Chapter 9: The Competitor

Lavender and eucalyptus blended together to provide a soothing aroma that concealed the anxiety simmering beneath the surface of the flower shop. Even as her mind swirled with anxiety, Tessa stood behind the counter, painstakingly arranging a bouquet of white lilies with accustomed ease. Her pulse skipped a beat as the bell above the storefront door jangled, but she continued to concentrate on the flowers.

The voice said, "Hello, Tessa." It was Gabrielle Richards, smooth, deliberate, and unmistakable.

Tessa froze in the middle of her finger placement. She looked up, feeling sick to her stomach when she saw Gabrielle enter the store. As she walked closer, the woman's red heels clicked on the ground, and her every step had a refined elegance that was almost difficult.

Tessa said, "Gabrielle," in a deliberately bland tone. "Why have you come here?"

A smile curled Gabrielle's lips, but it stopped short of her eyes. She glanced over the store and murmured softly, "Oh, I was in the neighborhood." I wanted to see what all the commotion was about. Lucas appears to think you're great.

Tessa gripped the stem of a lily tighter, but she forced herself to maintain a composed demeanor. "I'm happy he likes what I did."

Something sharper glinted beneath Gabrielle's smooth exterior, causing her eyes to tighten slightly. "Yes, work. However, Tessa, I'm not here to discuss flowers. Her well-groomed nails tapped gently on the wood as she leaned against the counter. "I'm here to discuss you."

Despite her stomach churning, Tessa spoke steadily. "I don't think I understand."

Though it was all teeth, Gabrielle's smile grew. Yes, I believe you do. Lucas has taken notice of you, which is no small accomplishment. To be clear, though, his universe is not for the weak of heart. It is merciless and cruel. And to be honest, I don't think you're suited for it.

A spark of indignation flared in Tessa's chest as her jaw hardened. With all due respect, Gabrielle, I don't believe you have the right to judge what I am or am not capable of.

Gabrielle gave a low, derisive laugh. Maybe not. But use this as a gentle reminder. Even though Lucas seems like a hero right now, you shouldn't put your trust in him. People in his environment tend to be sucked up and then spat out. I would hate to see you fall victim to another tragedy.

Tessa stood up, her voice strong but her heart racing. "Thank you for your concern, but I'll decide for myself who I can trust."

Gabrielle's eyes darkened as the mask briefly lifted to show the icy calculation underneath. With ease, she pushed off the counter and murmured, "Suit yourself." Don't claim I didn't warn you, though.

Her heels clicked on the floor as she turned and moved for the door. With a shaky exhale, Tessa went back to her work, her hands shaking as the bell jingled and the door closed behind her. The shop's silence felt brittle now, as if it may break at any second.

With floor-to-ceiling windows providing an amazing view of the metropolitan skyline, Gabrielle's penthouse had a sleek, modern lounge that was flooded with the golden light of the setting sun. As Lucas entered the room, Gabrielle sat on a soft velvet sofa with a crystal glass of red wine in her hand. Her eyes were alert but her stance relaxed.

She said, "Lucas," in a voice as silky as the wine she was sipping. "What am I due for this unannounced visit?"

Lucas narrowed his golden eyes and stared at her as he shut the door behind him. His voice was low and steely, and he didn't waste time on politeness. "We must speak."

With a slight smile on her lips, Gabrielle put her glass down on the table before her. "I'm listening."

He took a few steps across the room and stopped short of the table. "Avoid Tessa at all costs."

Gabrielle pretended to be innocent as she arched an eyebrow. "Tessa? You're referring to the small florist, right? I was simply visiting her. ensuring that she is aware of what she is getting into.

Lucas's normally composed demeanor began to show cracks as his jaw tightened. "Gabrielle, she doesn't require your meddling. Stop doing whatever you believe you are doing. Right now.

With a mixture of curiosity and laughter, Gabrielle leaned back and studied him. "Lucas, why are you so protective? Isn't she just another project for you? Or is there more to it?

He answered forcefully, "That's none of your business." It's important that you maintain your distance. Tessa is not allowed.

Her eyes grew icy and her grin dimmed. "Off-limits? When did you start telling me who I can and cannot talk to? Lucas, you may believe that everything is under control, but you're playing a risky game. Including that girl in it will only make things worse in the long run.

Lucas stepped forward, his voice falling to a low, perilous level. "Gabrielle, take this as your only warning. Don't meddle in my private affairs, or I'll make sure you regret it.

Gabrielle looked him in the eye without flinching. "Lucas, you're doing something wrong. She is not like us. She is not a part of this planet.

With a definitive tone, he stated, "That's not for you to decide." He turned and walked away without saying another word, the door clicking loudly behind him.

Gabrielle looked at the door while she sat back and curled her fingers around her wine glass. Despite her serene demeanor, there was no mistaking the storm that was building in her eyes. Gabrielle wasn't going to leave anything Lucas noticed in Tessa uncontested.

The heavy curtains were closed to block off the last of the evening light in the big study of the Richards estate. Reviewing the papers splayed out in front of him, Michael Richards sat at his oak desk with his fingers stiff. His steely blue eyes glinted with something like joy, and his calculating, keen features were highlighted by the flickering glow of a nearby fireplace.

