Book 2: Chapter 40

As soon as I hit the red dial icon, the light started flashing, signifying a coming call. I stared at the screen for a couple of seconds before making up my mind. Just by looking at the last few digits of that unsaved number, I knew it was Eric. I was afraid to talk to him again, scared that I would fall into his trap.

The constant ringing eventually convinced me to accept the call, and I was not mistaken. The rich, masculine voice that brought about a domineering tone was indeed, Eric's.

"My love," he said, and my hair crawled at his endearment. "I underestimated your capacity to escape. I felt scared for you. Where are you now?"

"I'm fine. You don't have to worry," I answered in a lazy tone, followed by a yawn.

"Where are you?" His voice cracked a little, somewhat irritated.

"It's not important."

"Red— "he paused for a while, drawing out a hiss, "please understand that your life is in danger. I'm here to help and protect you."

"Eric, what is this all about? What are you up to?"

Silence followed for a while before his frustrated voice came in. "Only you, Red. Only you."

"I'm a piece of garbage you have thrown out, Eric. So stop fooling me. Whenever I say no, it is always forever."

"I never throw you out, Red. You know that very well. It was you who walked out of our home because you allow yourself to be fooled by Sean. Look at what he has done now."

"Enough for that! If you are calling to check on me, thank you. I'm fine."

"No, I have something else."

"Speak."

"I know you have read that message from Ian of Riddance Corporation. May I know your thoughts about it?"

I kept quiet for a couple of seconds. This Ian of Riddance Corporation had already started his moves. My heartbeats started to pound against my ears again. I was beginning to regret my stupid decision to remove Sean from the company. Why had I been so stupid to ignore his moves in giving me the clues before? I remembered that he had given me access to all the financial accounts of TAG Corporation, including the Grey's Treasury. If Sean were after Grey's wealth, he would not have handed it down to me. But I was late already; Sean had already submitted his resignation.

I sprinted out of the room and brushed past the living room doors, turning straight to the kitchen. The trouble of this huge house was choking me, keeping my nose in a wide flare.

"Nay!" I yelled, and just as my voice bounced back in my ears, Nay Mina's sturdy figure emerged from another door.

"Dr. Red!" she greeted me with a grin expanding to her ears.

"Call me Red, nay."

She smiled sheepishly, nodded, then gave me her hand, leading me to the dining table. Pulling out one, she gestured with her hand for me to sit down.

"Do you need anything?" she asked, looking straight into my eyes. Perhaps, she was a little worried over my flaring nose.

"Nay, I need to talk to Sean."

"A wife is now looking for a lost husband," she chuckled, and my heart did one leap.

"Nay, this is something serious. I want to talk to him and take back my words. Ian of Riddance corporation is taking over, and no one seems to suspect that he's a snake."

Before she could answer, a buzzing sound diverted our attention. Nay Mina stood up and walked to the door, opening a lid that opened to a screen. The image of a man in a black uniform met my eyes.

"Madame, a troop has arrived. Their leader informed us that they are also securing the place so that Dr. Red could not escape. It's an order from Mr. Ian of Riddance Corporation."

Good gracious! It's another house arrest, I thought! Yet, it's better than having me in a place with Eric.

Nay Mina turned to look at me, her face smeared with fear and worries.

"Don't worry, dear. I will talk to Sean about this."

"Please, call him now," I begged.

Never had I felt so helpless before. Because of my stupidity, I have put the Grey legacy at a huge risk. I had never figured out the length and width of Grey's empire, and I was too silly to think I could handle it. I also never thought hiring a business analyst or a financial adviser, or even appointing a CEO could be this crucial.

Nay Mina picked up a wireless phone from its stand placed on a shelf at the dining room corner. Pressing through its keys fast, I could tell that they had constant and regular communication. I held my breath while watching her. My mind sending a silent prayer that may Sean pick up the call. Yet, all calls were answered by voice prompts telling her that the line was still busy or unattended.

I went back to our room with my shoulders dropping low. It seemed that Sean never liked to talk to me anymore. I understood—anyone on his place would, after everything I did. But no one should judge me for how I felt and reacted. Seeing your man in another's arm, fucking all he wants—was never easy. The pain was killing me.

Picking my phone from the bedside table, I scanned through the contact list to find the lawyer's name. I leaned my back on the bed board, waiting for him to pick my call. It took five continuous rounds of ringing before his voice floated from the speaker.

"Dr. Grey?"

"Atty. Evarez, I need to talk to you."

"Sure."

"But I can't go out. A troop has arrived to keep me from coming out. And I am informed that they are the men of Mr. Ian of Riddance Corporation."

"Hmmn," was only his answer, and I got irritated. My heartbeats had not rested yet from its hyperactive state, and he seemed to take the situation as a whole joke.

"Atty. Evarez, I'm serious." I threw out a disappointed tone.

"Actually, Dr. Grey, I'm already a minute away from your main entrance."

I sighed in relief. Sprinting towards the bathroom, I took a quick shower and changed into a formal dress. He was Sean's spokesman and the legal counsel of TAG Corporation, and therefore held an important role in the company.

Atty. Evares was already sitting in one of the chairs inside the function room. I never knew it existed, but then I recalled that my grandfather still held his position even when he was sick. So, I understood that he must have held a business meeting at this home.

"Atty. Evarez, what's happening? I am sure that Mr. Ian is a traitor to the company. How could we let the members of the board know his true color?" I went right into the topic the moment I took my seat across him.

"In what way could he be a traitor, Dr. Grey?"

"He sends his men over here so that I could not escape. He wants me to sell half of my share to him."

"How do you know?"