Phoenix's mind raced as she helped Irish into the house. His drunken state had revealed a vulnerable side, and she couldn't help but feel a deep connection to him. As they settled him into bed, she noticed a faint scar above his left eyebrow.
"What happened here?" she asked, her curiosity piqued.
Irish's eyes fluttered open, and he gazed at her with a mix of sadness and gratitude. "Car accident...long time ago," he slurred before drifting off to sleep.
Phoenix's heart went out to him. She realized that Irish was more than just a means to an end; he was a complex, wounded soul.
Meanwhile, Zaylee seethed with frustration outside. She had been tailing Phoenix, determined to keep Irish safe, but Phoenix's sudden concern for him was unsettling. Zaylee's interest in Irish was more than just protective; she had developed feelings for him, and Phoenix's growing bond with him was a threat.
The next day, Berla Flex was on a mission. She had been suspicious of Phoenix's memory loss from the start, and now she was determined to expose her. Berla began spreading rumors and sabotaging Phoenix's efforts, hoping to drive a wedge between her and Irish.
As tensions rose, Phoenix and Irish's revenge plans were put into motion. They started gathering evidence against Del Ferns and Berla, but Berla's schemes threatened to derail their progress.
One night, Phoenix received a cryptic message: "Meet me at the old warehouse at midnight. Come alone." She knew it was a trap, but she had to take the risk.
As she arrived at the warehouse, she saw Berla Flex waiting in the shadows. "You're not as clever as you think, Phoenix," Berla sneered. "Your little game is over."
Phoenix stood tall, her heart pounding. "I'm not afraid of you, Berla. And I won't back down."
With that, the two women engaged in a fierce confrontation, each determined to emerge victorious. Little did they know, their battle was only the beginning of a larger, more dangerous game.
The confrontation between Phoenix and Berla was intense, with both women refusing to back down. But just as it seemed like things might get physical, Irish appeared out of nowhere, his eyes blazing with anger.
"Berla, stop this," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "You're not going to hurt Phoenix or anyone else in this town."
Berla sneered, but she knew better than to cross Irish. With a final glare at Phoenix, she stormed off into the night.
Phoenix was shaken, but Irish's presence was calming. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Irish nodded, his expression softening. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Phoenix. You're under my protection now."
As they walked out of the warehouse, Phoenix realized that her feelings for Irish went beyond gratitude. She was developing strong emotions for him, and she wasn't sure what to do about it.
Meanwhile, Zaylee was seething with jealousy. She had been watching Phoenix and Irish from afar, and she didn't like what she saw. That night, she confronted Phoenix, her anger boiling over.
"You're using him, just like you used Del Ferns," Zaylee spat. "You're a manipulative, heartless woman, and I won't let you hurt Irish like you hurt Del."
Phoenix was taken aback by Zaylee's venom. "I'm not using anyone," she protested. "And I certainly didn't hurt Del Ferns. He hurt me."
But Zaylee wasn't listening. She stormed off, leaving Phoenix feeling confused and concerned.
As the days passed, tensions continued to rise. Berla's sabotage efforts intensified, and Phoenix and Irish's revenge plans were put in jeopardy. But they refused to give up, even when it seemed like the whole town was against them.
One night, Irish took Phoenix to an old, abandoned church on the outskirts of town. Inside, he revealed a shocking secret: he was the son of the town's founder, and he had a birthright to reclaim.
"This town was built on lies and corruption," Irish said, his eyes blazing with determination. "And I'm going to expose it all, no matter the cost."
Phoenix was stunned. She had never imagined that Irish's connection to the town went so deep. But she was proud of him for standing up for what was right, and she vowed to stand by him every step of the way.
.
.
.
Irish had dropped Phoenix off after their little expedition. They seem to had sorted out another route to their revenge. Just when he trod into his living room, a beep sound drew his attention from his phone.
He instinctively reached for it, thinking it was his father. After the afternoon of their encounter, he had kept avoiding his calls or messages. Even his invites came unattended. He flipped it open. He flinched, his eyes widened.
Irish's eyes gazed down at the photo on his phone, the image of him and an unknown woman, taken on the night of the murder. His mind raced back to the fateful night when his ex-girlfriend, Givonna Celia Philips, was found dead in his apartment. He had been accused of her murder, but he knew he was innocent.
But the blackmailer's messages had awakened the pain and guilt he thought he had buried. The caption, "You think you're so smart, but I know the truth," was a stark reminder that someone knew his secrets. This was the third time in a month, he wondered.
Irish knew he had to take matters into his own hands. He couldn't involve Zaylee and Phoenix in his troubles, not yet. He needed to uncover the truth behind the blackmail and Givonna's murder on his own.
With a newfound determination, Irish began his solo investigation. He scoured the dark web, searching for any clues that might lead him to the blackmailer. He revisited old haunts, hoping to find a lead, any lead, that would bring him closer to the truth.
As he delved deeper into the mystery, Irish realized that he was in over his head. But he couldn't stop now. He had to know who was behind the messages and what they wanted from him. The truth was out there, and Irish was determined to find it, no matter the cost.
After many weeks recuperating after her discharge, Phoneix finally decided to take over the mangera role of her father's company which was affiliated to Irish's father's company. Both companies were housed in a single building to enhance progress and easy management.
