Page 200 of My Ruthless Neighbor

Hannah inhales deeply then says, “We are going to get through this.” She squeezes his hand before looking around. “You hear me?”

Everyone looks up from their computer screens. “Let’s show them who we are!”

Raleigh nods. “They are going to regret this.”

“They are!” Brielle slaps her desk, making me jump. Nina cracks her fists. “They messed with the wrong team.”

“Fuck yeah.” The entire floor roars with furious words and renewed energy.

“What’s done is done. We can’t change it.” Hannah speaks. “But what we do now matters the most.”

Raleigh takes a slow turn, looking at the team. “Our concept may be all over the internet right now. They may be enjoying the rave reviews but it won’t last long. Let them enjoy the 2 minutes of fame. Because we are going to take what’s rightfully ours.”

Everyone starts clapping and slapping their desks. It’s truly inspiring. Their spirit.

They are facing a crisis. Somebody stole their work which they spent countless hours on. And still, they’re pumped up with energy instead of feeling depressed.

The credit goes to Hannah and Raleigh. They really are the best Creative Directors and leaders the team could ever ask for.

Just minutes ago, the faces that were grim and somber now lightened up because of the motivation they received from their leaders.

“I’m stunned.” I shake my head. “Who would risk legal consequences for a mere ad campaign? What is the agency’s name?”

“Genesis Media.”

My body goes still at that voice. I turn to face Archer who’s standing a few feet away from me. The first thought that comes to mind is that he’s here. And he is staring straight at me.

He is not avoiding me anymore.

But then I notice something else. The warm look that used to shine in his eyes whenever he saw me is missing. The way his face used to soften subtly is missing.

The man in front of me feels like a stranger who resembles my Archer. His features are hard like granite, his stance oozing indifference.

Looking at him reminds me of the day we first met. The day when he kicked me out of the building without a second thought.

When my lungs burn from the lack of oxygen, I realize I had stopped breathing.

I suck in a breath and just stare at him because of how utterly beautiful he is. Even when he is looking at me as if I am a nobody, I can’t stop staring at him.

But then someone walks to him, standing too close for my liking. And my eyes stray to his side.

Molly.

She smiles at me, a glint of triumph lighting her gaze. A look I don’t quite understand.

“Genesis Media.” He repeats again. “Does it ring a bell, Ms. Donovan?” Archer asks. And I freeze.

“Your expression says it all.” He states calmly. Breaking the eye contact, he puts his hand in his pocket. “Could you please tell us what they offered you exactly? You know, to betray us.” Then he lifts his head and looks me dead in the eye.

My mind struggles with processing his words because of the empty look in his gaze.

“Archer,” Hannah gasps.

“What did you say?” Raleigh steps to my side, his voice low and firm.

“I merely asked the price your friend agreed to for selling us out,” Archer says nonchalantly. His words strike me like a whip.

This time, I fail to rationalize his inexplicable behavior. I can’t come up with reasons to justify his actions anymore.

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