Bullets and Roses

"Ms. Shaw."

Seeing John at the door, I knew my predictions were right."

"Begin your report."

I listened to John's report calmly. I didn't even so much as furrow my brows.

I just felt that the last bit of hope that I refused to admit I had was gone.

"Do things according to what we planned."

I stopped looking out the window and turned to look at the report on the desk in front of me.

The last bit of hope in my eyes completely disappeared.

During this period of time, Thomas hadn't come home even once. He just lived at his office. My threat last time did its job. He felt his status was being challenged and began secretly taking away the power that he had given me in the past.

Until one day, Bradley came to the villa.

"Mr. Hilton said that the seasonal boarding meeting is going to be held ahead of schedule and is asking for your presence."

I nodded as a reply.

Everything was going according to plan.

When I opened the meeting room door, I saw Thomas sitting at the front. The senior executives of the company were sitting on both sides of him.

Vivian was also present, which was something I didn't expect. She was sitting right next to Thomas and was clinging to him.

An open finance report was pushed along the table towards me.

It listed all the losses within the half of Haborwood that Thomas had given me.

Thomas tapped the table with his fingers and said, "The 'accidental' fire of the warehouse at the dock, two shipping routes that had been 'accurately' taken over by our competitors, and even the nightclubs you run, which made the most money, were temporarily suspended by the police. The businesses that are under your management have suffered quite a lot of losses recently."

With that said, Thomas sighed. There was a flash of pity in his eyes when he looked at me.

"Business is like war, Jessica. Suffering losses is something we can't avoid. But I just don't want you to be too tired, Jessica. You're my wife. Right now, you just need to take care of the things at home. I'll shelter you from all the chaos of the outside world."

Vivian used this chance to fan the flames.

She covered her mouth and looked smugly at me. "Thomas has a point. You're just too tired, Jessica. As a woman, you should just be a housewife. Just let men take care of all the difficult jobs. Isn't it better to live a peaceful life at home?"

I remained silent and only raised my head after reading the whole document.

Thomas turned to look at me.

Seeing that I was at a disadvantage, his voice became deep, and it was obvious that he was giving me a warning.

"I want everything to be peaceful at home. I don't want to see anyone causing any trouble. Vivian is shy and timid. I don't want anyone to scare her. If she's upset..."

Thomas paused mid-sentence. His voice was cold.

"Then I'll be upset as well. Got it?"

I still remained silent. I looked calmly at the man and woman who were clinging to each other.

"Looks like you've taken my words to heart. Since the businesses were poorly managed, I'll give you this transfer agreement. I'll take back the management rights that I had given you back then. The company will manage it for you. You can just enjoy life at home from now on."

The whole room fell silent. The atmosphere felt like a storm was coming.

Everyone in the room thought that I would tear the agreement into pieces and fall out with Thomas.

But I just picked up a pen with a smile and signed my name.

The sound of pen against paper could be clearly heard. Vivian was overjoyed when she saw what I was doing.

I casually put down the pen and pushed the agreement back to Thomas.

The corners of my lips curved a little as I looked at Thomas.

It wasn't a smile, but a curve of pity.

My lips moved as if trying to say something.

Thomas noticed that something was wrong with my reaction.

Knock! Knock! Knock!

Someone suddenly began knocking on the door.

A sense of panic and nervousness filled the room.

Thomas furrowed his brows and shouted, "Who is it? Get your ass in here right now!"

Bradly practically barged through the door. His face was paler than ever, and his forehead was covered in sweat.

He was panting heavily and seemed to have forgotten all the rules.

"We're in big trouble, Mr. Hilton!"

"Why are you panicking?" yelled Thomas.

He felt his heart had somehow skipped a beat.

"Is the world going to end or something?"

Bradley replied, still panting, "The chain of evidence Neworld possesses is way too perfect! Our... our bank accounts abroad have all just been suspended. The banks said that they had received orders from Interpol. Agents from the Financial Crimes Section are on their way here!"

Thomas' face changed as he stood up.

"Fuck Neworld! Calum's already dead! How did they get a new leader?"

Bradly fell silent and then glanced at me with eyes filled with fear.

"They said that Calum has a child, and the child has taken over Neworld. They call the child Ms. Shaw. Her full name is Jess..."

I slowly stood up and locked gazes with Bradley, who was terrified.

My lips parted as I said, "I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Jessica Shaw, and my father is Calum Shaw. That's why the guys all call me Ms. Shaw."

My voice wasn't loud, but it made the hearts of everyone present skip a beat.