Page 62 of The Revenge Plan

A text from Ax came in.

Ax: This is like taking candy from a baby. According to sources, there’s a massive exodus within the company. Now is the time.

He wanted to use the high turnover to approach them? I didn’t think so.

Me: Not yet. They should squirm a little more.

Ax: They could find an investor. Some Saudi money.

Julian’s racist ass wouldn’t take a Saudi investor even if the money came wrapped in gold.

Me: He hates the Saudis. Plus, I want him to come to me. The humiliation should be deep.

Ax: Damn. Promise me to never get on your bad side.

I chuckled. The thought of ever hating Ax was impossible. We always liked each other ever since high school. Back then, the other rich boys had liked me because I played football well. The girls liked me because I was good looking. He was the only person in that snobby school who ever saw me for me and like me the way I was. He sent another text.

Ax: I heard you’re going to Hailey’s charity event. That can’t be true, can it?

Should I tell him a lie? I didn’t want to get another lecture about it.

Me: She works there. I’m only going there because I’m their guest of honor, nothing more.

Ax: Riiiight.

Me: it’s harmless. Don’t think too much about it. Any news on the leaker?

Ax: Yes.

I sat up straight as I watched the three dots scroll for what seemed like an endless minute.

Ax: I’m taking care of it.

Me: Who is it?

Ax: My fucking assistant.

That took me by surprise. Both of his assistants were highly professional. I couldn’t see them involved in corporate espionage. But then again, people have sold out for less.

Me: Wow

Ax: I know. I’m taking care of it.

I closed the chat, a little shocked. Ax took things too personally when something like this happened. He hated being caught with his pants down. I was already feeling sorry for the girl. No one experienced Axel Reid’s wrath and survived.

I checked up on Fred and his investigation. So far he had no news except where Hailey was now living. I told him I didn’t want to know. I kept having weird possessive dreams about her with other men. They were irrational and senseless. Yet they kept bothering me.

When I arrived at the gala, there were already several people there. For a small foundation, they had pulled quite a few people and most of them had deep pockets. The place was glamorously decorated and everyone looked like they were dripping in money. As my eyes scanned the crowd, I saw no sign of her. Rachel rushed over to me and greeted me personally.

“You must be looking for your wife,” she said, smiling after she thanked me for coming.

“Not necessarily. I understand she’s busy.”

“Oh yes. She volunteered to help us organize the event since she's the one who’s been to these things before,” she said, laughing. I noticed she was nervous.

“Looks like you’ve done a good job. It looks good.”

“Thank you. Hailey has been helping too. She’s quite a hard-worker. Not at all like the papers painted her. But of course you knew that.”

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