'I Do' For Revenge-Chapter 74: Go On A Date

"I’ll let you know if anything changes," Erica said, and then there was silence, meaning the call had ended.

I told myself to probe further. I opened the documents that required my attention, while leaving the listening device app open in case I heard anything else. For the next hour, there was nothing but occasional movement sounds.

I picked up my phone and called Erica directly.

"Hey, how are you holding up?" I asked after we exchanged pleasantries.

"I’m okay, just bored out of my mind in this place. How are you and Axel handling all the public scrutiny?"

"We’re managing. The rumours will die down eventually."

"I saw the photos from your dinner. You two looked really happy together."

"We are. Listen, would you like to come over for lunch tomorrow? I could use some girl time."

"Really? That would be amazing. I’ve been going stir-crazy in here."

"Great. I’ll arrange it with the security team."

The meeting with the finance team took place that afternoon, but Axel had to cut it short due to an unexpected conference call with overseas investors.

"We’ll reconvene tomorrow," he said, gathering his papers. "I want answers about these discrepancies."

The next day, I was at home when Erica arrived with two guards. They settled in the living room while we chatted over tea.

"You look good," I said, studying her face. "How are you really doing?"

"Better now that I’m out of that place, even if it’s just for a few hours." She sipped her tea. "This whole situation has been so stressful."

"I can imagine. Any word on when it might be resolved?"

"Not yet. My lawyer says these things take time." She leaned forward. "Speaking of stress, how are you handling all the marriage rumors? Some of the headlines have been pretty brutal."

"We’re ignoring them. People will always talk."

"When’s the last time you heard from Cassandra? I haven’t seen her since the funeral."

"We’re not exactly on speaking terms, so no idea about her," I said carefully.

"Right, of course. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bring up family drama."

I waved it off. "Don’t worry about it." I paused, then said casually, "I feel terrible that you’re cooped up in that safe house most of the time. Don’t you ever get the urge to just go out, stretch your legs?"

Erica hesitated. "What choice do I have? It gets boring, though. I’ve binge-watched everything on Netflix and Prime Video."

"That sounds awful. You’re a young woman, you should be out living your life, not hiding away."

"I know, but..."

"But what? I get the situation is not exactly ideal at the moment, considering... you know. But surely there must be something you miss doing?"

She bit her lip, then said quietly, "Well, there is this guy I met online. We’ve been talking for weeks, and he’s been asking me out."

"Ouuuuu... That sounds lovely. Why haven’t you gone?"

"Because I’m supposed to be in hiding. Going on dates isn’t exactly part of the security protocol."

"Everyone deserves a little fun and normalcy, even in difficult circumstances," I said encouragingly. "Life’s too short to put everything on hold."

Erica’s face lit up. "You really think so?"

"Absolutely. You could meet somewhere public and bring security if necessary. What’s the worst that could happen?"

"You’re right. Maybe I should take a chance." She smiled warmly. "Thank you, Layla. I’ll set up a date soon. I promise to tell you all about it later."

"I’d love to hear about it."

We continued chatting about lighter topics until Axel came home. He walked into the living room just as Erica was preparing to leave.

"Good evening, Mr Axel," she greeted excitedly, all whites on display.

"Erica, how are you?" he asked politely.

"I’m well, thank you. Layla’s been such good company."

I stood up and went to Axel, helping him out of his suit jacket and loosening his tie while I know Erica was watching.

"Long day?" I asked, giving him a brief kiss.

"Very long. But better now that I’m home."

I hung his jacket over my arm. "Go take a shower. I’ll join you in a bit."

Axel headed upstairs, and I walked Erica to the door.

"Thank you for today," she said. "It was exactly what I needed."

"Anytime. Take care of yourself."

After dinner, I waited for Axel to settle into his study before approaching him with my phone.

"I need to show you something," I said, closing the door behind me.

He looked up from his laptop. "What is it?"

I played the recording of Erica’s phone conversation. Axel paid close attention, his expression growing more serious.

"She’s definitely working with someone," he said when it finished. "I’ve always suspected something was off about her situation."

"What should we do?"

"Keep monitoring her. Let her think she has your trust. If she’s planning something, we need to know what it is."

"And in the meantime?"

"We amplify our efforts against the Watsons. It’s time for Phase Two." He leaned back in his chair. "I’m thinking we launch a competing cosmetic line under O’Brien Enterprises."

"To compete with Cassandra’s brand?"

A small smile spread across his lips as he nodded. "To undercut it completely. Her cosmetics line is becoming a key part of Charles’s portfolio. If we can destroy that, we hit him where it hurts."

"It seems you’ve thought about it for a while."

"Yes, and here’s what I think. We’ll target their suppliers and offer better deals. Then employ aggressive marketing campaigns on every social media platform there is. Superior products at lower prices."

I considered this. "It could work. What would we call it?"

"I’ll leave the creative naming to you. So... what would you name our next plan?" he asked, folding his arms as he leaned back in his chair

I thought for a moment. "What about Eclipse Beauty?"

Axel nodded approvingly. "I love it. Eclipse... to overshadow and surpass rivals."

"Exactly."

"Perfect. We’ll start putting together a business plan tomorrow."

Just then, his phone rang. He glanced at the caller ID. "Mrs. Wellington," he said, answering. "How are you feeling?"

I could hear her voice through the phone, though not clearly enough to make out words.

"That’s wonderful news," Axel continued. "Yes, we’re very eager to finalise everything."

After a few more minutes, he hung up.

"She’s recovered and wants to move forward with our deal," he explained. "But she mentioned something interesting. She’s convinced there were suspicious circumstances around her fall."

"What kind of suspicious circumstances?"

"She thinks someone deliberately caused her accident. The building’s security footage mysteriously malfunctioned that day."

"That’s not a coincidence."

"Definitely not. I wanted us to visit, but she said not to worry. We’ll handle the meeting by video conference."

I nodded, then stood up. "I’ll let you get back to work. I want to catch up on my Korean drama."

"Enjoy your show."

I was heading toward the living room when Henry Porter called.

"Layla, I hope I’m not calling too late."

"I’m sure you’ve got a clock or watch to know it is, Henry. But I’ll indulge you. What do you need?"

"I was hoping we could meet for coffee. I know our last conversation didn’t go well, but I’d really like to start over."

I considered this. It could be useful for our business expansion plans to have connections in his industry.

"Alright. Coffee. But this is strictly business."

"Of course. Tomorrow afternoon?"

"Fine. Text me the details."

As I hung up, I was about to head to the living room when I heard Axel’s voice from his study. His tone was angry.

"I’m moving as fast as I can here," he said to whoever was on the other end.

I paused, curiosity getting the better of me.

"You don’t understand the situation," he continued. "I can’t just flip a switch and make it happen overnight."

I wondered what he was hiding. What was he moving fast on? And who was pressuring him?