Chapter 6 - The Shadowed Threat
Despite Ethan’s ironclad security, Andrew wasn't going down without a vicious fight.
Two days later, Andrew was released on a massive two-million-dollar bail, posted by a wealthy cartel-connected real estate developer whose son Andrew had saved years ago. Free on bail, Andrew went on the offensive.
A smear campaign hit the internet. Anonymous leaks claimed I was a gold-digger who had used Andrew for his money and was now sleeping with my billionaire boss to secure a corporate settlement. Tabloid photographers began camped outside Carter Tower, flashing cameras at every tinted window that pulled out of the garage.
The stress was eating away at me. I spent my days in Ethan's office, trying to work to keep my mind busy, but every ring of the telephone made me jump.
One rainy Thursday evening, Ethan had to attend an emergency board meeting on the 50th floor to reassure investors after the public scandal caused a temporary dip in Carter Corp stock. I stayed behind in his top-floor executive suite, organizing financial filings.
At 8:30 p.m., the lights in the office suddenly flickered and died.
The entire floor was plunged into darkness, lit only by the grey rain splashing against the panoramic glass windows.
"Marcus?" I called out, stepping toward the heavy office doors.
There was no answer. The electronic keypad on the door was blinking red—the building's emergency protocol had locked the floor down due to a power trip.
Suddenly, a metallic click echoed from the private service entrance at the back of the suite—a entrance accessible only by master key cards.
My heart stopped.
The door slowly swung open. A tall silhouette stepped through the shadow, holding a heavy tactical flashlight.
The light hit my eyes, blinding me.
"Did you really think Ethan Carter could hide you from me, Ava?"
The voice sent a wave of icy terror straight through my veins. It was Andrew.
He looked unhinged. His hair was messy, his designer suit wrinkled, and his eyes bloodshot with rage. In his right hand, he held a medical syringe filled with clear fluid.
"Andrew..." I gasped, backing away until my spine hit Ethan's heavy oak desk. "How did you get in here?"
"Money opens doors, sweetheart," Andrew sneered, taking slow, deliberate steps toward me. "I paid a night-shift technician fifty grand to override the elevator security codes. Everyone thinks Ethan is the master of this tower. But tonight, it's just you and me."
"The security team will be here in seconds," I lied, trying to keep my voice from shaking while my hand secretly reached behind me on the desk, searching for anything heavy.
"They're dealing with a fake fire alarm in the basement," Andrew laughed, a sharp, manic sound. "By the time Carter realizes what's happening, you're going to come with me. We're leaving the country tonight. You're going to sign an affidavit stating Ethan forced you to lie."
"I will never do that," I spat, my fingers finally closing around a heavy brass paperweight. "I'm not afraid of you anymore, Andrew!"
"You should be!" Andrew roared, lunging forward with the syringe aimed at my neck.
I didn't hesitate. I swung the brass paperweight with all the strength in my body, striking him hard across the side of his jaw.
Andrew cursed, stumbling backward as blood erupted from his lip. But the blow only enraged him further. He tackled me against the desk, his heavy weight pinning me down. His hands locked around my throat, cutting off my air.
"You ruined my life!" he screamed, his face inches from mine, his eyes wild. "I made you! You were nothing before me!"
Dark spots danced across my vision. I clawed at his wrists, gasping for breath, feeling my strength slipping away.
Ethan... I thought, my vision dimming. Ethan...
Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the main office crashed open with explosive force.
"GET OFF HER!"
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A terrifying roar echoed through the room. Before Andrew could react, a massive hand grabbed him by the collar of his coat and yanked him off me with terrifying power.
Ethan had arrived.
