here for you. I need to do a few things to make sure you're protected from Gareth, okay?"
Rachel held his gaze for a long moment before finally sighing. "Okay."
Darren reached out, gently moving the stray strand of hair that covered her other eye. After getting a good look of her full beautiful face, he let the hair fall back into place.
"I'll be back."
And with that, he turned and walked out the door.
Once he got outside, he got in his Aston Martin, and pulled his phone, searching through his contacts.
Once he found the name he was looking for, he called it immediately.
The line rang twice before a familiar voice answered, smooth and teasing.
"Well, well, well," Sophie McClain spoke. "Now this is unexpected. Darren Steele, actually calling me? What's the occasion?"
Darren exhaled, adjusting himself in his car. "I've got someone for you. A popular journalist that wants to upload a major story in your magazine. A major major story. One that will certainly give you the eyes you're looking for and take your company to state media level."
Sophie chuckled. "You sound so much like the Darren I knew from high school now. Always following Alison around and making promises such as these. You do make promises a lot, don't you, Darren?"
Darren's jaw tensed slightly. "I'm serious, Sophie."
She clicked her tongue. "Maybe. But it wasn't a reporter you promised me, was it? You told me you'll get Ava Monroe to sign for us. She hasn't."
Darren rubbed his temple. "That's a separate deal. I will get her to sign for you, but that's not what I'm talking about now. I just need this to happen. And like you said, you also need a big push. With this story, this reporter, you'll get it."
Darren's plan was as desperate but still as ruthless as it could get
To protect Rachel from Gareth's wrath, he was going to threaten a press release. Naturally, Gareth would think he was bluffing at first, but once Brooklyn drops the first batch of her report through Sophie's magazine, he'll realize Darren was serious.
If he still refused to back off, Darren would threaten to release more. And more. Until every bit of evidence he had on his plagiarism and all his conduct would be out there for the world to see.
Silence stretched between them for a moment before Sophie finally spoke. "A popular reporter? A big story? Hmm. Alright, I'll bite. Who's this mystery reporter then, and how do I meet them?"
"I'll forward you her number now." That said, he ended the call.
In Sophie's office, where walls were filled with framed magazine covers, shelves stacked with journalism awards and media accolades, she stared at her phone. "This guy."
The woman behind her who was dressing Sophie's hair leaned in. "Who was that?"
Sophie exhaled, tossing her phone onto her desk. "Just an acquaintance. Sometimes, I don't even know if he's worth the trouble."
A notification bell interrupted her thoughts. She glanced at her phone and saw the message notification. Opening it, she found the forwarded contact.
And the name ID. It read: Brooklyn Baker.
Sophie's lips parted slightly in surprise. Her eyes narrowed.
"Although now, on second thought… maybe I was wrong."