No longer news

'How did her boss get to know her family owes Silver a lot of money?' Jem thought as she walked towards the counter to get her bag. She saw Adam playing with the new bartender. She didn't bother with them both, she just reached for her purse and hung it on her shoulder.

"I'm sorry Crowley laid you off." Said the scrawny girl to Jem who was shocked the girl suddenly noticed her. She was laughing hard with Adam a while ago.

"It's okay." Jem forced a smile before turning around to leave.

"Excuse me for a..." Adam said dropping his bottle of beer on the counter. He went after Jem and met with her at the entrance of the bar.

"My brother is pretty uptight."

"I was gonna quit anyway," Jem said sounding bold.

"Oh, is it because of what happened to your Dad?" Jem furrowed her brows. It was pretty obvious she was shocked to hear it from him.

"It's all over the news, literally everyone in the city knows your family is involved with the devil. I wish I can help."

'The devil' that statement reminded Jem about why Silver is not only one of the wealthiest firms, it's also the most powerful one in the city. And it is acknowledged in the whole of the country and beyond.

Its power is gained from rumors about its owner. Not many know what he looks like, some imagine him to be an old cruel man. Some say he is too ugly that's why he never makes public appearances. Maybe it's because he just doesn't want to be recognized.

If not for her issue with Silver, she wouldn't have known Matteo was the CEO of Silver itself. They'd known for nearly two months before she figured it out.

"I didn't know the whole world already knows about it, thanks Adam for your concern."

Adam smiled. "You owe me a date."

"Yeah, I know"

"Don't worry about it, I'll take your number instead."

She was quiet for a while, her mind drifted to Matt for a second. She might become his wife soon, so she wondered if giving another man her number was right. 'There's no harm' she thought to herself.

"Give me your phone."

He handed her his phone. She dialed her number and then gave him back his phone.

"I'll call you." He said smiling and making a phone call gesture with his hand. She smoothed a grin before leaving.

When she came out of the bar she noticed Arie's minivan parked in front of the bar. She was curious why he came so went over to knock on the glass. He rolled down.

"Arie, what are you doing here?"

"What are you doing out here, aren't you suppose to be working?

She frowned. "I came to see how you were doing, " He said smiling wryly.

She went around the car and took a seat beside him. Her face was locked in a frown so he didn't bother saying anything.

"I got laid off," she finally said before he could turn on the ignition. His hand was only a few centimeters away from the ignition key when she spoke. He paused and focused on her, he couldn't think of anything she could have done wrong.

"Why?" was the only word he could say.

She shrugged her shoulders. "Whatever, I'm just mad because my little feud with me Valdez is all over the news."

"Yeah, I know. You're becoming famous darling." He sighed. "Sorry, you got fired today."

"I just want to go home and prepare for my meeting with Matt tomorrow."

"About that what are you going to say? I know he is bad news but he is a good guy, sometimes and he is willing to take care of you."

"My dad refused, and I'm not sure I want to be his wife either. At least not like this." She wasn't frowning anymore she was sad and miserable. Arie felt gloomy seeing her like this.

He started the car and rode into the street. They were both quiet all through the ride to Jem's house.

***

Clarice tossed her phone across the living room infuriated by what she had just heard. The news about Matteo Valdez and the small town Baker is traveling faster than the wind. Ever since Matteo met this girl he became an entirely different person. He is paying more attention to her than he is to his business which is unlike him, and now her debt to him is bringing them closer to each other.

All she's ever done is to get Matteo's attention but all to no avail. She can't just sit and watch a small-town baker ruin his reputation as well as steal his heart.

"I'm going to destroy that bitch," She yelled. Then slumped on the couch behind her. She loves Matteo too much to ever let him go.