Chapter 2 Threading Dangerous Paths

I slipped into a black dress, the fabric hugging my curves in all the right places. If I was going to face the firing squad, I might as well look damn good doing it. Kate watched me with a mix of admiration and concern as I paired the dress with a pair of stilettos that added an extra inch to my already impressive height.

"You know," Kate said, crossing her arms, "if you're trying to intimidate Tomford, you're definitely on the right track. But are you sure you want to go in guns blazing? Maybe there's a way to fix things."

I scoffed, applying a bold red lipstick in the mirror. "Smooth things over? Kate, I saw something I wasn't supposed to see. He's not going to let this slide. The best I can hope for is a clean exit and record."

She frowned, her brow furrowing. "What exactly did you see, Vanessa? You're being so cryptic, and it's driving me insane."

I hesitated, my hand pausing mid-air as I reached for my earrings. The memory of what I'd seen flashed in my mind: Tomford in his office, hunched over his desk, and all the activities that followed after.

"I can't tell you," I said finally, meeting Kate's gaze in the mirror. "Not yet. It's not just about me anymore. If I say anything, it could put you in danger too."

Kate's eyes widened, and she opened her mouth to protest, but I cut her off. "I'll tell you everything when I can," I promised. "But for now, just trust me. Please."

She sighed, clearly unhappy with my answer, but she nodded. "Fine. But if things go south today, promise me you'll call. Don't try to handle this alone."

"I promise," I said, grabbing my bag and heading for the door. "Now, let's go before I'm late and give Tomford another reason to fire me."

The ride to the office was a blur. My mind raced with possibilities, each one worse than the last. By the time I reached the sleek glass building of Movantick, my stomach was in knots. I took a deep breath, straightened my shoulders, and walked through the doors like I owned the place.

The receptionist, a perky blonde bitch named Emily, gave me a nasty smile as I passed. "Good luck today, Vanessa," she said quietly.

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?"

Emily's eyes widened, and she quickly looked away. "Nothing. Just... have a good day."

When the elevator doors opened on the top floor, I was greeted by the sight of Mrs. Megan, the head of HR, standing outside Tomford's office. Her arms were crossed, and her expression was unreadable.

"Vanessa," she said, her tone clipped. "Mr. Tomford would like to see you in his office."

I swallowed hard, my palms slick with sweat. "Of course," I said, forcing a smile. "I'll be right there."

Tomford leaned back in his leather chair and gestured impatiently at the coffee tray on his desk.

"Pour us both coffee, Vanessa. Black for me."

I did as I was told, my heart pounding in my chest. "You wanted to see me, Mr. Tomford?" I asked, my voice steady despite the storm raging inside me.

He took his sweet time, his icy blue eyes locking onto mine. "Vanessa," he said, his tone dripping with disdain. "Do you know why you're here?"

I hesitated, then nodded. "I think so."

"Good. Then you know what happens to people who can't mind their business."

"I don't know what you mean by that, sir; please clarify," I said mechanically, staring at the desk.

He swivelled his chair to the window and then back. "If you breathe a word of what you saw in my office yesterday to anyone, I'll put you in your place and make sure you understand why minding your business is important."

Coffee. I need to clear my head, now! I reached out to my cup; my hands shook as I lifted it. Just as I was about to take a sip, Mr. Tomford "accidentally" bumped my arm, sending dark liquid splashing across the contracts spread before him and onto my lap.

"What the hell?" I squeaked out.

"Clumsy today, aren't we?" he remarked coolly as I scrambled for napkins. "Those were original copies. You'll need to rewrite all three reports before you leave today. And I expect your regular work completed as well."

I opened my mouth to protest, but he cut me off with a raised hand. "I don't want to hear it; it's just business, nothing personal."

I clenched my fingers, my nails biting into my palms. "With all due respect, sir, forcing me to redo these reports feels pretty personal." His lips curled into that smirk I'd come to loathe.

"That sharp mouth is why I hired you. And why I'm letting you go."

I felt like the floor had been ripped out from under me. "Letting me go?" I repeated, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nodded, then pulled an envelope from his drawer, sliding it across the coffee-stained desk. "This is your transfer letter. You're being relocated to Southern View. It's a promotion, technically. You'll be heading up a new project there."

I stared at the letter, my mind reeling. "Southern View? But that's-"

"-your only option," he interrupted. "Unless you prefer termination? Effective immediately."

I looked up at him, my eyes narrowing. "And if I refuse?"

Tomford's smirk widened. He leaned in, his cologne overwhelming. "I can't guarantee your safety if you stay." I felt a surge of anger, but I forced it down. Did he just threaten me? Now wasn't the time to lose my temper. "I see," I said, my voice tight. "Can I have some time to think about it?"

He shook his head. "I need your decision by the end of the day. And Vanessa?" He leaned forward, looking me up and down. "Don't make this harder than it has to be." I nodded, taking the letter from his outstretched hand. "Understood."

As I turned to leave, I could feel his eyes on me, watching my every move. I walked out of his office with my head held high, but inside I was screaming. The transfer letter felt like a death sentence in my hand; Mr. Tomford was threatening me.

The weight of it dragging me down with every step. Southern View? Another city in the middle of nowhere? This wasn't a promotion; it was exile. And Tomford knew it.