Chapter 6- Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

Anna stood outside the cafe, her fingers gripping the strap of her bag as she stared at the entrance. The address Daniella had sent her was nothing like she expected. It wasn’t a fancy restaurant or an exclusive club; it was a quaint little coffee shop tucked away in a quiet part of the city.

She pushed the door open, the gentle chime announcing her arrival. The air smelled of freshly brewed coffee and warm pastries, but the atmosphere felt anything but comforting. Her eyes scanned the room until they landed on Daniella, who sat in a corner booth, her perfectly styled hair and impeccable outfit standing out like a sore thumb in the casual setting.

Daniella’s lips curved into a warm smile as she spotted Anna. It was a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

“Anna,” she said, standing and extending a hand. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

Anna hesitated for a split second before shaking Daniella’s hand. “Of course. You said it was important.”

“Thank you. Please, sit,” Daniella said, gesturing to the seat across from her.

Anna slid into the booth, her posture stiff. She couldn’t ignore the unsettling feeling creeping up her spine.

Daniella folded her hands on the table, her gaze fixed on Anna with an intensity that felt almost predatory. “Thank you for coming. I know this might seem strange, but I felt it was necessary for us to talk.”

Anna tilted her head, feigning curiosity. “Talk about what?”

“About Jaden,” Daniella said, her smile softening. “And about you.”

Anna’s stomach tightened. “What about us?”

Daniella leaned forward slightly, her tone taking on a gentle, almost motherly quality. “Look, I don’t want you to think I’m here to cause trouble. I just. I care about Jaden, and I want what’s best for him.”

Anna arched a brow. “And you don’t think that’s me?”

“It’s not that,” Danielle said quickly, her expression earnest. “I’m sure you’re a lovely person, Anna. But Jaden, he’s complicated. His world is ruthless, and it’s not easy to survive in it. Trust me, I know.”

Anna felt a flicker of annoyance but kept her voice calm. “I’m aware of the challenges. I wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t prepared for them.”

Daniella sighed, her hand resting lightly on Anna’s. “I admire your confidence, but you have no idea what you’re walking into. Jaden’s father, the board, the investors—they’ll chew you up and spit you out the moment you show any weakness.”

Anna pulled her hand away, her eyes narrowing. “I appreciate the concern, but I’m not afraid of a challenge.”

Daniella’s smile faltered for a moment before she quickly recovered. “You’re braver than I expected. But bravery won’t protect you from heartbreak. Jaden, he doesn’t love you, Anna. This engagement, it’s going to ruin you. You’re a pawn in his game, and when he’s done with you, he’ll move on without a second thought.”

The words stung, but Anna refused to let it show. “I’m not naive, Daniella. What we do is none of your business, I can very well handle my own problems.”

Daniella’s eyes darkened, the warmth in her demeanor evaporating. “You’re making a mistake,” she said, her voice colder now. “You think you can just waltz into Jaden’s life and play the perfect fiancée? You don’t belong in his world, Anna. You’re out of your depth. Someone like you don't belong by his side,”

Anna straightened her spine, her gaze unwavering. “That’s not your decision to make.”

Daniella’s lips curled into a smirk, and for the first time, her polished facade cracked, revealing the sharp edges beneath. “You’re right. It’s not my decision. But don’t think for a second that I’ll sit back and let this happen.”

Anna’s heart pounded, but she refused to back down. “What exactly are you saying?”

“I’m saying that I’ll do everything in my power to stop this engagement, you don't deserve to be Mrs Blackwell.” Daniella said, her tone dripping with venom. “Jaden is mine, Anna. He always has been, and he always will be. You’re nothing more than a distraction—a temporary obstacle. And I have no problem removing obstacles.”

Anna clenched her fists under the table, her pulse racing. “You don’t scare me, Daniella.”

Daniella laughed, a low, chilling sound that sent shivers down Anna’s spine. “Oh, sweetheart, you should be scared. I am not someone you should mess with. You have no idea what I’m capable of. You have no idea what I can do to get Jaden.”

The tension between them was palpable, the cafe’s cozy atmosphere now feeling suffocating. Anna stared at Daniella, refusing to let her see the fear bubbling beneath the surface.

“You can try whatever you want,” Anna said, her voice steady. “But I’m not going anywhere.”

Daniella’s smile returned, but it was sharper now, more sinister. “We’ll see about that. Jaden may think he needs you right now, but I know him better than anyone. He’ll come back to me eventually. He always does. Because I'm the only woman for him, the right woman for him, not someone like you.”

Anna pushed back her chair and stood, her eyes locked on Daniella’s. “Good luck with that,” she said coolly before turning and walking out of the café.

As she stepped into the brisk air outside, Anna’s composure finally cracked. Her hands trembled, and her mind raced with everything Daniella had said.

But one thing was clear—Daniella wasn’t bluffing. She was a threat. The kind of threat that didn’t just linger in the shadows but thrived there, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Every interaction with her felt like a warning wrapped in silk, her words were venomous, slicing through Anna.

Daniella wasn’t someone to be underestimated, and certainly not someone to cross paths with lightly. Her presence was a storm—unpredictable, dangerous, and devastating if you were foolish enough to get too close. She was someone to be weary of.

Anna couldn't help but think, what had she gotten herself into?

She had to stop this marriage. She couldn't go on if it would put her and Lilly in danger.

But could she?