Chapter 138
How does she know that?
Theo’s meeting with King Corp wasn’t exactly broadcast on the news.
I have wondered who this source of hers was, and now I’m beginning to think it was definitely someone working in the Corp.
I nibbled on my nail. There was someone leaking information, a trusted source on her side, but what if that someone was trying to bring down the King’s name? I mean, Ares had so many enemies, and it wouldn’t be a shock if an employee were trying to bite him on the ass.
Looking at it from that perspective, it made sense.
Me: Yeah, I do.
I won’t ask how she got that info to rule out suspicion. I’m only venturing into this to find proof of what she said about Ares.
I waited for her to type, and when the text popped up, my heart dropped.
Jenna: Theo Mercer has been missing ever since the Hallows’ Gala or whatever the rich folks call that thing.
My breath hitched, and I quickly averted my gaze to Ares, who was still fixated on work; he was typing now, at his desk close to the window.
Me: Are you sure he’s missing?
He could be somewhere now or in the hospital after getting beaten up.
Jenna: Yes, I have someone working with the catering company who saw Theo Mercer being dragged by unidentified men.
Shit!
Jenna: Ares King was seen, too. Do you know anything about this?
I clenched my phone tightly. I don’t know anything. I last saw Theo with a bleeding nose before I left.
What did Ares do to him?
I flinched when I heard Ares push to his feet, and I quickly swiped off the chat. I really need to calm down. I’m not committing a crime here. Besides, it’s not like he could tell what I was doing.
I swallowed a lump in my throat as my mouth moved before I could stop it. “I can’t reach Theo p>
Ares moved his gaze to me, phone to his ear.
“I wanted to check if he’s alright after Nico and Reed bullied him.” I licked my lips, the next words making my mouth taste funny. “Did you kill him p>
Ares lingered on me before looking away, saying something and ending the call. “Why did you ask me that question p>
“Because… I saw you holding a gun to his head, your finger on the trigger. Y-You look like you wanted to kill him p>
“You were there… weren’t you? Hiding in the closet, a place you shouldn’t be p>
A chill shot up my spine. “I was p>
“You saw everything. What did you see p>
I clenched my fist. I didn’t see him pull the trigger, which means he didn’t kill Theo… right?
“Why did you have a gun?” I asked in a whisper. “Are all businessmen meant to carry one? I never knew they were always armed p>
“For safety. To avoid what happened at the masquerade ball p>
Why did I get the feeling he’s lying to me?
“Your violation of the contract is getting a handful p>
“Is it?” I countered.
“You speak of a third party p>
“Now we’re speaking about contracts, I should say the same for you. I had my hands wrapped around your cock. I have touched you p>
He ran a hand through his hair, and I despised how they bounced, luring me to run my fingers through them.
“Only because I let you. A mistake that won’t happen again p>
A twisted sensation found my chest as I murmured. “A mistake p>
Ares’ phone rang again. It took a while before he answered it, just observing my reaction as if to see how much his words affected me, but I didn’t show it and simply glared at him.
The corner of his lips tipped as he grabbed his phone and stepped outside to the terrace, while all the way, I beamed fire at him, and if my eyes could expel heat like Superman, I would have melted that fucking glass and him.
“Why did you ask to meet at a coffee shop?” Tori asked as she looked around like she was the alien here. “You know, when we last talked a week ago, I assumed you were gonna clash at my place or something p>
“I thought we should hang p>
“At an exclusive coffee shop? This coffee is the same price as my rent. What did they put in it, gold p>
I shrugged. “Well, think of it as cheat day, and I’m buying. Get lost and tell the tale later. What do you say p>
“Mmm She folded her arms and leaned back in her seat.
Uh-oh. She’s giving me that look. Did I really think she would brush this off? I underestimated my best friend.
“Why are we really here, Cat p>
“What do you mean?” I took a sip of my white chocolate mocha. “Mmm! This is really, really good. You should try it p>
“Gimme that!” Tori snatched the glass from me.
“Hey! You have yours right there p>
She pointed to my face. “Don’t you fucking lie to me p>
I sighed in defeat. “I really wanted us to hang out, though. It’s been long overdue p>
“But? Come on, I’m sensing a but, and whatever it is, I have a feeling it’s not good p>
“Don’t be negative p>
“I know you, Cat p>
I tapped my fingers against the table impatiently before looking over to Nico and Reed, a few tables away.
“I need you to distract them p>
Tori got confused. “Distract them. Why? What’s going on p>
“I’m meeting with someone, and I don’t want them to find out. Look, I didn’t wanna drag you into this, but out of everyone right now, I trust only you. Probably the only one who’s on my side p>
“Then be honest with me.” Tori held my hand. “I know you haven’t ever since you signed that contract. You know I can tell when you’re lying, and I hate to say this, but recently you’re getting better at it, and it worries me p>