Anger

"I need to see Aiden Hawk," Serena said, trying to keep her voice steady and keep the anger at bay.

Aiden Hawk had been conspicuously avoiding her for days. Specifically, because she had dared to question him about any leads in his investigation into her past. He was the one who'd proposed the contract, making the terms that he would help her find the answers. 

She felt a pang of frustration mixed with hurt. Aiden's evasiveness was not just a breach of contract; it was a personal betrayal. He was the only one she had been relying on.

What felt worst was that she was fine if he didn't want to help her. After all, the man had no other obligation to her. But he'd even gone so far as to instruct the hospital to withhold all infortmation from her. Why? Did he have something to hide? 

The receptionist's smile faltered slightly as she gave her a look. "Do you have an appointment, ma'am?"

Serena shook her head. "No, but it's urgent. Please, can you just let him know that Serena is here?"

The receptionist hesitated, then picked up the phone. Serena watched her, tapping her foot impatiently. After a brief, murmured conversation, the receptionist hung up and looked at Serena apologetically.

"I'm sorry, ma'am. Mr. Hawk is currently in a meeting and cannot be disturbed."

Serena narrowed her eyes, "You did not mention my name."

"I am sure you think it is important that I mention your name ma'am. But Mr Hawk would not see anyone without an appointment, no matter what your name is."

"I assure you that he will meet me. If you just take my name."

"I am sorry, ma'am. How about I guide you to Miss Pratt? She can help you. She is used to dealing with Mr Hawk's... affairs."

Serena fumed. 

Miss Pratt must be referring to Aileen Pratt! That's the last person she wanted to meet now. And she's handling his affairs, was she? Serena tapped her nails on the table. She glared at the receptionist before making a phone call. 

As expected the phone went unanswered but this time, she left a voicemail,"Honey, I am at the reception butthe receptionist is not letting me in. I'm getting so angry..." As she moved away from the receptionist, she threatened, "You've left me no choice.. I think I'm going to go to the media and ask them for help in looking into my past..."

Meanwhile, the receptionist had already made a call of her own," Miss Pratt. It is someone named Serena. She is insisting that she needs to see the CEO."

"Who does she think she is?! Get rid of her," Aileen scoffed at the other end of the line.

The receptionist put down the phone and summoned the security to make Serena leave.

"Ma'am, we're going to have to ask you to leave," one of the guards said, reaching out to guide her away from the desk.

"Don't touch me!" Serena glared at the guard while she stood there fuming," I am not going anywhere until I've seen Aiden."

The guards moved closer, one of them gently but firmly taking hold of her arm. "Please, ma'am, we don't want any trouble."

"Let go of me!" Serena shouted, struggling against the guard's grip.

The commotion drew the attention of several employees, who began to gather and whisper amongst themselves. Just as the situation threatened to spiral out of control, the elevator doors at the far end of the lobby opened. Aiden Hawk stepped out, his expression dark and brooding.

"What is going on here?" Aiden's voice cut through the chaos like a knife.

The receptionist paled as she stuttered "Mr. Hawk, I'm so sorry for the commotion. This…this lady here, she was refusing to leave and so I..."

Aiden raised a hand to silence her and bit out at the guards," Unhand my wife, right now."

The guards immediately released Serena, stepping back as Aiden approached. Even from this distance they could sense his fury. Serena rubbed her arm, glaring at the receptionist, who was now visibly trembling ar her own foolishness and then at Aiden.

So, he could come down after a threat, hmm? Incensed, she then turned around, ready to leave without speaking to him. 

"Where do you think you're going?" Aiden warned. 

A shiver ran down her spine. Serena turned back slowly around. He grabbed her by her wrist and dragged her to the elevators without giving her a chance to say anything. 

Once inside the elevator, he let go of her wrist but the moment she tried to walk off, he stood in front of her, blocking her way. And as soon as the elevator doors were closed, Serena found herself sandwiched between the elevator wall and Aiden Hawk.

"I don't take lightly to threats, Serena," he said, his voice low and menacing. "What do you think you're doing?"

Serena squared her shoulders, meeting his gaze head-on even as his nearness made it difficult for her to breath. "I had no other choice. You've been avoiding me, Aiden and I need answers. You promised to help me. You can't just shut me out and expect me to sit quietly and wait."

Aiden's jaw clenched. "You think making a scene in my office is going to get you what you want? You think threatening to go to the media is going to work?"

"It got your attention, didn't it? And I wasn't the one who made a scene. None of this would have happened if you had not tried to evade my questions!" Serena shot back. "I need answers, Aiden. And I won't be ignored. What have you done until now to investigate? What are your findings?"

"You will know when I think it is the right time for you to know. Or else..."

"Or else nothing! Aiden Hawk! You don't want to tell me then so be it! I'll investigate myself!"

"You will do no such thing." Aiden warned her to which Serena raised her chin challengingly," Try me, Aiden Hawk! I am getting the answers I want. By hook or by crook!"

Aiden's grip on her chin tightened. A slow smile spread across his face. Serena blinked at the sudden shift of expression, her breath hitched as he traced her lips with his thumb. 

Leaning in, he whispered, "Is that a challenge, my sweet wife? Hmm?" His breath brushed against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

Serena's resolve wavered for a moment, her body responding instinctively to his closeness. Her eyes fluttered shut as she leaned into him, her lips parting slightly. She tiptoed, bringing their lips close. 

But just as they were about to meet, Serena smirked and pulled back.Her eyes flutteredopen with a mischievous glint. She placed a hand on his chest and pushed him back, "You think you can distract me that easily, husband?" she murmured, her voice sultry. 

She leaned in, her lips grazing his ear, her breath hot against his skin. "Nice try, but I won't be so easily swayed."

Aiden smiled and caught her neck, "We'll have to see, won't we?"