Page 49 of Bastian

The image takes me back to the night in the Malibu house, where he filled my room with what I thought were thoughtful gifts.

Walking over to my desk, I touch the black bow on the large box. I look down at the box with a frown on my face. “Oliver.”

“Yes, boss?”

“Get rid of all of it.” I snap.

Oliver eyes me suspiciously, probably wondering what kind of maniac would want to get rid of what he presumes are expensive items just from the packaging. “All of it? What do you want me to do with them? Throw everything away?”

Thinking about it, I shrug. “Give them to the employees.” Looking down at the box, a shiver runs down my spine, almost like deja-vú. “All except this one.”

“As you wish,” Oliver says and then moves to take everything away.

Placing my phone down on the desk, I move to take off the bow on the box before taking the lid off. “No. You certainly don’t play fair, Sebastian.” I whisper under my breath so Oliver doesn’t hear me.

Inside the box, there is a huge, black and gold globe with the maps painted in gold. Taking it out, I notice some lavender pins and sticky notes.

What the hell…

Bending down, I notice a white note card sticking to the lid.

It’s still your world, darling. Can’t wait to explore it with you. Where to next?

Yours, even when you weren’t here,

Love you always,

Sebastian.

Thud.

Thud.

The traitorous organ beats wildly in my chest not at all concerned that the man is the reason why it’s broken.

The man and his lies, and don’t forget his selfish agenda.

Dropping the globe back inside its box, I round my desk, taking a seat. Something inside of me tells me that something has changed. Does he… no. Don’t be naive, Arianna.

You’re a challenge. A game to him.

The daughter of the man who murdered his parents. Nothing more.

He’ll hurt you again, and you know it.

Ping.

A message pops up on my desktop screen, and for a second, I think it’s another one of Sebastian’s annoying messages, but no. It’s an email from Nessa.

To: [email protected]

From: [email protected]

Subject: Thiago Sandoval - Crime lord (allegedly)

Boss,

I managed to grab some shots from Gary where it clearly shows the president entering and exiting the Sandoval residence in the late hours of the night. I attached the photos for your approval.

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