Fated to the Ruthless CEO

“Don’t you think this is another move from your enemy? It’s undoubtedly an inside job,” Amber stated, with a voice of apprehension. The realization that their adversary might be someone Devlin had placed trust in was unsettling. The proximity of their unknown enemy added a layer of unease to their problem, making it all the more challenging to identify the mastermind behind these actions.

“I’ve been waiting for years to uncover this person’s identity, and it’s been nothing short of frustrating,” Devlin admitted. Shifting the topic slightly, he continued, “By the way, I received a call from Abby. She’s coming tonight to discuss her investigation. She’s found a lead, although nothing is certain at this point. I just wanted her to come to see what she got for us.” Devlin held onto a sense of hope for any potential breakthroughs in the investigation.

“It’s good to hear that Abby’s making progress,” Amber said, breaking the sudden silence between them. “We’ve been hitting dead ends for so long that any lead, no matter how uncertain, is a glimmer of hope.” Amber’s words made Devlin somehow calm.

An hour later, Amber settled into Devlin’s office, opting to engage in some work-related tasks for her own endeavors. Her activities mainly comprised follow-ups and coordination with her newly hired secretary. Meanwhile, Devlin remained engrossed in his phone calls and meetings, tending to the pressing matters surrounding his company. The two shared a space in Devlin’s office, each occupied in their respective responsibilities.

In the afternoon, Devlin was briefed by a private investigator, Agent Smith, regarding the company’s missing funds. The investigative team had diligently collected all available evidence and thoroughly looked into persons of interest. Given the complexity of the situation and the numerous individuals involved, identifying the responsible party for the ongoing problem within the company might require additional time and effort.

“I really want you to speed up this investigation. We don’t have much time.” Devlin sounded frustrated. Who wouldn’t? He can’t afford another huge problem when they are still trying to figure out who is behind all these problems.

“I completely understand your urgency, Mr. Wesley,” Agent Smith responded, his tone calm and reassuring. “We’re fully aware of the time constraints and the importance of resolving this situation quickly. Rest assured, our team is working around the clock to gather as much information as possible.”

Devlin let out a sigh, his frustration still visible. “I know you guys are doing your best, but every minute counts at this point. The company’s reputation is on the line, and we can’t afford any more setbacks.”

Agent Smith nodded, empathizing with Devlin’s concerns. “I want to assure you that we’re prioritizing this investigation. We’ve already been able to uncover some leads, and we’re following up on them diligently. We’re also coordinating with various departments to ensure we have a comprehensive understanding of the situation.”

Devlin’s tone softened slightly. “I appreciate the effort, Agent Smith. It’s just that the uncertainty is affecting everyone here. The longer this drags on, the more it impacts our operations.”

“I understand the ripple effect this situation is causing,” Agent Smith replied. We’re not only focused on identifying the responsible parties but also on minimizing any further disruptions to your operations. We’ll do our best to finish this investigation as soon as possible.”

Devlin hesitated for a moment before speaking again. “Is there anything more we can do to assist your team? Any resources or information you need from our end?”

“Your willingness to collaborate is greatly appreciated, Mr. Wesley. If you could provide us with any internal data, employee records, or access to security footage, it would certainly help us piece together the puzzle. The more we can align our efforts, the faster we can make headway.”

“Consider it done, Agent Smith. I’ll have our IT department prepare the necessary information for you. Let’s work together to put an end to this before it escalates any further.”

Amber was quiet the whole time while listening to Devlin’s conversation with the detective. They could not drag Abby to investigate the issue in the company right now as she also has a very important job to do.

“Babe, let’s go home.” Devlin’s exhausted voice made her heart ache with concern. She could see the fatigue etched in every line of his face, and the weight of his words tugged her heart. Wrapping her arms around his waist, she offered a gentle squeeze, a wordless reassurance that she will always be there for him.

She showed her expression of love and understanding towards her husband. “Let’s call it a day, my love. You deserve a break”

Devlin’s fingers found hers, intertwining in a familiar comfort. “I don’t tell you enough how much I appreciate you,” he confessed.

Her eyes met his, a soft twinkle of affection lighting up her gaze. “Actions speak louder than words, my love. And I see it in everything you do.”

