To Hate My Stepbrother

Ava’s POV

Leaving there as fast as my legs could carry me, I bumped into someone and I couldn’t wait to tell her that I was sorry because I didn’t want them to come outside to see me rushing out of there.

Hurriedly, I made my way to Mason’s office. I couldn’t believe what I’d heard from Chad and his friend and the only person I could talk to was Mason.

“I really need to talk to you, can we go somewhere no one would hear us?” I asked breathlessly when I got to him and shocked to see me in that state, he stood to come to me.

Locking the door, he turned back to face me, “my office is soundproof, no one can hear what we say.” He replied and I swallowed as I thought of the best possible way to explain things to him.

Bringing out the evidence I filed earlier to show Chad, I showed everything to Mason and explained to him about how I thought that the person doing this was an employee of this company.

“The person does not only work in this company, they’re in the finance department and the money all went into the same offshore account without any trace.” I explained to him.

“I suspected that too and I’m looking into it but I haven’t gotten anything so far,” he sighed, “it’s part of the reason I asked you to transfer there.” He explained and I nodded.

“But what if I tell you that we have a suspect?” I asked and he raised an eyebrow as he stared at me in disbelief.

Without leaving a single detail, I explained everything I heard Chad and his friend talk about when I went there to show him what I’d found out.

“I’m telling you that the money they were talking about is the one that has been missing from the company, put the puzzles together Mason.” I finished.

Mason sighed as he paced around his office for a while, the silence in the room was deafening as I thought about what to do while Mason also did the same.

“Wait, are you really sure you heard him say these things?” He asked after a while of silence and I have never been more angry at something.

“Chad is one of the firm’s trusted financial agents and he’s probably been around for not too long but this is too big an accusation?” He added.

Rage flowed through me like hot lava with each word that came out of Mason’s mouth, “And I’m not to be trusted?” I snapped. I had no idea why but I was really angry.

“I heard him say all of those things and the first person I came to is you because I was looking out for you. I love you and I’m fucking worried about you.” I added calmly this time and Mason sighed as he held both my arms.

“I know you love me and I don’t doubt a thing you say,” He smiled as he assured me, “Okay, do you have proof? Like recording or a video, anything to make it easy for us?” He asked and I closed my eyes shut for a while.

“I was too shocked to do anything, I just wanted to come here and tell you all about it.” I sighed and Mason assured me that he was going to do something about it.

Before I left, Mason called his Private Investigator and explained everything I said to him. I was a little bit relieved when he told me that the private investigator will also look into it from his side.

Sighing, I made my way back to my office and I got so engrossed in my work that I had no idea how much time had gone.

Deciding to work late, I rounded up all I had to do and furthermore deepened my research. I tried to get an IP address or anything that would trace the money to Chad but I got nothing.

Tired, I stood to get my things and leave when my door flung open and the sight of Chad in my office got me scared. I could hear my heartbeat and I tried to force out a smile to hide the fear inside of me.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost.” He laughed and I joined him in the laughter as I told him that I thought he’d left already. I had no idea that he was still around.

“Yeah, I’m still around and that’s because I wanted to know what you’ve decided,” he started and I didn’t need a soothsayer to tell me what he meant.

“Given it a thought and made a decision about being my girlfriend?” He asked, my breath got caught in my throat but I summoned all of my courage.

“I told you my answer already, there’s nothing to think about, it is still No.” I answered and the sound of his laughter made me uncomfortably chilly.

“I was giving you some time to change your mind. You can’t just reject me.” He laughed and I stood firmly in front of me.

“I am not changing my mind and you should learn to deal with rejection. You’re my friend, a platonic one and I don’t love you. I never have and I never will.” I answered.

The vase clattering on the floor made me jump and scream in fear as I lifted my gaze to see Chad’s eyes glistening with anger. His breathing had paced and his face had already turned so red that it was easy to tell that he was pissed.

Shocked, I took a step back as he took one closer to me, “I’m sorry,” he whispered when he got to me and pulled me closer to him.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to scare or hurt you.” He added as he stroked my hair lightly and kissed it before turning to leave.

Hurriedly, I also packed the rest of my things and leave the office.