Chapter 7

A trap

Adrian's POV

"What is it?" I asked sharply, annoyed by the interruption.

One of the things I valued greatly was table manners.

A fearful glint flashed through her eyes as she stuttered in reply. "My... My manager is at my house. How do I tell him I've moved out? If he finds out about this, my career is over."

I exhaled heavily and dropped my cutleries on my plate. At one point, I shrugged. "You insisted on keeping our marriage secret, so you have to deal with it yourself."

"What?!" Luisa exclaimed. "What are you saying? I'm not the one who insisted on moving in today?"

"That's not my problem" I fired back. "I didn't force a ring on your finger."

Luisa stood up abruptly and banged her fist on the table. Her cheeks were burning red with anger. She wanted to lash out but was probably short of words.

"Have your seat and finish up your meal" I ordered.

"You're not my father" She snapped and walked away, dashing to the stairs.

My cutleries hung in midair as I sighed deeply. It was never in my grand plan to marry a stubborn woman. Sometimes, things I take an interest in end up becoming a source of trouble for me.

What riled me up the most was the fact that I couldn't get a satisfying answer to my question. I had told Miguel earlier today to do a background check on Luisa.

He mentioned her having a sister, but suddenly, she disappeared. Miguel offered to dig into it, but I declined. I was just going to act ignorant for now.

The truth was going to unfold sooner or later.

"Charles" I called.

My butler walked out of the kitchen and stood before me. "You called, Master."

"Clear the table and make sure you lock up the refrigerator and the store" I stated, grinning sinisterly. Let's see how she plans on surviving this night with an empty stomach.

I stood up and headed straight to my study room. I grabbed my phone and placed a call to Miguel, who picked up immediately.

"Hello, boss."

"Miguel, find out who Luisa's manager is and send an endorsement deal to him" I ordered. "Do it now. I want him to leave her apartment."

"I'll do that now" Miguel replied, and I attempted to end the call.

"Sir, I...." I heard him hesitate, making me pause.

I frowned deeply and queried. "What is it? Out with it."

"Sir, there's a big problem" He began. "I planned to tell you tomorrow morning, but since you called, I should tell you now."

"Get straight to the point then" I snapped.

"It's Mr. Ortega. He's refused to keep his hands off the City View project we're trying to get from the government" Miguel revealed.

"Huh..." I pouted, my fury rising. "I thought you settled him with another project already."

"I did, but he's changed his mind again" Miguel explained. "Our sources claimed to have seen him at the governor's office this morning."

I let his words sink in and asked. "Where is he now?"

"He's at the Elite club celebrating his success in advance" Miguel replied, and I chuckled amusingly.

"Good. Make a reservation for me and tell James to monitor his movement and meet me there with some of our well-trained men" I declared. "I'm going to have a glass of wine or two with me."

"Alright, boss" Miguel replied.

I ended the call and took deep breaths three times consecutively to keep my anger in check. That greedy bastard dared to backstab me after taking a contract from my company. He needed to be taught a lesson so that others could learn not to ever think of trying to fool me.

I stormed out of the study room and headed straight for the exit door. It was dangerous leaving without an escort, but my safety was the least of my concerns.

Soon, I hit the road. I received a cryptic message from James and smirked mischievously. James wasn't my tech guy for nothing. I sent a reply and sped up my car.

Arriving at the club, I was allowed in since a reservation had already been made. Talk about my assistant's efficiency.

Elite Club wasn't just a regular club for parties. It was built mainly for the rich and those who had dealings with the business world. The founder was quite calculative and manipulative, and I knew better that he had everyone in that club wrapped around his fingers.

All eyes followed my movement as I walked towards the elevator. Unlike the masses, businessmen held vital pieces of information about their partners and opponents. Being at the top of the food chain had made me a target, but I was untouchable.

With a smile of triumph, I got into the elevator and pressed the button to the VIP floor; a place meant for the stinkingly rich ones.

As I stepped out of the elevator, I glanced at my wristwatch and nodded in satisfaction. It was just 7pm. I had time to clean up the mess I intended to make. My phone buzzed and I dug it out of my pocket.

It was a message from James specifying the room number and notifying me of their arrival. I turned on my live location and traced the room. At this moment, I was grateful I came alone.

I thrust the door open, startling those in the room. It contained men in their prime, drinking to their satisfaction. The stench of cigarettes and vomit enveloped the air, causing my nose to twitch in disgust.

My eyes scanned the area until it settled on the exact person I was here for. Our eyes met. He looked sober, and the smile on his lips was enough to know he had been expecting me.

He snapped his fingers and the men in the room ran towards the door. I stepped away to avoid having bodily contact with them.

"Well, well, well... Look who we have here" Mr. Ortega drawled, gesturing to a seat. "Come and have a drink with me. I've been waiting for you."

I scoffed in disgust and placed my hands in my pocket. "I didn't come here to get drunk. I need an explanation."

"You'll get that after you've had a glass" Mr. Ortega retorted with an evil smirk, and suddenly, I heard a loud bang. I looked back to see some men in black walk in with guns in their hands. I returned my gaze to the bastard who seemed to be enjoying himself.

"What's going on here?" I bellowed.

"What do you think?" He shot back.