Chapter 13

Back at the office, Ian brought over a few documents. "Ms. Bennett, these need your signature. Also, this is the USB with the parking lot footage." Louise gave a slight nod, her face void of any warmth she'd shown around Dominic. Her voice was cold. "Just leave it. You can go now." "Yes, ma'am." Ian turned to leave but was stopped mid-step. "Hey," she called out, "that client from Arakora yesterday-gave you any trouble?" "None at all." Once Ian left, Louise plugged the USB into her computer, skipping through the footage until she locked onto the time she was assaulted. The video showed her collapsing after a man covered her mouth. Then Dominic appeared, just in time. Though the clip had no audio and his face was never clearly shown, the way he stomped on that man's face-yeah, it was brutal and kind of hot in her eyes. Three years in prison had taught her revenge could be sweet. Considering what that guy tried to do to her, one kick didn't feel like enough. She was about to close the file when a flash of red caught her eye-a woman stepped out of a red BMW nearby. Zooming in, Louise's eyes narrowed dangerously the second she saw her face. Jessica. Of course. Pulling stunts like these? Did Jessica really think she could push her around that easily? Right then, Ian walked in again. "Ms. Bennett, there's a woman at the front desk who wants to see you." Louise didn't even glance up, still immersed in last quarter's financial reports. "Does she have an appointment?" "No, she doesn't." "Then she's not getting in," Louise replied flatly, her tone sharp enough to cut. Sure, she could play the gentle woman around Dominic, but here, at work? She was all armor and control-zero emotions. "But..." Ian hesitated, clearly uncomfortable. "She insists you'll see her once you know the name." Louise finally looked up. Her lips barely moved as she said, "Name?" There weren't many names in the world that would change her mind on the spot. "Ava Reed," Ian said, glancing at her with worry, expecting maybe a storm. But instead of anger, Louise shot up from her seat. "Where is she?" Ian blinked, shocked. "Downstairs, in the lobby." "No need to bring her up-I'll go," Louise said, already striding toward the door with urgency. Ian quickly caught up, a bit out of breath. Since she'd started with the company, he'd never seen her this worked up. Who in the world was Ava? The elevator dinged, and Louise walked out with purpose. Her heels clicked across the marble floor as she headed straight for the lobby. There, on the center sofa, sat a short-haired woman dressed in a sleek black dress. Her fair skin stood out as she casually flipped through a magazine. Louise couldn't help but smile without thinking. "You could've at least warned me you were coming." At the sound of her voice, Ava looked up, a warm smile touching her flawless face. She stood and opened her arms. "What, not happy to see me?" Louise chuckled. "Didn't know I needed an appointment to meet you these days." "Look at you, so official now, Ms. Bennett!" Ava pretended to pout, glaring playfully.