Chapter 14: Dangerous Game
519words
Jack's brow furrowed deeply. "There's no need for such dangerous tactics. Michael isn't just some businessman—he's a killer who doesn't hesitate."
"Why, Jack Thompson, are you worried about me?" Zoe's smile turned teasing.
Jack looked momentarily flustered before busying himself with papers on his desk. "I'm concerned about unnecessary variables. You're essential to our plan—we can't risk you recklessly."
Zoe watched his discomfort with quiet amusement. "Relax. I know Michael's weaknesses better than anyone. He's arrogant, greedy, and most importantly, he'd never imagine his dead wife returning for revenge."
Jack was silent for a long moment before nodding reluctantly. “Fine. But stay in constant contact. At the first sign of danger, you pull out immediately. No heroics.”
"Aye aye, captain." Zoe gave a playful mock salute.
A week later, in a private dining room of an exclusive restaurant, beneath glittering crystal chandeliers, Michael's predatory gaze roamed over Zoe.
"I wasn't sure you'd actually come." He poured her a glass of rare vintage wine, his fingers deliberately grazing hers.
"Call it curiosity." Zoe smiled, deftly avoiding further contact. "I hear you're launching an ambitious new project?"
Michael's expression turned smug. "You're well-connected. Yes, a multi-billion dollar venture, though I've hit some... complications."
"What kind of complications?" she asked, her concern perfectly calibrated.
"Key suppliers suddenly backed out. Someone's working against me behind the scenes." Michael frowned. "Someone wants to destroy everything I've built."
Zoe knew exactly who that someone was—Jack Thompson.
"Perhaps I could help?" she suggested. "Thompson Industries has extensive connections."
Michael's eyes lit up with interest. "You'd help me? Why would you do that?"
"Mutual benefit." She gave him a loaded look, her finger tracing the rim of her wine glass. "I'm not... fulfilled in my engagement to Jack. He's all business, no passion."
Michael seized her hand. "I knew it! How could a woman like you be satisfied with such neglect?"
Zoe's stomach turned, but she nodded with feigned shyness. She expertly guided the conversation toward Davis Group's finances, and, blinded by desire, Michael revealed far more confidential information than he should have.
"My wife has become insufferable since getting pregnant," Michael complained. "Constantly demanding to know where I am. She thinks a baby gives her leverage over me. Pathetic."
"Don't you love her?" Zoe asked innocently.
Michael sneered. "Love? It's a business arrangement. She serves her purpose, just like my first wife did."
"First wife?"
"A naive little thing," Michael said dismissively. "Worthless except for her family connections. Her death was perfectly timed—I was growing bored with her anyway."
Zoe's nails dug into her palm as she fought to contain her rage.
Back in the car, she immediately analyzed her findings: "His cash flow is far more vulnerable than we thought. If we target these three pressure points, the entire Davis Group will collapse like a house of cards."
Jack studied her with undisguised admiration. "Your business instincts are remarkable."
Zoe's lips curved in a slight smile. "I had an excellent teacher."
