Chapter 80
ESTELLE “I have the result.” Micah waved the envelope in my face.
I grabbed it from her and quickly ripped the envelope open. The red liquid lipstick and the Starlash mascara Tatiana used lay upon the result. If this was contaminated or laced with any toxic substance, we had to pull out from all suppliers, retailers, and resellers, including all shops, and stop the production.
My heart hammered even if I knew our products were top qualities. I unfolded the envelope. As soon as I read the report, I closed my eyes and smiled.
“What does it say?”
“Get this bitch!” I waved it in her face, making her laugh.
“I have no doubt!” Micah yelled in my office.
“Me too. Put the paper on my table. I have to picture that and post it on my Ig. I wanna show the people that we don’t play around here.”
“Do it.”
“Damn, I wanna shove this piece of paper into her face. She ruined my company. Now it’s payback time, bitch.”
After I took the photo, I quickly uploaded it on my Instagram with a three three-word caption. Honesty. Quality. Transparency.
I called Mom.
“Honey?”
“I have the result of the test with me. Our product is clean. The test came negative for any toxins, so whatever happened to that woman either to sabotage us, or she’s allergic to one of the components. I will sue her ass, but first, I need to know where she bought the products.”
“Why didn’t she cooperate?”
“That’s another thing, Mom. I have to see Gabriel. They’re still working on it. He was just busy last week. I hope he can focus on this problem this time.” Mom knew the whole story and was pissed off at Skyla for using the kid. Mom loved kids and felt terrible for what Everette had been through.
“I’m seeing your post. Well done, honey.”
“Thanks, Mom. I love you. Talk to you later.”
Micah came in to pick up my bag. “I’m going with you.”
“That would be great.”
One hour later, we entered the Osmium building.
“I can’t believe I’ve never been here,” she commented as we entered the elevator. “It’s actually pretty cool. I feel like I’m in virtual reality.”
“Yeah. It’s awesome.”
“I need a tour.”
“The place has complete amenities. I think there’s a gym, cafeteria, pool, training center, shooting range, and simulation room. ”
“It’s pretty big.”
“The ground floor has combat vehicles, and at the rooftop is the helo pad. And you know how much the start up when he started the Firm? Twenty.”
“Million dollars?”
“Twenty thousand dollars.”
“That’s amazing.” She widened her eyes.
“He has a lot of help, but he and Jasper started The Firm. His best friend, Beck, left to run his ranch after resigning as Cenric’s bodyguard.”
“Wow.” She looked from the top to the lounge.
“Baby?” I heard my husband call me.
“Surprise?” I smiled.
“Yeah, and happy to see you.” He kissed me on the lips. He then smiled at Micah. “Welcome to Osmium, Micah. This is your first time, right?”
“Yes. We just talked over the phone, and I considered visiting Osmium. Saw it online, but this is pretty awesome.”
“Not a donut?”
“A donut?” Her brows drew together in confusion.
“Never mind. Would you like a tour?”
“Um, maybe later.”
“Wait.” He waved at someone behind us. “Kye!”
I turned around to see Kye walking in our direction.
He joined us. “Where’s Sax?”
“On assignment.”
“Isn’t he the COO?”
“I asked a favor.”
“Why didn’t you call me?”
“Because you’re needed here. Please, tour Micah around.”
“Me?” He pointed his finger at himself.
“Yeah. Estelle and I are going to Gunner to watch the progress.”
“Okay.” Kye looked at Micah, who was still waiting. “Come with me. I’ll show you some cool stuff.”
“There is cool stuff around here?”
“Yup.”
“Come, wife. We’ll monitor Sax.” Linden held my hand as we walked to the other side of the building.
“Where’s Sax?”
“He’s at Tatiana.”
“I got the test report. Our products are clean. Now, I’m gonna sue her ass for the damages.”
“Wait until we find something from Tatiana.” He swiped his card, and the door unlocked.
“Like what?”
“Maybe she will confess something. She’s not cooperative but hasn’t filed an official complaint against your company.” He pushed the door.
What was inside the room shocked me. I stared at the vast wall screen before me. At least eight people focused on the monitor, and I only recognized Lynx.
“This is what you do every day?”
“Not me. I’m just a paper pusher,” my husband humbly said.
“Nice, paper pusher.”
“I also push a lot of things.” He smirked. His eyes glint with mischief.
I rolled my eyes.
“Guys, this is Estelle, our boss’ wife,” Lynx introduced me to everyone in the room.
“Hello.” I waved my hand. “Sorry for the interruption. I’m here to observe.”
After they said hi, they went back to their own computer.
“Put them on the screen,” Linden ordered.
“What am I seeing, husband?”
“They’re wearing bodycam.”
“Is that even allowed?” I asked out of curiosity.
“Private security is allowed, and we are investigating a possible counterfeit.”
“What?” I stared at Linden. “Are you sure?”
“We’re about to find out.” He nodded confidently.
