Chapter 30: I Remember Everything
Sitting in her garden, Diane sipped her coffee, watching Arthur chase butterflies.
She received a message, drawing her attention.
-Mission successful.-
"Well..." A small smile played on her lips as she deleted the message, immediately thinking of the mess that was about to happen to Adrian.
Meanwhile, Richard's face was turning red, with veins popping on his forehead.
The shattered chair was by the window, shards of glass covered the floor.
Adrian cowered before him, nursing a bruised cheek.
"You incompetent fool!" Richard bellowed, his voice repeated off the walls.
"How could this happen? Our entire shipment, gone!"
Adrian winced, attempting to explain.
"I-I don't know, father. The security was tight. No one outside our inner circle knew about the warehouse."
Richard's eyes narrowed.
"No one except you and me." He took a step closer. "Are you suggesting I leaked the information?"
"N-no, father. I would never—"
"Then how did Micha's men know exactly where to strike?" Richard's voice dropped down, speaking like a whisper.
"They bypassed our security systems, systems only you and I have access to."
Adrian's eyes widened in realisation.
"You think I betrayed you?"
Richard grabbed Adrian by the collar, pulling him close.
"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't end you right now."
"Father, please! I've been loyal to you for years. Maybe... maybe there's another explanation."
Richard released him with a shove, turning away to pace the room. "Another explanation? Like what?"
Adrian took a shaky breath.
"What if... what if someone else has access to our information? Someone close to us?"
Richard paused, considering the possibility. "You're suggesting a mole?"
"It's possible," Adrian nodded eagerly. "We should investigate. Find the real traitor."
Richard's expression remained stormy, but he gave a curt nod.
"Fine. But know this, Adrian: if I find out you're lying, there will be no place on this earth where you can hide from me."
As Adrian hurriedly left the room, Richard sank into his chair, rubbing his temples.
The thought of a traitor within his own family was eating his brain alive.
He needed to get to the bottom of this, and fast.
Back in her garden, Diane watched Arthur's carefree play.
She knew she had set the wheels in action, but the game was far from over.
She had to stay ahead, anticipate every move, and ensure that when the dust settled, she would be the one left standing.
As the sun climbed higher, Diane rose from her seat, calling out to Arthur. "Come along, Arthur. It's time to go inside."
He nodded and followed her, but the sound of a car made Diane pause a little.
"Riot?"
"Yes, Diane?"
"Take Arthur inside, lock him in his room and don't come out, both of you!"
"Why? I need to make sure you're safe-"
"That's an order."
"Got it. Come, Arthur."
As Riot went inside, Diane wrapped her arms around her chest, and walked outside her garden.
"Oh, rabbit!" Micha waved.
Diane lifted an eyebrow, "how did you know where I live?"
"It's easy to find you," Micha came closer.
"I don't have any doubts."
"So, about the payment..."
Diane formed a smile, "yes, let me guess, you needed to find my address...one message wouldn't be enough?"
Micha let out a short laugh, "rabbit, you're really amazing. Does being the heiress of the Hoffman's family makes you feel entitled?"
"No." Diane replied immediately.
"Then why the hostility towards me?"
"You're a gangster, and I come from a high rank family...that should be my question, what makes you so entitled, Sebastian?"
Micha staggered back a little, "how-how did you know?"
"It's easy for me to get information too. I hope you didn't think you're the only special one among us?" Diane mocked him a little.
"You know, I like you. If only you weren't married to Gabriel, I would kidnap you myself."
"Oh really? How exactly?" Diane's eyebrows arched. "By kidnapping me in your gangster way?"
"No. By claiming you here and right now, on the spot, In front of all these people...undressing you, devouring and exploring your body."
"Oh? Interesting attempt, I admit. But let me ask you, do you know who my husband is?"
Micha frowned his lips, "I do."
"And you know what he can do, right?"
"Are you threatening me?"
"I'm asking you a question."
"Yes."
Diane smiled, "then, I suggest you turn around and never come back here again. And about the payment, I will wire the rest."
She started walking away, but then Micha decided to say something else.
"If Gabriel ever divorces you, come find me. You know where I live."
She paused herself, and turned to face him, "if that happens. I will kill myself." She smiled.
It took Micha two more minutes to say something more, but there was no need to.
Gabriel walked out of his car, removed his glasses, and looked at both of them.
"I see, my wife can't be left alone."
"Gabriel, I-"
"No need to say anything else. I, myself, was planning to pay my cousin a visit," he let out a long sigh.
Then, he slowly walked closer to Diane, and looked at her wrist, gently picking it up, and staring at her ring.
"Micha, this is my wife, and I suggest you leave any personal problems you have had with me in the past."
Micha gulped.
As Gabriel lowered Diane's wrist, his ring brushed against hers, a small spark danced in the air between them.
His breath hitched; a vibration went through his fingers, making them shiver as he fought to look Diane in the eyes.
"Y-you..." he stammered.
Gabriel's pupils turned smaller, "what have you done to my life?"
"Gabriel?" Diane tried to grab his hand, but he shoved it away from her.
"Stay away from me! You thief! I remember everything now!"
"Ga-Gabriel, le-let me explain..."