Page 57 of The Off-limits Grump Next Door
They nodded, too engrossed in their competition to pay me much attention. I made my way toward George’s office, nerves jangling.
As I approached, I heard shouting. I crept closer and realized the door wasn’t fully closed. After checking that no one else was around and scanning for cameras, I peered through the crack in the door.
Inside, George was arguing with a woman. His ex-wife, Eve.
My instincts as a journalist kicked in. I pulled out my phone and hit record.
“I want a seat on the board of directors!” Eve demanded.
“You can’t have one,” George replied firmly.
“I’m not asking, George. I deserve a share of the company.”
“That’s why you get a monthly stipend.”
“That’s not enough! I have a right to be on that board.”
“You can’t have what was never yours,” George said coldly.
“I’m your wife,” Eve shot back.
“You ‘were’ my wife. You lost that title when you filed for divorce twenty-one years ago.”
Eve crossed her arms. “Fine. I’ve already set my plan in motion. I came here to give you one last chance to comply. If you don’t, I’ll go public with what I know.”
George’s face hardened. “Why are you doing this? Why now?”
“I didn’t ask you to kill your best friend just to claim full ownership of the proceeds from Don’s estate, did I?”
A loud gasp escaped me before I could stop it. They froze, looking toward the door.
Panicking, I darted down the hall and ducked into a nearby restroom. My heart pounded in my chest as I saved the recording. I stayed hidden until I was sure they had left, then tiptoed back to my room, my thoughts racing.
Once inside, I jumped into the shower, hoping the hot water would calm my nerves. But no amount of steam could wash away what I’d just heard.
Antonio’s father had killed his business partner. The rumors were true. And now, I have the proof.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Antonio
I woke up to dark clouds hovering over me—literally and figuratively.
The sky threatened a downpour, and an uneasy weight settled in my chest. As much as I wanted to head straight to my studio apartment, I had to get to the office. Piles of paperwork demanded my attention.
For the umpteenth time, I dialed Kendra's number. Still no response. I hadn’t seen her in three days, and “missing her” didn’t begin to describe the ache inside me. Dad and I had taken a quick business trip to New Jersey, and throughout that time, I’d tried reaching her with no luck.
Tina, her best friend, wasn’t responding either, which only added to my growing anxiety. I’d considered asking Jake to check on Kendra, but he was away for a family event.
"Sir, I’ve spoken to the airport. No delays, despite the weather. The flight's still on schedule,” my assistant announced, holding my suitcase.
I nodded, forcing myself to look away from the window. “Has my father been informed?”
“Yes, sir. He’s already waiting by the car.”
“Tell him I’ll be down in a minute.”
I made one last attempt to call Kendra. No answer. Frustrated, I typed out a quick text before slipping my phone into my pocket:
