Chapter 339 This Isn't Over!
Anne's face turned a mix of red and white, anger and embarrassment battling it out. Suddenly, she switched gears and yelled, "Fine, you won't give it to me? Think about Skylar. Do you really think Skylar would want to see me like this?"
The second she mentioned Skylar, a wave of intense anger surged through me.
Trying to keep my cool, I said, "Anne, don't push it. Skylar likes you because she's kind-hearted and hates seeing anyone suffer. But now you're using her to blackmail me?"
"Why not?" Anne shot back, defiant. "When I was with Skylar, I spent so much time and effort playing with her. You should at least pay me for my time."
Anne's self-righteousness was beyond absurd.
"Ridiculous!" I shouted, my eyes blazing. "Do you realize this isn't just asking for money? This is extortion! If you keep this up, I can have you arrested for blackmail and make you face the consequences!"
When Anne heard the threat of being sent back to the police, panic washed over her face, and her breathing became rapid. Yet, she stood her ground, refusing to back down.
Frustrated, I sighed and pressed the alarm button on my desk.
Soon, the office door opened gently, and Sebastian and Nathaniel, two burly bodyguards, walked in with steady steps. Their presence filled the room with an oppressive atmosphere, making the air feel heavy.
Anne's face changed drastically when she saw the bodyguards. She quickly recognized them as Nicholas's former trusted aides.
Her eyes darted around, and she plastered a flattering smile on her face. Swiftly, she jumped off the desk and walked towards Sebastian and Nathaniel.
"It's been a while, hasn't it? Do you remember me?" she said in a sickly sweet voice, reaching out to touch Sebastian's shoulder.
But Sebastian and Nathaniel stood there expressionless, ignoring her completely.
Anne felt a wave of embarrassment but quickly tried again. "We used to see each other at Nicholas's place. I never thought you'd end up as Diana's bodyguards."
Sebastian and Nathaniel remained silent, their faces unmoved. Anne, feeling disrespected, found herself in a stalemate.
Unwilling to give up, Anne slid her hand down Sebastian's collar, trying to get closer.
Sebastian's expression hardened, and he stepped aside, saying coldly, "Anne, please don't disturb Ms. Cooper's work."
This was clearly an order for Anne to leave.
But Anne seemed oblivious to the underlying message, continuing, "We're old friends. Show me some respect. There's a little misunderstanding between Diana and me. Can you put in a good word for me?"Nathaniel, who had been quiet, finally spoke up, "Anne, we only follow Ms. Cooper's instructions now. Please leave immediately, or we'll have to take action."
Their firm stance clearly annoyed Anne. She glanced between Sebastian and Nathaniel, then turned to me, standing silently. Realizing she wouldn't gain anything by causing more trouble and might even end up in jail, she gritted her teeth and stomped her foot.
With a dramatic turn, her long hair whipped through the air, brushing against Nathaniel's chest. She smoothed her hair and walked briskly towards the door, her high heels clicking sharply against the floor.
At the door, she stopped and glared at me with hatred. "Diana, this isn't over!" she spat before yanking the door open and storming out.
Sebastian and Nathaniel followed her out, leaving the office in sudden silence. The chaos and noise left with Anne, but my nerves were still on edge.
Lila's disappearance deeply worried me, and I was at a loss. I tried calling her again, but there was still no answer.
Lila's sudden disappearance was too strange. I couldn't help but wonder if it was related to the legal issues our overseas project was facing. Had she uncovered something that put her in danger?
With growing concern, I picked up the phone and called Lila's assistant.
When the call connected, I asked anxiously, "This is Diana. Where is Lila?"
The assistant sounded confused, probably not expecting my call. She replied, "Ms. Cooper, Lila received an urgent notice from your overseas project contact this morning. They requested an immediate meeting. She left in a hurry without all her documents to avoid delaying the project."
"An urgent meeting? So suddenly?" My unease deepened. "Has there ever been such an urgent meeting before? And have you heard from her since she left?"
The assistant hesitated, then replied, "No, Ms. Cooper. This was very sudden. Previous communications were all via email. Lila left in a rush and hasn't contacted us since."
I hung up and paced the office, my mind racing. Lila was always meticulous. She wouldn't leave so abruptly unless it was urgent. Her disappearance suggested the overseas project was more complicated than I thought.
Lanny's image flashed in my mind. He was known for his ruthless tactics and had shown interest in our overseas project. Considering the trouble Fiona faced during negotiations, I suspected Lila's disappearance might be connected to him.
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