13 Issues

I would never have imagined this particular scene in my head but seeing this right now made some things clear. Watching Brad dining with Arisa Meyer was definitely surprising but that was all there is to it. They were probably here to have some privacy seeing that Arisa wasn't named yet by the media even though they both know that there's a chance to encounter me here, albeit small, seeing how big the club is.

With another realization, I muttered, "This is probably the reason why Arisa hates me."

While I was musing to myself, Ethan interjected, "Did you suddenly realize that you like your ex?"

I glanced at him and I could see him looking at where the two seated before shifting his eyes on me from the rearview mirror.

"Don't be ridiculous," I frowned, to which he just chuckled. After a beat, I realized something, "How did you know who he was?"

"I read the news, Boss. His face was all over the articles with you of course but only some pictures. I noticed you two don't have many photos except for formal events," He replied, finally moving the car forward.

"What pictures? On the web?"

"What can I say? I was curious," he shrugged and I didn't mind what he does in his spare time so I just dropped the matter.

I undid my seatbelt when we arrived and told him, "I'll be staying here until the afternoon tomorrow so you can pick me up around that time," I exited the car and just when I was about to close the door, I glanced back to his questioning glance, hesitating for a bit then said, "Thank you for your help."

He just responded with that same bold smile that has been a frequent scene these past two days.

Drops of water dripped from my hair that was gathered in my front so I took out a small towel to dry it on my way out of the bathroom. The plush carpet was a welcome feel to my bare feet from all the running around these past days. The room was dim so the flashing light from my phone in the living room immediately grabbed my attention.

I moved to pick it up and walked towards the glass window where the nightscape of the club can be seen. The lively lights bring a certain cheer but it couldn't touch the frigid feeling inside me.

"How is it?" I opened the conversation with expectations.

"Sorry for calling late. The documents from the database that you needed compiled are all here. 5 years worth of data. Are we going to start the official investigation now?" Heather answered.

"Did you get the documents from Ethan as well for the comparison?" I clarified first.

"Yes, I have them all secured here as well."

"I want all the people involved on this issue named. Make sure to get foolproof evidence that can stand in court in case we need to bring it there. I'll make them cough out that money no matter what. Follow the money trail, Heather. I want to know who dared to orchestrate this whole matter. Most importantly, don't let the people in the company get wind of this," I ordered, my hand unconsciously clenched at the towel I was holding.

"I will, Miranda."

I suddenly remembered something crucial that drove the matter even deeper.

"Also, wasn't the external audit already done for this year? Have we received the report on that yet?" I knew it was pointless but there's still a little bit of hope inside me that wanted my suspicion to be wrong.

"We should be receiving it this month, however they didn't mention any problems with the company the last time I talked to them. The head of their team even praised the working structure of the company," she reported.

I let out a mirthless laugh, "They were supposed to find countermeasures for these problems but they're covering for it instead. I'll be going there first thing tomorrow so please tell Ethan the location."

I ended the call once I got Heather's confirmation. I gazed coldly at the view. The calm sea at the far side of the club was the complete opposite of the turbulent emotions inside me.

I wanted to immediately get rid of them but I had to be patient and wait for the perfect chance where they wouldn't be able to counter my decision. They really shouldn't have given me this opportunity. Since they were so kind to help me with this, I'll return the favor with interest.

The next day, I was deep in thought inside the car when I heard a low chuckle from the front. I glanced at the direction and saw Ethan grinning.

"I wouldn't want to be the one facing you today, Boss. You look like you're about to murder someone," he was looking at the road but his voice was filled with amusement.

"Good. My goal is intimidation today. It's time to slowly close in the net and round them up," my fingers drummed in my knee as I replied.

We finally arrived and I went out of the car immediately after Ethan parked. To my surprise, he was following me when he was just supposed to stay in the car and wait.

"I can be intimidating if I want to. Also, I'm acting as your backup in case they try to corner you," he offered, clearly having no plans to go back to the car.

"Did you practice some kind of martial art?" I asked curiously.

"No but they don't know that, do they?" he smirked.

I shook my head at his words.

"We're civilized people so we'll bring them down without violence," I muttered with a small smile, following his silly thoughts.

He was trying to lighten up my mood since earlier but I was too hung up on this matter to notice until now.

We walked past the busy entrance of a building and I had to stop in front of the austere feeling the company logo for Parker & Co was giving. My lips involuntarily quirked up with anticipation.

Let the games begin.

I strode towards the receptionist and stated my intent where they guided me the way towards Parker's office. I was immediately welcomed by Parker's secretary. North Industries have been a client here for a long time so we were quite familiar with each other.

"I know I didn't have an appointment but I needed to discuss something important with him," I informed his secretary seriously.

"Mr. Parker is still in a meeting but it's going to be over any minute now. Please wait here for a bit. I'll inform him of your matter."

We sat down at the waiting area but it wasn't even 5 minutes before Parker arrived, accompanied by his booming voice which called my name warmly, "Miranda, it's good to see you."

"Parker," I shook his hand but my tone was noticeably cooler compared to his.

He led me to his office while Ethan stayed back to wait. He was pushy about following me but he clearly knew his limitations without me needing to instruct him.

"Are you here for the audit report? I must say the company is getting better and better in your hands. You don't have to worry about it. I'm not seeing any issues so look forward to the official report," he comfortably began like I was just visiting as a friend.

I used to admire his interpersonal skills but now I only see it as his way to manipulate people into trusting him. I didn't bother hiding my doubts.

"Are there really no issues at all?"