CHAPTER 53
Jeremy opened the door to his apartment.
He entered, took off his shoes, and slipped into his slippers. He pulled off his coat and hung it on the couch. Dropping into the chair, he sighed, feeling the weight of the day's stress.
He pulled out his phone from his pocket and dialed Kate's number. The phone rang once, twice—then Kate picked up.
"What's up, Jeremy? Do you have any updates?" Kate's voice chipped in.
"Yes. It's important... but how are you doing?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
"I'm doing good. What's the information?" she asked calmly.
"You said I should go through some important things and hack into the DONOVAN Holdings, but I couldn't get through it. It has never happened before," he explained.
"And so?" she pressed.
"I think Donovan has someone who breached a seven-step authentication code to the Donovan access," he said, seriously.
"What does a seven-step authentication code mean?" she asked, sounding curious.
"It's a code that senses if someone is trying to hack into The MINT and automatically changes the QR code every thirty minutes. It has auto restrictions," he detailed.
"Donovan saw this coming. He knew everything would sway—that's why he preplanned and post-planned everything," she replied, calmly.
"Yeah. He's really armed and ready for anything," Jeremy muttered.
"So what's the main reason for this call?" she asked again.
"When I couldn't break through the server, I decided to bring in a second party. She's more than a pro—she's accurate and detailed. Her name is Emma," he explained.
"Okay. Is she trustworthy?" she asked cautiously.
"I'm a hundred percent sure," he answered without hesitation.
"When are you meeting her?" Kate asked.
"Tomorrow morning. 7 a.m. She's willing to help," Jeremy replied.
"Okay. I'll come over when I'm free," she said softly.
"Good night," he said with a smile in his voice.
"Good night." She ended the call. She rolled on her bed and wrapped the blanket around her body.
---
The next day...
The Dray mansion brightened up with maids and guards working and walking around the entire house.
William woke up feeling light and nervous. He groaned, got off the bed, and freshened up. Then he walked toward Kate's room. He knocked gently before stepping in.
He saw her still sleeping soundly, peacefully. He tiptoed toward her, bent over her face gently, and placed his hand lightly on the bed—so she wouldn't be startled. He stared at her face, admiring her beauty.
His eyes traced her eyebrows and lashes. Then his gaze dropped to her lips, watching the tiny lines on them. He swallowed the craving rising in his throat. He leaned closer—their faces inches apart—breathing hard.
Kate suddenly turned and flickered her eyes open. She froze, staring at the face staring deep into her soul.
William crashed his lips into hers when he saw she had caught him.
The kiss was slow, burning, and intense. William savored the taste of her mouth. She moaned softly into his lips, which only turned him on more. He carefully collapsed onto her, sucking gently on her lower lip.
He pulled away, breathing hard. "Good morning," he said with a smirk.
Kate was breathless. "What was that?" she asked, her chest rising and falling quickly.
"A morning kiss," he replied, smirking again.
Kate opened her mouth to speak, but William kissed her hard again. This time, she gave in. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing her body close to his.
As William was about to pull her nightie down, the door suddenly opened—
"Good morning, ma'am, it's—" Joyce stepped in and stopped abruptly. Seeing the wild scene, she turned and shut the door hard behind her. "I'm sorry, ma'am! I didn't mean to!" she stammered from outside.
"Fuck!" William cussed, clearly annoyed. An assistant just ruined his moment.
"You're getting late for work," Kate said quietly.
"Oh—yeah. I have to leave. There's a gala meeting tomorrow at the Greensville Hall. I came to tell you that," he said while adjusting his suit. He stepped out of the room, then stopped to shoot deadly daggers at Joyce before leaving the mansion.
Joyce trembled and flinched.
"You can come in," Kate called from inside.
"Good morning, ma'am," Joyce said, stepping in with her head bowed.
"Next time, knock before you storm in," Kate warned firmly.
"I'm sorry. I'll be careful next time," Joyce pleaded.
"What do you want?" Kate asked, still slightly irritated.
"I came to tell you that you're getting late for the meeting with Mr. Knight," Joyce reported respectfully.
Kate's eyes widened. "Really?" She stood up quickly, rushing herself and almost tripping. "This is important!"
"Careful, ma'am," Joyce cautioned, steadying her.
