Fidelia was back at the garage when her phone rang.
The caller ID flashed "Sarah" her newly employed secretary.
"Hey, I'm outside," Sarah said through the receiver. "I'm coming to the garage."
"Alright, I'm here," Sarah replied and ended the call.
Moments later, the sound of approaching footsteps echoed. Fidelia pressed a button and the large garage door rolled open.
Sarah stepped inside and immediately froze in awe.
"Whoa…" she breathed, her eyes widening at the sight before her. Sleek rows of cars gleamed under the bright overhead lights a Bugatti, BMW, Lamborghini Urus, and Benz, all polished to perfection.
"There are so many!" Sarah exclaimed. "Which one are we taking?"
Sarah smiled faintly. "You pick."
Sarah didn't hesitate. "That one!" she said, pointing eagerly at the BMW.
The key hung neatly on the rack nearby. She hurried over, took it, and turned back with a grin.
"Do you even know how to drive it?" Sarah teased, crossing her arms.
Sarah's eyes sparkled. "Of course I do!" she said, excitement lacing every word. She had always loved cars the sound, the speed, the freedom. And right now, that excitement was written all over her face.
Sarah watched her for a moment and couldn't help but smile. There was something refreshing about Sera's energy.
"Let's go," Sarah said, finally walking toward the car. "We'll stop by Norman Enterprises first. I'd like to meet an old friend."
....
Sarah sat at the drivers aside, the steering in her hand. Today was literally her first day at work.
"I'll send your contact to Mia, my partner. She'll update you about our schedule for the day."
Fidelia looked at the window and grinned at her reflection. "Although I don't really follow the schedule. I just do whatever comes to my mind. But at least — with that, I'll know when I'm free to plan certain things. Like… revenge."
As she spoke, Sarah caught Fidelia smiling back at her in the glass. She couldn't help but smile too. She felt a buzz of excitement — she was really going to enjoy working with Fidelia, even knowing how dangerous it might be.
She hit the call button and the line connected.
"Hey, Fidelia. What's up?" Fidelia's voice sounded easy down the line.
"I'm good. Who's speaking you or Nyra?" Sarah teased.
"Come on, stop it. It's me." Fidelia laughed.
"Alright, alright. I'm just checking."
"Hope you're feeling okay."
"I'm fine Fidelia." Mia said in her cool tone. "What about you, I should be more worried about you considering last night"
"Since when did you start playing doctor now?"
"You know I'm just being careful," Mia said. "You said we should keep it a secret. It will be bad if it leaks."
"Yeah, I know." Fidelia nodded, though Mia couldn't see her. "Like I said, after my schedule today, I'll go see someone."
Fidelia's questions came quick and practical. "How are things? The office and preparation?"
"The team's put up a list of potential businesses we should invest in soon," Mia answered. "I'll send it over so we can choose the most profitable one."
"Oh, I'll look out for it." Fidelia's tone turned softer. "By the way Bridget's birthday is Friday. I want to get her a surprise."
Mia's smile went wry. "You want to gift your step-sister, why do I have a feeling she's going to regret it?"
"Because she is," Fidelia said, a cold little pleasure in her voice. "I'm going to break her first."
Mia paused. "What.. what's your plan?"
"Get someone from… actually," Fidelia said, letting the pause stretch just enough. She let the implication hang between them. "I want you to do it."
"Yes!" Mia exclaimed in joy.
"So what do you need me to do?" Mia asked.
"I want you to find every out-of-stock item Crawford's been missing the ones people actually want. Then call the suppliers like you're a buyer ready to place a huge bulk order."
"Bulk…how massive?"
"Big enough that Bridget will have to move money fast to cover it. Enough that she can't bury it in normal cash flow."
"And the angle?"
"You give them an ultimatum. One week to accept and fulfil, or you cancel. No exceptions."
"That's a tight deadline."
"Good. She's been sliding on sales desperate people jump at obvious money. She'll take it without thinking."
"Wait we're literally sending money to her company. How does that help you get revenge?"
"Because when the order falls through at the last second—and trust me, it will Bridget will have already spent money she doesn't have. Money she probably borrowed or moved illegally. And that's when things get interesting." She continued
"This forces her hand. It creates a visible trail, pressure, and an opportunity we can use later."
Fidelia added "She's been low on sales and desperate. Something like this sudden, urgent money she'll jump at it."
Mia hesitated. "I still don't get"
"Don't worry. Just trust me," Fidelia assured her. "You'll find out soon enough."
"Alright. On it," Mia said.
"When's the meeting with Andrian?" Mia asked.
"9:00 this morning," Fidelia replied.
"Once I'm done with securing the deal with Sylvester, I'll head there," she added and then ended the call leaving Mia to handle it.
After a while, they arrived at Norman Enterprises. Fidelia pulled out a card the one Sylvester Norman had given her weeks ago. He had mentioned he was looking for investors.
Time to make him useful.
Meanwhile, Sarah stepped out of the car to open the door for her. Fidelia got out, phone to her ear.
"Hello, Sylvester. It's me, Fidelia."
"Oh, Fidelia," he said, his voice laced with surprise. "I was starting to think you weren't going to call me."
"Well, I've been quite busy," she replied. "Actually, we need to meet. It's about a deal that could bring in a lot of money."
Sylvester chuckled. "Now you're speaking my language. When do you want to schedule the meeting?"
"Actually," Fidelia said with a faint smile, "I'm right in front of your company. I'm walking in now. Send someone to escort me up."
"Alright, I'll do that right away."
Fidelia walked inside, Sarah following closely behind. At the front desk, the receptionist greeted her politely.
"Welcome, ma'am. How may I help you?"
"I'm here to see the CEO, Sylvester Norman," Fidelia said calmly.
The receptionist's eyes widened slightly at the casual mention of her boss's name. "Do you have an appointment with him, ma'am?"
Fidelia shook her head. "No, I don't."
"I'm sorry, ma'am, but he won't be able to see you without an appointment. He's quite busy and—"
Her phone rang before she could finish. "Yes, sir... Yes, sir. Understood." She hung up, her expression shifting immediately.
"Now," Fidelia said softly, "will you take me to him?"
"Yes, ma'am," the receptionist replied quickly. "Please, follow me."
As they walked toward the elevator, the receptionist's mind was racing. Who exactly is this woman? she wondered. The CEO himself just called to ask for her.
When they reached Sylvester's office the receptionist opened the door and Fidelia froze.
Sylvester Norman wasn't alone. Sitting across from him, feet up on his desk, was someone she recognized.
Someone who wasn't supposed to be there.
Fidelia frowned instantly.