6

The entire room remained silent. Not even daring to breathe as the two big sharks stared at each other. The tension was building up rapidly, and if you'd just stretched your hand, you'd be able to feel it.

"My apologies," Vicky barged into the room, being the first the dare and interrupt their meeting. "Someone's on the phone and is looking for Ms Mahi."

"What'd I tell you?" Kaden asked, raising a winning eyebrow as he smirked.

"Who's it?" she asked, ignoring him. Even though she wanted to give him a piece of her mind, she was more concerned about why Vicky looked pale.

"Kanti Mahi," Vicky said.

"Put her through," she said sweetly, reaching out to get the speaker phone that rested on the table and pressing the green button.

"Kanti?"

"Ari?" her voice came out low and somewhat desperate, almost as if she were crying.

"I can hear you What's wrong?."

"Are you alone?"

"No, I'm in a meeting and you're on speaker. I thought I told you I'd be busy during this hour"

"Oh, is there somewhere else far can go-"

"No. Now what is it?" she asked on purpose, feeling strange about the phone call.

"Carlos was found murdered. His throat was slit in half."

Silence instantly filled the room.

Ari resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she thought how much better her day was just getting. "Where are you?"

"Lobby. First floor."

"I'm on my way," she said as she ended the call and faced her new colleagues. "You know, I think it's a brilliant idea to invest in eco-friendly products. Where do I sign?" Not waiting for an answer, she took the thick booklet and added her signature next to her title and company name, clicking the pen loudly when she finished.

"Ms Mahi, I'm very glad you think so. I'm so excited to start working with you," Red-Hair-Beige-Suit extended his hand for Ari to shake.

"Of course you are," Ari coughed a chuckle, looking at the outstretched hand and back at the guy.

"Why the sudden change of mind?" Kaden asked.

"Some things are very obvious, darling."

And with that, she strutted out of the office and was punching the elevator buttons in no time. She was tapping her fingers against the mirror and straightened when the door opened. She was greeted by a tear-stained Kanti and Vicky trying to comfort her.

She told Vicky she'd take over and that she should go fetch burgers with lots of tomato sauce for Kanti. She was going to need it. And it's not for what you think.

Once Vicky was out of sight Ari walked closer to her cousin and awkwardly rubbed her back. She was never one to be emotional or feel sympathy for someone. Especially not when it wasn't earned.

"People can be heartless sometimes," Kanti sobbed.

"They most certainly can be," Ari responded sharply, unattached. She rubbed her neck and her throat became dry.

"You're rubbing your throat again," Kanti said calmly. Well that was a quick recovery.

"I didn't realise it," Ari lied and folded her arms across chest.

"That could only mean-"

"Bitch, if you think you'll get away with trying to say I did it then you're sorely mistaken," she defended herself a little too quickly, making Kanti raise an eyebrow at her.

"Who else would want him dead? You had a problem with him and everyone knew about it."

"Are you trying to frame me?"

"I don't have to frame you for something you did," Kanti said cheekily.

*Seven months earlier*

"Get out," Ari screamed at the top of her lungs as she pushed him away. Everyone stopped and turned in their direction.

"Baby, come on."

"Shut up," she yelled as she slapped him across his face. He stumbled backwards and shot daggers through his eyes as she looked at her.

"I'll make sure you regret that with your life," he threatened as he rubbed the place that stung.

"Not unless I kill you first," she said as she pulled her gun out and pointed at his forehead. He just smirked and hit her hand away before striking her cheek painfully, making her lose the gun in the process.

Ari leaned on the table and when he quickly reached for the gun, she kicked his knee, making him lose his balance and fall back with the gun in his hand. Unfortunately, it went off and women screamed as they ran away in all directions for safety.

"I told you you'll regret it," he said as he towered over her with the gun pointed at her and his finger on the trigger. Her heart beat rapidly against her chest and she was more afraid of dying from a heart attack than she was of dying from a bullet.

She quickly thought of something to say to distract him. "You wouldn't dare." She smiled, coming up with the perfect reason.

"What makes you so sure?" He asked, falling into her trap. She slowly got up, keeping eye contact with him to let him know she wouldn't try anything funny, even though she knew damn well she would.

"Because I'm pregnant."