Chapter 8: A Little Gift
1078words
After considering my question, he laughed. 'You should know that's not possible, Miss Guzman. I can't sell my shares in Reyes Legacy Jewels," he stated firmly.
'The word ‘impossible' is no longer in my dictionary, Mr. Dante. I won't spell out the consequences if my wish isn't granted. I want your shares, and I will get them," I replied.
'Are you threatening me, Miss Guzman? Is that how you conduct business?" he asked, his irritation growing.
'I will pay you twice what you would ever earn as a shareholder in Reyes Legacy Jewels. Name your price," I offered.
'You don't understand, Miss Guzman. I can't sell my shares, not even a portion of them," he repeated.
With a stern gaze, I pressed, 'You don't have to be stubborn about this, Mr. Dante. Or are you willing to trade your precious daughter's life for a mere 45 percent share?"
'That's enough, Miss Guzman!" he snapped, standing abruptly. 'I won't have you come into my home and threaten my daughter. Have you lost your mind? Do you realize I could have you arrested for this?" he warned.
I stood, a smirk tugging at the corner of my lips. 'You don't want to start something you can't finish, Mr. Dante. I want your shares, and I will get them. You have until the end of today to decide, or you will be responsible for whatever happens to your family," I declared before leaving with Gabriel in tow.
'Don't you think you are taking things too far, ma'am?" Gabriel asked as we headed back to the office.
'You don't know what you are talking about, Gabriel."
'I'm just looking out for you, ma'am. You can't keep threatening people's safety. What if they take action against you? It's going to affect not just the company but your personal life," he cautioned.
'Stop talking nonsense, Gabriel!" I snapped. 'You don't know anything about me, so stop acting like you do. No one says no to me. I get what I want, however and whenever I want it. Stop meddling in my business," I scolded, gritting my teeth.
'I'm sorry, ma'am."
'Keep your apology to yourself. Pull over at the nearest bar," I ordered.
'What?"
'Are you deaf now?" I groaned. He didn't say another word.
He pulled over at the nearest bar, and I got out of the car, heading inside.
'Stay back, Gabriel," I stopped him from following me.
'But I need to watch over you," he insisted.
'I'm not a child. I can take care of myself. Stay in the car," I ordered, walking inside.
There were a few customers in the bar, and soft music played in the background.
'Welcome to Bay City Bar, ma'am. Please have a seat," one of the waitresses greeted me politely.
'Is there a VIP room here?" I asked.
'Yes, ma'am, but it's currently occupied. You can still enjoy the tranquility of our bar in that corner over there," she suggested.
I thought for a moment. 'Fine. Get me two bottles of vodka martini," I ordered and headed to the empty couch in the corner. My drinks arrived almost immediately.
As I gripped the martini glass, the cool liquid burned down my throat. I welcomed the numbness spreading through my body, momentarily silencing the rage and hurt screaming in my head.
Tears welled up in my eyes as I gulped down another glass. No one seemed to understand anything. The pain was killing me slowly from within.
In a few minutes, I felt drowsy. I slumped on the couch, the ceiling spinning above me. I pointed at it and chuckled.
'Ma'am?" the waitress who served me called. I looked at her with squinted eyes.
'Are you twins?" I asked, pointing to her side. 'Forget it. Take my card from my bag. I have plenty of money in it. Withdraw as much as you can; it's still a tip. Just tell me where to find happiness. It's missing from my life," I said, breaking down in tears.
'You don't have to cry, ma'am," she said, sitting beside me and holding my hand. 'I understand how you feel."
'Nobody understands how I feel," I sobbed.
'Ma'am?" Gabriel rushed over. 'I will take it from here," he told the waitress.
'Okay. She has already paid," the waitress said before leaving.
'Come with me, ma'am. I will take you home," Gabriel offered.
'Why do you have three heads, Gabriel? There's a cone on one of them," I babbled, laughing.
He held me up as my legs buckled beneath me. 'Be careful, ma'am," Gabriel said, sweeping me up in his arms.
'Aren't you adorable, Gabriel?" I touched his nose, laughing. He said nothing, just started walking. 'Your nose looks like mine. I wish Razi had a nose like ours."
'That's enough, ma'am," Gabriel replied.
'It hurts, Gabriel," I whimpered.
Just then, my hand brushed a man's shoulder, and I gasped. My heart skipped a beat. He was heading inside, so I could only see the back of his head.
'Nathan?" I muttered.
***
'Here are all the files, ma'am," Gabriel said, handing me a folder.
'Gabriel?" I called as he organized other documents on my desk. 'Thank you for yesterday."
'It's my job, ma'am, no need to thank me," he said without looking at me.
I placed my hand on his, and he finally met my eyes. 'I'm sorry for taking my frustration out on you. I will try to control it next time," I apologized.
'I'm not upset, ma'am. You just need to be careful when dealing with men like that," he said. I withdrew my hand and nodded as I received a call from an unknown number.
'Now you are talking, Mr. Dante," I smiled into the phone before hanging up.
'What happened?" Gabriel asked.
'What do you think? Mr. Dante accepted my offer. He had no choice," I said, feeling proud of myself.
'Why do you think he accepted so easily?"
'Because his precious daughter means the world to him. He would rather die than risk her life."
'Is that his weakness?"
'Every man has a weakness, and I'm going to use it against them. And yes, his daughter is his weakness."
I received another call from one of my men. 'Yes?" I answered. 'Good. I want a perfect job, understood? Send the evidence to me directly," I instructed before hanging up.
'What are you up to, ma'am?" Gabriel inquired.
'Just a little gift," I smiled.
