Chapter 107

\*\*ARIELLE'S POV\*\*



After the party last month, I somehow managed to convince Luciana to stay at the mansion with us.



For some reason, I had this feeling that she wasn't safe, and staying outside the mansion was quite risky for her.



I never joke with my instincts, so I insisted she move in.



And Duncan...he's been quite distant lately, spending hours in his studies, reading books. Which is so unlike him. 



I wonder what changed though.



It's Monday again, and today I've got another meeting with Clara, the White Wolf.



I've noticed a rather strange energy between herself and Cub, and for some reason, it's causing some form of unease to linger deep within me.



I'll get that resolved today, I don't care how...



I slipped into my navy blue blazer, before putting my gaze at the standing mirror.



Satisfied with my appearance, I turned around and walked out of the room.



I'm pretty sure Cub is already tired of waiting... I just have to look good, although Duncan is quite busy right now.



I'm still his woman and a fashion icon. I should dress to befit the status.



As I made my way downstairs, I saw Luciana seated on a couch, waiting for me. She was dressed in her usual casual attire...not nerdy this time.



Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she saw me.



"Are you ready Cub?" I asked her, noticing her gaze fixed solely on me.



"I'm ready," She replied, looking away from me.



"Let's go then," I said with a small smile, and began making my way outside.



Instead of looking away, she could have just dropped a complement.



...



We finally arrived at the office, and I sighted Clara's car in the parking lot.



Is she that tidy?



I need to know what the energy between them is. The only way that is possible, is to be present in the conference room before Luciana steps in, so I get to see the first eye contact they make.



I seriously hope it isn't what I think, else Clara wouldn't like my reaction.



I handed Luciana my bag, and a document I could have just left in the car, or taken along with me. 



"Please drop these in my office, and meet me in the conference room immediately," I said sternly.



But weirdly, Luciana didn't move an inch, instead she stood there, with her mouth ajar, staring at me shocked.



What's that?



"You have a problem with that?" I raised a brow, rather confused.



"No ma'am" she muttered, shaking her head. "I'll join you shortly."



"Alright then, don't be long."



I took the elevator to the conference room, while she took the other one.



As I stepped into the conference room, I sighted Clara, seated next to the head table on the right.



As usual, she was dressed to slay, yet in a not so provoking manner.



She took her gaze off her phone and the moment they met mine, a wide smile found its way to my lips.



"Hey ma'am." She got up, walking to me. "It's so good to see you." 



I smiled warmly, extending my hand for a handshake. "It's great to see you too." I replied, adjusting my mask of professionalism.



Our last meeting didn't end quite well, and if not for Duncan's intervention, I'd have acted rashly.



But you see, today's meeting will be quite different… I'll find out what I need to know, and prove to Duncan that my intuition never lies.



As we shook hands, I couldn't help but notice the way her eyes seemed to gleam with curiosity and caution at the same time, as though she was trying to determine what I was thinking.



I released her hand, gesturing for her to take a seat. 



"Please Clara, have a seat. We have a lot to discuss," I said, still maintaining my professionalism despite my suspicion. 



She nodded, smiling again as she took her seat. I followed suit, taking a seat at the head of the table.



"We're just going to wait a little for my assistant." I said softly, and I could see her eyes flash with mischief before she quickly concealed it.



Just then the door creaked open, and Luciana walked in. The moment she did, I noticed her gaze and Clara's lock, then some weird gestures I couldn't place my hands on.



Trying to ease the tension, I muttered. "Now that we're all here, let's get started." I turned to Luciana, wondering why she was still standing. "Cub takes a seat." 



She nodded, and sat beside me, directly opposite Clara.



My phone rang, interrupting my next words. I excused myself for taking it, but the moment I got outside, I ended the call and decided to eavesdrop on the conversation I was sure they'd have.



I heard Cub call her Chestnut...oops, she found out about Luciana already.



I thought about letting their beef slide, since it seemed so much like a childhood rift, but Clara's words stopped me.



"I'm not even interested in Arielle's shitty partnership, I only wanted to see for myself if you were still alive."



Gracious heavens...



I can't exactly say I was disappointed, since that would be way too mild to express my dissatisfaction.



I'm glad I got to hear it myself.



I made my way back into the conference room. If she's no longer interested, then there's no need for us to waste our time here.



As I walked in unnoticed, the sight before me shocked me.



Clara's hands were already in the air, ready to hit Cub.



"You touch her, and you're a goner..." I smirked and as though she knew I heard her earlier.



She fell on her knees.



Whatever happened to being sleek and elegant?



She began apologizing, but that...doesn't matter anymore.



"Save whatever you have to say, and get out...your services are no longer required..."



As Clara scrambled to her feet, I could see shock and anger in her eyes. But I don't care. I was more concerned about Luciana, who looked pale and surprised.



"Cub, are you okay?" I asked her.



She nodded, still looking a bit dazed. "Y-yes, ma'am fine."



"Good then, let's get out of here." I said, totally ignoring Clara.



As we walked out of the conference room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Although the feeling that this wasn't the end of it, and Clara was definitely returning, slightly lingered.



She didn't look to me like someone who'd taken defeat... That's her business, anyway.



...



The rest of the day passed in a haze, and soon it was evening already, the close of work for the day.



Luciana stepped into my office. For the first time since we left the conference room, it isn't her fault was anyway, I didn't send for her.



"Good evening ma'am." She greeted him with a small bow.



"Evening Luciana." I replied and handed her some files. "Let's get going."



She gasped, shocked. "Already?"



Wait what? It's 6 p.m, so why the shock?



"Are you okay?" I asked softly and she nodded. 



Now that reminds me... 



"I said you were going to learn self-defense the last time, right?"



Her eyes drifted to mine and she nodded slowly.



"Are you still interested?"



I saw excitement flash through her eyes.  "Yes...I thought you weren't going to take me there anymore, maybe you were upset or something."



I chuckled at her silliness. "What... No?" I muttered. "I guess we just got so caught up with a lot."



"We'll talk better about it when we get home." I added, and with that, we walked out of the office.



It's Sara's duty to close the doors, so yes...I don't have to bother about it.



As Luciana and I stepped into the elevator, a sudden feeling of unease swirled within me. I shook it off, sure it wasn't something serious.



As we stepped out, the unease lingered, this time stronger than previously. It settled in the pit of my stomach, though my instincts were warning me of an impending danger, but I couldn't quite understand. 



As we made our way down the hallway, the sensation only lingered.



Then suddenly...my nostrils caught a familiar scent which unmistakably belongs to one person... Adrian.



Before I could regain composure or find him, or even take cover, he was already standing beside me with a smirk.



And with a swift, deadly motion, his hand flashed towards me, and I felt a steering pain in my abdomen. I looked down horrified, as I realized I'd just been stabbed...