Sax began asking questions, but I could only see half of Tatiana’s body. Her lips were healed. Her eye was similar to the left.
“Why are you not leaving me alone?”
“On behalf of the Star LLC investigative team, this is not just about your concern. We are trying to find out what has gone wrong. You’re the only one who has that kind of reaction. We’re conducting a test on all the newly released products, and we are waiting for the result. We need your cooperation, Miss Golds.”
“How about I post another video and tell my followers you are harassing me?”
“We’re merely asking for your cooperation. We’re very grateful-”
“The last time you were here, you were rude. What changed? Because everyone’s eyes are on Star Cosmetics now. And one little mistake Star LLC makes, that company is over.”NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
“I got it that you’re still upset.”
“You don’t know how I feel. What if I used that serum and applied it all over my face, and I got the same reaction? I could be dead by now.”
“We can offer you something.”
“I don’t need your money.” She grunted, glaring at Sax.
“Come on, Sax. Just say it. I wanna see how she will react,” Linden said.
“What is it all about?”
“Patience, baby.” He leaned in to kiss the side of my head. “How’s our baby girl?” He lowered his voice so that no one could hear but us.
“Better.”
“Maybe you should listen to what I’m about to say. Since you did a lot of damage to the company, some of the trolls believed in what you said. You have two choices, Miss Golds. According to the legal team. One, you will take down your videos and revise what you said.”
“No shit! I have credibility as a product reviewer. People trust what I do. How do you think I got almost three million total followers only on TikTok? I would never do that.”
“All you have to say is tell them that you’re allergic after the test result from the doctor.”
“No can do. I suggest you leave.” She swatted her hand to Sax and turned away.
“Then you left us no choice but to file against you with ten million dollar damages against the company. If you lose, you will have to pay, and your credibility is over. Or you take back what you said, follow the script, and we will give you ten thousand dollars in settlement, and you will sign an NDA.”
“Get out!”
“She did not bite.”
“Wait, baby. Wait.” He leaned in and whispered, “Just like in bed, when I said not to come, you wouldn’t come.”
“Silly.” I pinched his arm. “We’re here watching Sax, and you’re mind is elsewhere.”
I watched the camera jiggle as Sax stood up.
“Who’s with Sax?”
“Yue.”
Lynx came over and gave the mic to Linden.
“Just wait outside, but make sure she won’t see you. This is our last chance to know if her content team is not involved or if she has a partner. Did you plant the CLD?
“Yes,” Sax answered.
“What’s CLD?”
“Covert Listening Device,” he said. “Great. Use the para mic, Sax.”
“What do you mean someone might be involved?” I looked at Linden.
“She deposited thirty thousand dollar cash to her account three weeks ago.”
“Is that suspicious enough?”
“Yes.”
“Oh, man,” Sax sang. “She’s calling someone.”
“Stop. I wanna listen to the whole conversation. Are you recording this?”
“Yes, brother.”
“Good.”
“Put him on the phone.” There was a few seconds of silence before she spoke again. “What the hell?” Tatiana sounded pissed off. “I just got a visit from them again. I want this to stop. They’re harassing me.”
“I paid you a big amount to do your job and not to entertain them,” the man said from the other line. Tatiana must have put the phone on speaker.
“What the fuck?” I just cursed out loud. Even if they manipulated that voice, I knew who he was.
“Well, shit,” Linden reacted.
“The plot just thickens,” Sax said. Everyone recognized that voice.
My blood just boiled. I could feel my neck and my face burning.
“You don’t know them. Her husband is a sneaky son of a bitch. His company has a partnership with a billionaire. My daughter is a billionaire. What do you expect? They will find a way to connect the dots. That’s why I contacted you because nothing can connect you to me. So do what you are paid for. Solve this problem on your own and stop calling this number before I completely disconnect the line. They could be listening to us right now. If you don’t stop, I will let someone visit you to shut you up. Do you understand me?”
“I don’t get it. Why are you doing this to your daughter?” Tatiana asked. Her voice shook. She must have regretted involving herself.
“After what I did to the company. After I made her rich, she kicked me out to the curb because of that opportunist.”
I watched my husband’s jaw clench. “I’m sorry, baby.”
“This is not your fault.” He held my hand, squeezing it.
“You’re doing this out of revenge for your own blood? This is not what I signed up for. When your man came to me, I had no idea who you were. I’m just an honest product reviewer trying to make ends meet, not a witch to ruin someone’s life. I almost lost my eye and destroyed my face because of what you gave me. I don’t care if I lose my job and followers. You can have your money back. I’m done.”
“I know who you are. Let’s say you really don’t care about losing your job. Don’t test me, woman, and I’ll tell you when you’re done.”
“Son of a bitch,” Linden grunted.
“My father?” I stared at my husband in shock. “My father went to these extensive lengths to ruin me?”
“Us, baby. Us. To ruin us.”