As they walked towards their car, the world around them seemed to quiet down, giving them space to simply be together.

He squeezed her hand, his weariness momentarily forgotten. “I’m grateful to have you by my side, wife.”

Exhausted, they drove home, fully aware that they still have to face Abby – a conversation that Devlin had been anticipating. Abby’s arrival was delayed until late at night. She almost couldn’t make it.

“Good evening, Abby. How are you? I am glad that you were able to make it.” Amber greeted Abby as she entered their home. Abby’s appearance had undergone a significant transformation since her days as Amber’s secretary. Now, she sported a striking ensemble: a black bodysuit paired with leather pants and boots. The whole outfit was elegantly rounded off with a sleek leather jacket.

“I can’t believe seeing you like this. You look so different.” Amber commented in awe.

“I am sorry I didn’t have time to change into something casual. I just got back from an errand.” Abby said casually while smiling at her.

“How are you holding up?” Abby inquired Amber, enveloping her friend in a warm hug. Judging by her observations, it appeared that both Amber and Devlin were visibly fatigued and burdened.

“Hi Abby. I hope you have something important for us.” Devlin interrupted. He just wanted to go directly to the purpose of their meeting tonight.

“Well, I’ve stumbled upon something intriguing. However, I haven’t yet managed to definitively identify the individual responsible. I haven’t uncovered any discernible motive tying him to the act, but I have managed to gather a collection of information that points in his direction,” Abby conveyed, causing Amber’s heart to quicken its pace. She exchanged an apprehensive glance with Devlin, who mirrored her unease.

“Who is it? Who’s the person we’re looking at?” Devlin’s voice dropped to a near whisper. An instinctive feeling warned him that this could indeed be the individual they were after, and the prospect of unveiling his identity left him on edge.

Abby reached for a brown envelope and handed it over. Within its confines lay a collection of documents and a photograph of the suspected mastermind. Devlin’s hands trembled as he accepted the envelope, his anticipation mingled with anxiety.

“Hell, no!” Devlin’s eyes widened significantly as he laid eyes on the photograph.

Amber hurriedly went to check the picture herself. Even she couldn’t contain her gasp when she finally uncovered the identity of the possible mastermind behind it all.

“Are you certain about this, Abby? It’s truly shocking. I never even remotely considered him being involved in any of this. But to be the mastermind?…” Devlin closed his eyes, his emotions no longer concealable.

“Every piece of evidence we gathered right now points to this individual. However, they are not serious enough to pin him down.” Abby stated firmly.

“So, what’s our next step? Something came up today. Someone has been stealing money from the company. And I highly believe that this is linked to our mastermind,” Devlin declared without hesitation.

“I can’t help but wonder about his motivation behind all of this. What has driven him all these years?” Devlin questioned, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

“We don’t really know but we have to keep moving so all of these are soon beyond us.” Amber suggested. She wanted to be brave for her husband. Looking at him right now, he felt so betrayed.

“That’s precisely why we must make a concrete plan to finally bring him to justice,” Abby remarked, her body now sprawled wearily across the sofa. It had been an arduous day for her, filled with relentless investigation into the individual in question. She had even risked entering his office to gather further evidence. She narrowly escaped detection by hiding within a cabinet. The most frustrating aspect was that he had remained holed up in his office, engrossed in paperwork, for hours on end. Abby found herself trapped for over five painstaking hours until their culprit finally emerged from his office. This unexpected delay was the reason for her late arrival at Devlin’s mansion, aside from the fact that her destination had been quite a distance away from the city.

“You looked exhausted, Abby.” It was Amber’s concerned voice that got Abby’s attention. Devlin looked at her closely after his wife’s comment.

“You better stay for the night. I have one of the guestrooms ready for you.” Amber immediately called one of the maids to do her bidding. Devlin watched his wife before she entered one of the guestrooms.

“I am also exhausted tonight. Let’s make a plan tomorrow.” Said Devlin while massaging his neck. Abby simply nodded at him. She almost fell asleep on the sofa when Amber gently woke her up and led her to her room.

“Good night, Abby. It is so good to see you again. And I am so grateful for your help.” She closed the door and retreated to their master’s bedroom.