On the eve of the morning, Mr. Standford had announced an emergency general meeting after the Mayor's huge investment and decision. This was when Phoenix decided to announce her decision and position on her return.
With Irish standing in as the chair person of the meeting in the name of his dad who had traveled out of the country, the meeting begun but was halted with the sudden interruption.
" Sorry, I'm late..." The femine voice called from the door. "the traffic was pretty bad." Phoenix explained as she joined the group. Irish nodded with a smile.
Berla and Fern were surprised to see her there and Zaylee was no different. The disgust and displeasure on her face told it all.
" I'm glad to announce to you all, the new manager of U&K CLOTHING AND FASHION." Irish announced.
"...And that person is none other than Phoenix Derricks , daughter of our Co partner, Mr. Stanley Derricks" Irish continued, his eyes locked on Phoenix with a warm smile.
The room fell silent, with all eyes on Phoenix. Berla and Fern exchanged surprised glances, while Zaylee's expression turned from disgust to outrage.
"Phoenix, congratulations!" Irish said, as he handed her a folder containing the company documents. "We're all thrilled to have you on board."
Phoenix smiled graciously, her eyes shining with determination. "Thank you, Irish. I'm honored to take on this role and lead U&K Clothing and Fashion to even greater heights."
Just as the meeting was about to proceed, Zaylee stood up, her voice dripping with venom. "This is a joke, right? Phoenix, you're not even qualified to run a company like this."
Phoenix's smile never wavered. "I may not have the same experience as some of you, but I have a vision and a passion for this industry. And I'm willing to learn and work hard to make it happen."
The room erupted into a cacophony of opinions and arguments, with some supporting Phoenix and others backing Zaylee. Irish banged his gavel, calling the meeting to order. "Let's hear Phoenix out, shall we? She has a lot to bring to the table."
With that, Phoenix began her presentation, outlining her plans and strategies for the company's future. As she spoke,Fern's face twisted in anger, his eyes blazing with betrayal. The room grew quieter, with even Zaylee looking impressed despite herself.
But just as it seemed like Phoenix had won over the crowd, a sudden burst from Fern took over the audience.
"You're taking my position, the one thing I had to offer. You're using me, Phoenix. Our engagement, our relationship... it's all been a lie, hasn't it?"
Phoenix's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing. "Fern, don't be dramatic. This is just business." His anger was at the brim as Berla leaned in. " Shouldn't I be the one saying that?" She snickered.
Fern's face turned white as he realized the truth. "You knew... you knew about Berla and me, didn't you?"
Phoenix's smile was sweetly venomous. "Of course, I did. And I've been waiting for the perfect moment to strike. You see, Fern, you and Berla thought you could deceive me, cheat on me behind my back. But I've been playing a longer game."
Berla's eyes went wide with fear as Phoenix's gaze turned to her. "You're just as guilty, Berla. You think you can just waltz in here and take everything from me? My company, my fiancé... no, I don't think so."
Zaylee's eyes were wide with excitement. "Oh, this is getting good!"
Irish looked uncomfortable, but he said nothing.
Phoenix's voice was dripping with malice. "You two thought you could use me, manipulate me. But I'm the one holding the cards now. And I'm going to make sure you both pay for what you've done."
The room fell silent, the tension palpable as Phoenix's words hung in the air like a challenge. Fern and Berla exchanged nervous glances, knowing they were in grave danger...
Berla looked on, her eyes wide with shock. But then, masked it up with a nervous chuckle. " I have no idea what you are talking about, Phone." She blantly denied.
Phoneix's laughter was bitter. "Don't play dumb with me, Berla, you were the sister I trusted most but then, you stabbed me at the back with no rumors at all."
Zaylee's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Well, well, well. Looks like someone's been playing games.
Irish's expression remained neutral, but a hint of a smile played on his lips~ he looked like a proud dad.
Phoenix's eyes locked onto Irish's, and she nodded slightly. She knew she had his support.
Irish's eyes never left Phoenix's face. "I'm just doing what's best for the company, Berla. And what's best for Phoenix."
The room fell silent again, the tension between the group almost palpable. Fern and Berla knew they were beaten, and Irish's loyalty to Phoenix was clear. Zaylee just rolled her eyes and shook her head.
As the room continued to erupt in chaos, Phoenix's smile grew wider. She had finally taken her rightful place as manager of U&K Clothing and Fashion, and she was ready to make her mark.
Irish stood up, his eyes shining with pride. "I think it's time we adjourned this meeting. Phoenix, congratulations again on your new role."
Phoenix nodded, her eyes never leaving Fern and Berla's faces. "Thank you, Irish. I won't let you down."
As the meeting adjourned and the room began to clear out, Fern and Berla approached Phoenix. Fern's face was red with anger, while Berla's eyes were shining with tears.
"You'll pay for this, Phoenix," Fern spat. "We'll make sure you never succeed."
Phoenix just laughed. "I'm shaking in my boots, Fern. But until then, I have a company to run."
Berla's voice was barely above a whisper. "You're going to regret this, Phoenix. We were family."
Phoenix's expression hardened. "Family? You call what you did to me family? You're no sister of mine, Berla."
With that, Phoenix turned and walked away, leaving Fern and Berla standing alone in the emptying room. They knew they had underestimated Phoenix, and now they were going to pay the price.
— 次の章はもうすぐ掲載する — レビューを書く