---
Meanwhile...
Gabriella sat in her Benz. She wore a black dress; her brows, lashes, and lips all painted black. Even her nails matched the dark mood.
She tapped the armrest of the car, smirking dangerously.
"Has everything been planned for the gala?" she asked coldly.
"Yes, ma'am," the driver replied.
"I don't want anything to be floppy tomorrow—or else, you lose your life," she warned sharply.
"Everything is cross-checked. Nothing will go wrong," he assured her.
"What did you say you found out again?" she asked, her eyes narrowing as she stared into the back of the driver's head.
"Mrs. Kate is pregnant with Mr. William's child," the driver answered.
Gabriella's eyes widened in shock. She clenched her fists tightly. If looks could destroy the world, the earth would've ceased to exist.
"I'm late this time. I'm losing to this girl. I should've done what I wanted last time. I think it's time I really unleash my wrath on her," she muttered bitterly. Then she turned to the driver. "Where did you hear this?" she asked, still not believing it.
"From one of the maids in the mansion. She heard it from Kate herself and confirmed it again when Kate told Mr. William," Mr. Carl, the driver, explained.
"Drive," Gabriella ordered with finality.
The driver turned on the ignition and zoomed off.
"Drop me off at the nearest café."
"Okay, ma'am."
---
12 PM – KNIGHT'S CORP
"The AI Pre-Sickness Detector Project is what I'm looking forward to. It's going to help the people of Greensville. I'm willing to invest in the project," Mr. Knight said with a graceful smile.
"The project is still ongoing. It's going to take six months before it's concluded," Kate replied professionally.
"Can we talk about the contract?" Mr. Knight said, waving to his assistant.
The assistant placed the contract on the table. Mr. Knight opened the first page.
"If you're going to work on the project for six months, then each month, I must be informed of how the project is going. Do you agree with that?" he asked firmly.
"Yes! That's a simple condition," Kate replied, nodding.
"Your team won't work on the project alone. My team will help you—but only when needed. It's still your project," he stated clearly.
"Okay. I'll be looking forward to Knight's Corp investing in this project. It'll benefit both companies," Kate said confidently.
"Hmm, that's good." Mr. Knight adjusted his blazer and sat upright. "If you're agreeing to this, then let's get it done officially."
"Okay," Kate said and signed the contract.
After the two CEOs signed, they both stood up and shook hands—officially, like true businesspeople.
---
EZRA'S CAFÉ
Gabriella entered and walked toward a man sitting alone by the window. She stopped behind him, exhaling deeply. He wore a black jacket and white jeans.
She stepped in front of him. The man was none other than Liam.
"Hey," Liam greeted calmly.
"Hi," Gabriella chimed, her tone cold.
"There's something I have to tell you."
"Which is?"
"What you requested from me can't be executed. I won't allow it to happen," he said firmly.
Gabriella straightened, masking her fury under a devilish smirk.
"Why do you want to turn down my request?" she asked darkly.
"It's not a 'want.' I've already told William about it—and you're not going anywhere," he said confidently.
Gabriella scoffed. "Do you think you can threaten me?"
"I'm not threatening you. I just don't want to dip my hands into something I can't escape for the rest of my life. You should understand that," he said, serious and steady.
"Oh, I see. You're trying to save yourself," she sneered.
"Yes, I am."
"You think William won't drop you the moment he feels like it? He's using you," she spat.
"Do you even know what betrayal means?" Liam asked, shaking his head slightly.
"Are you trying to be a professor? I can't fall for your lecture," she rolled her eyes.
"I've been in a relationship with William since childhood. I won't be greedy and throw that away for some meaningless revenge. You think you can have the world just because powerful people back you?"
"What?" she hissed.
"I've had enough of your rough play," he said, standing up.
"I'm a fool to think you were going to help me," Gabriella snapped.
"My heart and mind have been disturbing me—and I have to follow my heart. But thank you, Gabriella. I've heard enough about your plans for tomorrow's gala," Liam said, walking off.
Gabriella eyed him coldly. Liam chuckled and strolled out of the café.
"Fuck!" Gabriella cursed, slamming her hand hard on the table. "Liam, you think you can get away with this? Then watch me as I break you—from the tip of your hair to the sole of your feet."