Chapter Twenty—Aldrich’s POV—Set Up

Kahlan Walsh was an insufferable, walking disaster.

I should have left her exactly where she stood that night—humiliated, begging at my feet. But instead, I had given her another chance. Why?

The thought gnawed at me as I sat in my office, tapping my fingers against the desk, staring at nothing.

What was it about this woman that kept me bound to her like I was just some dumb piece of shit. What was this thing that flared up within me anytime I glimpsed her? Something that just couldn't make me throw her out and forget her for good?

I wasn't the kind of man who gave second chances. I wasn't the kind of man who tolerated stupidity. And yet, against all logic, I had allowed that woman back into my business.

It made no sense.

And the worst part? She was already screwing it up again.

The moment Kahlan disappeared during the business trip, I should have known she was trouble.

One second, she had been working under me, and the next? Gone. No call, no text, nothing.

I had no patience for incompetence. So, I handled the situation the way I handled everything else—with efficiency.

I had picked up the phone and called Amelia.

"Book the next flight to London," I told her, my tone clipped. "I need someone I can actually rely on."

There had been no hesitation on her end. Amelia was sharp, professional, and didn't act like a goddamn child. Unlike Kahlan.

Of course, I hadn't told Amelia why I was bringing her in.

I hadn't mentioned that something felt off about Kahlan's disappearance. That a small, unwelcome part of me thought there was more to the story.

I buried that thought immediately.

If she wanted to leave, fine. I had no use for unreliable employees.

But then—she had called.

I could still hear her voice, hesitant yet defiant. "I just needed time away… to spite you."

I had flared up immediately.

"So, you abandoned your responsibilities because you wanted to be petty?" I had snapped.

She had stammered through excuses, and I had cut her off.

"You're done, Walsh. Stay out of my life."

I meant every word. I had been ready to walk away.

But then—

She had thrown herself at my feet.

Begging. Crying.

Clinging to my goddamn leg like I was the only thing keeping her alive.

It had been embarrassing. Infuriating.

And yet—I let her back in.

Even now, sitting in my office, I couldn't understand why.

I had been trying to move on. To refocus on the only thing that mattered—the Redmont deal.

But Kahlan, as always, had to get in the way.

I had been watching her all morning, and something was off.

She wasn't just acting weird—she was acting like a guilty criminal. Jumpy. Nervous. Like she was hiding something.

And then, out of nowhere, she had decided to interfere in my business.

"I don't think the Redmont deal is a good idea."

She had actually said that to my face.

Like she had any right.

Like she had any clue what she was talking about.

I had shut her down immediately, but the irritation hadn't faded.

Who the hell did she think she was?

Why was she even inserting herself into my affairs?

I was done playing games.

I had called her to my office that moment as I took some files, preparing myself for the signing of the Redmont deal the next day. 

She flinched in the distance.

Good.

She hesitated for a second before stepping into my office, shutting the door behind her.

She stood there, rigid, hands clenched.

I didn't tell her to sit.

It was then we had the conversation about what was off with her and she had told advised me against what to do…

In my own fucking business!

I leaned back in my chair, staring at her in complete disdain.

"You want to tell me why you suddenly care about my business deals?" I asked, voice dangerously calm.

She looked down. "I was just… concerned."

I scoffed. "You? Concerned?"

She swallowed. "I just don't want you making a mistake."

My jaw tightened.

"Let me make something very clear to you, Walsh." I stood up, walking around the desk, stopping inches away from her.

I lowered my voice. "You don't get to tell me how to do business. You don't get to decide what's risky and what's not. Your only job is to answer the goddamn phone and take notes."

She looked like she wanted to say something.

I wasn't interested.

"If I catch you interfering again," I murmured, voice cold as ice, "you won't have a job to beg for next time."

I saw something flash in her eyes.

Was that fear?

No. Something else.

Something I didn't have the time to figure out.

"Get out," I snapped.

She hesitated, then walked out without another word.

Well, everything that happened has happened and at this point, I just wanted to convince myself that I could move on, sign the goddamned deal I came to London for and move back to New York. London was annoying enough. 

I tried to push everything out of my head as I walked into the private boardroom where the Redmont deal would be finalized.

Frederick Cane and Donovan Blake were already seated, along with the rest of my business associates. Langley was present, his eyes trailing on Kahlan in a stupid way I couldn't give a darn about. Let him have his way with the dumb girl for all I cared, as long as it didn't disturb my work. 

Kahlan stood beside me, silent, as I approached the table.

This was the moment I had been waiting for.

I took my seat, greeted the men, and reached for the file.

Calm. Collected. Ready to secure the future of Kingsport.

I opened the folder.

And everything froze.

The entire stack of documents was shredded.

Not torn. Not damaged.

Completely, utterly destroyed.

My chest tightened.

I stared at the remains of what was supposed to be a billion-dollar contract, my brain refusing to process it.

For a moment, the room was dead silent.

Then I heard it.

Low murmurs.

A chuckle.

A few of the men exchanged glances, smirking.

I looked at Kahlan.

She was frozen in place, eyes wide.

She looked horrified.

And for the first time since I had hired her, she looked completely, absolutely innocent.

Which meant—

This wasn't her.

Someone else had done this.

Someone had set me up.

Or was it her?

Was it Kahlan?!