Page 166 of My Ruthless Opponent

Archer chuckles beside me. And I glare at her.

“You are going to pay for that,” I say calmly.

“W-what?” Mia pales.

I lean back in my seat. “I am going to punish each one of y’all.” Brielle goes to open her mouth. I cut her off. “Pass on my message to others who are working unlike you both.”

Brielle goes to stand beside Mia. Both of their heads bowed down.

“The punishment is… that you all are strictly prohibited to work today.”

Their shoulders droop, then as if they didn’t believe my words, their heads snap up.

I smile. “The wedding arrangements are done. You guys can take the day off. Today might be the last day for you guys to go sightseeing.”

“Yes!” They cry out and rush to me. One on each side, they crouch and squeeze me into a hug. I smile.

“But cross-check with Raleigh’s team… you know the tradition. We’ll have to attend their victory celebration.”

“You’re the best!” Mia hugs me one more time. Brielle makes me laugh when she kisses my cheek.

Just then my phone rings. My smile falters when I see the name flashing on the screen.

Davis.

It’s the second time my PI has called me on this number.

I excuse myself and push to my feet.

I let the call go to voicemail. And wait until I am in the safety of my suite. I fish out my burner phone and call him.

He answers on the first ring. “Ms. Lockwood.”

“Yes?”

“I’ve got one good news and bad news. Which one would you like to hear first?” Mr. Davis asks in his deep voice.

I swallow. “Bad news.”

“We lost him. I had a few of my men investigate the area he was last seen. A group of men were holding him against his will in a warehouse. They must have sensed us keeping a watch because last night they evacuated the place.”

My legs give out and I collapse on the bed. “What’s the good news then?”

“I have some information on the employer these men are working for.”

“I am listening,” I say numbly.

“He is from LA. We are still working on tracing his identity.”

“Okay.” My eyes are stinging.

What do I do with this information? Someone has kidnapped the man I am looking for. Maybe he has the same motive as mine. I would never know.

After a year, I had a spark of hope which has now dwindled. With him gone, I’ll never be able to get justice.

“I am sending you the details. You have to wire the money by tonight.”

I agree then hang up.

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