New Challenges
Amber got herself ready to go to Devlin’s company. She remembered that he had to fix some issues in his company today. However, she wanted to go to him. She left the mansion with her driver. And another car was following her with several bodyguards inside. Devlin would never let Amber go out without them.
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she contemplated the situation. She understood Devlin’s genuine concern, acknowledging that her adjustment to this level of protection was a work in progress. Reflecting on her life in New York, she recalled the freedom of moving about independently, unburdened by thoughts of potential danger or looming threats. While their current circumstances posed challenges, she refrained from voicing any complaints. Their safety is more important right now.
The car stopped just right in front of Devlin’s company. She was riding the latest model of a known luxury car. When she got out and headed to the building, all eyes were on her. The guards did not recognize who she was so they stopped her right at the entrance to ask for her identification.
Her brief delay was swiftly resolved as her own vigilant bodyguards engaged the building’s security officer. Upon learning of her identity, they efficiently ushered her through the entrance. Inside, her discreet personal guards blended seamlessly into the surroundings, adopting the appearance of ordinary individuals. The security head accompanied her throughout the building until they arrived at Devlin’s office. Standing at the door, she knocked but no one was answering. She turned on the doorknob and she entered. A face she knew all too well came into view – Fiona Ross.
Stepping further inside Devlin’s office, Amber’s curiosity mounted as she thought about the presence of Fiona Ross in her husband’s office. She couldn’t see Devlin anywhere in the huge office. Meanwhile, Fiona appeared at ease as she occupied the swivel chair, her gaze fixed intently upon Amber.
Amber hesitated to talk to her. She wasn’t sure if she was in the right office but the security guard brought her here.
“Hi! Where is Devlin?” Amber asked with a blank expression. ‘Fiona may not have not known about her or she may be pretending not to know her.’ Amber thought to herself.
“Excuse me? Who are you?” Fiona retorted, her tone tinged with skepticism as she rolled her eyes. Amber keenly noted the gesture and met Fiona’s response with a subtle, knowing smirk.
“I am his wife,” Amber stated with unwavering confidence. The fact of their marriage was no longer a secret, as Devlin himself had publicly acknowledged it. While there was a slim chance that Fiona might have been out of the loop, Amber harbored doubts about that possibility. The circles of high society had their own channels for disseminating news and information.
“Oh, is that so? Fiona responded dismissively, her attention quickly shifting back to her phone. “You must be one of those desperate women who are always after him.” Her words carried a nonchalant air of dismissal.
Without a word, Amber chose to sidestep any further interaction with Fiona, opting instead to settle onto a nearby couch. While her aversion to Fiona’s presence was evident, Amber recognized the need to control herself. She was acutely aware that there might be unforeseen reasons for Fiona’s appearance in Devlin’s office. Amidst her own discomfort, she understood that raising an issue at this moment would be ill-timed, given Devlin’s pressing problems.
It did not take her long to wait for Devlin. He came unannounced while she was just reading some of her email messages from her phone.
“Babe, what are you doing here?” Devlin’s voice, soft and affectionate, cut through the room as he looked at his wife with a loving gaze. His attention had been solely on Amber, rendering him oblivious to Fiona’s presence. However, a throat-clearing sound pulled his attention away, triggering a subtle clenching of his jaw. Frustrations surge through him, his irritation evident. This woman is definitely getting on his nerves. They never were romantically involved yet Fiona acts like an obsessed girlfriend.
“What are you doing in my chair? I thought you already left,” Devlin’s tone held a tinge of rudeness as he confronted Fiona. His struggle to maintain composure was evident, his efforts focused on preventing himself from unleashing his pent-up frustration on her. In a moment of tension, he felt Amber’s hand gracefully intertwining with his own, a gentle gesture that ebbed down his increasing anger and brought a sense of calm to him.
“We have no business to discuss Ms. Ross,” Devlin’s words held a firm resolve as he addressed Fiona. His gaze remained fixed on her, conveying an unmistakable message.
“And, can’t you see I am with my wife?” He continued, his voice taking on a more assertive edge. “If you could please leave, I want to talk to my wife privately.” The intensity of his stare bore a warning that couldn’t be ignored.
“Oh my… you can simply say it nicely to me, Devlin. You don’t have to be this rude.” Fiona taunted, her words laced with a touch of mockery. “Afraid your wife will find out something?” Her provocative remark seemed to elicit a reaction from Devlin, but Amber, in contrast, maintained an air of indifference as she observed the exchange. Fiona’s inability to provoke a reaction from Amber appeared to frustrate her, and that didn’t escape Amber’s notice.
“Have a nice day, Ms. Ross,” Amber suddenly responded with a hint of sarcasm in her smile. She chose to not engage in a verbal exchange with her.
Fiona stormed out of Devlin’s office, the sound of the door slamming behind her reverberating in the room. Amber shook her head in response, her expression a mix of bemusement and disapproval. Fiona Ross just showcased nothing more than a display of a spoiled brat individual.
“What was she doing here anyway? Amber inquired, her curiosity evident as she sought clarity on Fiona’s unexpected presence. “Did you know that I called your phone earlier? I’m quite certain she was the one who answered my call.” She informed Devlin, her tone carrying a mix of concern and frustration.
He carefully looked at his wife, trying to gauge what she was thinking but she only stared at him blankly.
“She came here wanting to see me,” He explained, his voice carrying a note of annoyance. “She was asking why I haven’t contacted her for a while.” Amber listened attentively, her expression reflecting a mixture of interest and anticipation, awaiting further details from him.
“And?” Her eyebrows crossed.
“Babe, there is nothing between us'” Devlin reiterated, his tone more firm. “We were never in a romantic relationship. She was just someone who couldn’t handle rejection from anyone.” He already told Amber about his past with Fiona. He aimed to reassure his wife that Fiona’s presence held no significance beyond what he already disclosed.
“I trust you but I don’t trust that woman.” Amber said frankly, her honesty apparent.
“I understand, babe. She is not going to do anything. Even if she gets naked in front of me, she is never going to get my attention.” Devlin explained with a touch of exaggeration, prompting Amber to arch an eyebrow at his statement.
“Anyway, what did you do today? How’s the company?” Amber shifted the conversation, inquiring about Devlin’s activities and the state of the company. Her question was a gentle reminder of the purpose behind their swift departure from New York the previous day.
Devlin let out a sigh as he loosened his necktie, seeking a sense of relaxation. Drawing his wife close, he embraced her tightly, finding solace and comfort in the warmth of her presence.
“I am glad you came,” Devlin expressed, his tone reflecting a mixture of relief and gratitude. “I had a lengthy meeting with the board members. As for Fiona, she mentioned wanting to offer comfort and support regarding my company’s issues. She probably answered your call while I was stepping away briefly to speak with one of my employees,” he explained, his gaze fully focused on Amber, who remained fully attentive to his words.
“The thing is, the quarterly financial report came out, and we’ve incurred significant losses in our accounts,” Devlin began, his voice tinged with weariness. “It seems someone has been embezzling funds from the company. We’re currently conducting an investigation to identify the person responsible. However, the more pressing issue is that our investors are threatening to withdraw their investments. They’re demanding swift resolution, or else the company could face dire consequences. The company that I have worked so hard to establish.” His tone reflects exhaustion and concern.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
“And the worst part is, if this becomes public news, the company is utterly doomed,” Amber’s grip on her husband’s hand tightening as she absorbed the gravity of the situation.
“If there’s anything I can do for you, I’m right here, babe,” She offered gently, her words carrying a sincere promise. She wanted to give her unwavering support to Devlin as he faced another significant challenge within the company.