Page 56 of Deadly Secrets

“It is a possibility. I think you shouldn’t be alone at any point during the next few days. If you’re right, she’s not gonna like it when she realizes you’re living with us.”

Zayn was right. I was a bit scared about how the creep would react when they discovered I was staying in their apartment. The idea of being nannied didn’t sit well with me, but I recognized the risks of being alone on campus.

“Bring your schedule, and we can work something out,” Ander proposed.

We spent the next two hours going through my calendar and activities until we made sure someone was with me at all times, whether it was Maggie or any of them.

Chapter 22. THE ATTACK

(Sienna)

As Maggie and I made our way out of the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology class and headed toward the cafeteria, my phone began to ring. The screen illuminated, displaying Peter’s name on the caller ID.

“I’ll catch you in a bit,” I told Maggie.

“Are you sure? Ander will kill me if he knows I left you alone.”

“It’s four o’clock on a Wednesday. I think I’ll be fine. I need to pick up this call. I’ll see you in the cafeteria.” As Maggie walked away, I pressed the green button.

“Hello, Peter.”

“Hello, Sienna, how are things over there? Are you enjoying college?” Seeking a quieter spot, I scanned my surroundings and found an empty classroom to my left. I slipped inside and settled into one of the tables at the front of the class.

“Yes, I’m truly enjoying my time here, and I’ve made some friends. So far, it’s been good. I guess you’re calling me about the candidate for the CEO position, right?”

The line went quiet for a few seconds, and I checked the screen to make sure Peter was still connected to the call.

“Yes. We’ve received a couple of requests for the CEO position, but one of the candidates seems like the right choice. However, knowing he has a past with the company and your father, I wanted to make sure you had all the information from me before I could send you over the details.”

In that instant, my mind connected all the dots, and I recognized the name behind the request even before Peter spoke a word.

“William Scott has applied for the position, and I think he’s the best fit for the role.”

Before he could say anything else, I replied, “No.”

“Just hear me out,” Peter continued, “I know things went south between William and your father, but if you take a step back and look at the role, he’s our best option. He knows how things are done at Cos Pharmaceuticals; he knows everyone on the board, the company pipeline, and the work culture. He has continued to work in the business since he left the company and has contacts with many investors who could put money into our R&D department. He’s the best candidate, Sienna; please consider it before you make any rash decision.”

Peter was asking too much of me. He’d already decided since he strongly advocated for William Scott to take the role. However, a nagging feeling in my gut urged me to resist his proposal and seek an alternative.

My father exiled William for a reason, and accepting him as the new CEO felt like betraying my father and throwing away all the work and progress he’d made since William left Cos Pharma. If I at least knew what had happened between them, I could make an informed decision in the best interest of the company.

Maybe if I had a word with him…If he were to tell me why he and my dad broke their friendship, which not only affected their relationship but mine with Ander, maybe I could consider him for the position.

“I don’t know, Peter. I won’t give you an answer today. Could you give me at least a few days to think about it?” I asked.

“Of course, Sienna. You’re the major shareholder, so we need your vote in order to move forward and put an offer in front of him—if that is what you end up deciding.”

“Who’s voting in favor?” I questioned.

“Everyone wants William back. But the final decision is only up to you. I’m sure you will make the right choice by Cos Pharmaceuticals. Call me when you have reached a decision.”

“I will, Peter. Thanks for calling me.” I hung up the phone and put it in my back pocket.

A million thoughts clouded my mind. I just knew I needed more information because the unknown was too big, and I worried that I would fuck up just two months after inheriting the company.

Approaching the door, I reached for the handle, only to realize it was locked. Did someone lock me in without realizing I was inside? I mean, I was on the phone, definitely not whispering, and sitting in the front row…so it wasn’t as if no one would have spotted me if they happened to glance through the door window.

A sharp scratching noise behind me caught my attention, and a shiver ran through my body. I twisted around only to find a figure dressed in all-black, wearing a Purge mask, standing ominously at the far end of the classroom. They wielded a knife that methodically cut through the wooden panels on the wall as they walked down the steps. My lungs released a piercing scream as I swiftly turned around and tried to open the door. Despite my repeated attempts, the door wouldn’t give in. My desperate cries for help echoed through the empty corridors, but no one came to my aid. I was utterly alone and at the mercy of a twisted psycho. I bolted through the rows of seats, trying to get as far as I could from the masked freak, but they continued to chase me across the classroom. I could taste my fear in my mouth, the adrenaline pumping through my veins.

---