He whispered, "Lucas Greystone," in a low, contemptuous voice. "So confident and certain of his invincibility at all times."

His thoughts were interrupted by a jarring knock on the door. He shouted, "Enter," without raising his gaze.

One of the younger men entered, wearing a fitted suit. He put a folder on the desk and said, "Sir, the information you requested." Michael, already reaching for the file, flicked his hand to wave him away.

A lazy, predatory smile appeared on his face as he turned the pages. Lucas's recent activities, including his relationship with Tessa Moonridge, the proposal, and the escalating rumors of their "arrangement," were described in great detail.

Leaning back on his chair, Michael muttered, "Interesting." My beloved nephew believes he has figured out a way to outsmart me and guarantee his future. How charming.

Already considering the options, he put the folder aside and closed it. A constant thorn in his side, Lucas served as a reminder of all Michael had fallen short of in the family hierarchy. With this new development, however, an opportunity had arisen, and he had no intention of squandering it.

With his hands clasped behind his back, Michael stood and walked to the window, looking out at the expansive estate. "Lucas is terribly mistaken if he believes he can get the upper hand by siding with that girl," he remarked quietly. I only need a gentle prod in the proper direction.

He walked back to his desk and pushed an intercom button. He commanded, "Bring Gabrielle to me." "We should have a brief conversation about family priorities."

Gabrielle came in a few minutes later, looking as calm and collected as ever. She murmured, tilting her head slightly, "Uncle." "Why is this so urgent?"

With a smile that stopped short of his eyes, Michael motioned her to sit. "I've learned some fascinating facts about Lucas and his most recent project," he stated. It appears that he has made the decision to bind himself to that florist girl in an effort to strengthen his position. Needless to say, this worries me.

A slight smirk formed on Gabrielle's lips. "You believe she poses a threat?"

"Not directly," acknowledged Michael. But it's obvious that Lucas thinks she's valuable. And we can take advantage of her frailty if she is significant to him.

Gabrielle's smile subsided and was replaced by a more contemplative one. "What do you suggest?"

Michael's eyes were bright with eagerness as he leaned forward. "We exert pressure. Of course, subtle, but powerful. I'll let you figure out the details. I just ask that you remind Lucas that his job is not secure and that his pet project can be taken down as easily as it was put together.

Gabrielle gave a hesitant nod, her thoughts already buzzing with potential. She got up from her chair and remarked, "Consider it done." "Lucas will be unaware of what struck him."

Michael gave himself a rare moment of satisfaction as she walked out of the room. He was going to play the game to win, and it was already in progress.

Tessa's keys jangled softly in the calm air as she locked up the flower shop on an unusually quiet night. The pavement was long shadowed by the lighting, and the only sound to shatter the stillness was the distant buzz of traffic. With her mind focused on the events of the day, she repositioned her purse on her shoulder.

A shiver went down her spine as she turned to head for her car. The night itself seemed to be holding its breath, and the air seemed oppressively heavy. She accelerated, her heels clicking on the sidewalk, the sound resonating strangely in the silence.

When she arrived at her car, her hands were a little unsteady as she struggled with her keys. A shadow shifted in the corner of her eye before she could unlock the door. Her heart skipped a beat, and she whirled, looking about in the dark.

"Who is present?" Her voice faltered as she called.

There was silence for a minute. Then a figure appeared out of the darkness. They moved with a predatory ease that made Tessa's entire body tense. They were dressed in dark attire, with a hood covering their face.

With a low, threatening voice, the figure replied, "You shouldn't have gotten involved."

With her mind racing, Tessa took a step back as her breath caught. She tried to maintain her composure as she answered, "I have no idea what you're talking about."

The figure moved forward, purposefully. "Miss Moonridge, you've made some formidable adversaries. You will now have to pay the fee.

She turned to escape as panic struck, but the stranger was faster. They took hold of her arm and yanked her back so hard that she fell to the ground. As she landed and her bag spilled its contents on the pavement, she felt a sharp pain.

The alley was illuminated like a flash of lightning as a dazzling light burst from the shadows before the figure could strike again. A low, guttural snarl filled the air, and the assailant flinched back, covering their face.

Tears clouded Tessa's vision as she gazed up, her heart racing. Between her and the assailant was a huge, dark figure with eyes that glowed strangely. The figure staggered back, their confidence vanishing as the beast roared loudly.

The assailant growled, "This isn't over," and vanished into the night.

As she gazed at the beast, Tessa stayed motionless, her chest heaving. As it moved closer, its gaze softened and it turned to face her. It looked scary, but she was overcome with a sense of safety rather than terror.

The creature fled into the darkness before she could say anything more, disappearing as swiftly as it had come. For a while, Tessa sat there, her mind straining to comprehend what had just transpired. She finally packed up her things and got into her car, her hands still shaking as she held on to the steering wheel.

Her mind raced as she drove off. Who had dispatched the assailant? What, more crucially, had saved her, and who? As she vanished into the darkness, the questions continued to pound on her like a storm cloud in her head.