C12 CAUGHT RED-HEADED

Bailey ended the call, her heart racing. “I have to go. Edward’s orders.”

Ava smirked. “Good luck. Try not to strangle him.”

Bailey chuckled weakly. “I’ll try. See you later, Ava.”

Twenty minutes later, Bailey walked into her father’s grand office at Wit Builders. Edward sat behind his imposing mahogany desk, a stern expression on his face.

“You’re late,” Edward said without looking up.

“Sorry, Dad. Traffic,” Bailey mumbled, taking a seat.

“Excuses,” he snapped, finally lifting his gaze to her. “You need to be more punctual.”

“Yes, Father.”

He leaned back, scrutinizing her. “You look terrible. Have you been crying?”

Bailey forced a smile. “Just tired. Long night.”

“Enough of that. I need you to continue heading the human resources department. We’ve had too many issues, and I need someone competent.”

“But Dad, I’m already—”

“No buts, Bailey. You’ll do as I say. I want this company running smoothly.”

Bailey sighed. “Fine.”

“You don't have a choice or the right to make a decision. You must do as you're told.”

“And one more thing.” Edward’s eyes narrowed.

“I need you to get more information on your husband’s company. Any weaknesses, potential issues, anything we can use.”

“Why?” Bailey asked, her stomach churning.

“Because information is power, Bailey. And we need every advantage we can get.”

Bailey nodded, her heart sinking. “I’ll see what I can do.”

Edward’s expression softened slightly. “I know you don’t like this, but it’s necessary. We can’t afford to be left behind in the estate business.”

“I understand, Dad.” Bailey said, though her voice wavered.

He stared at her for a moment, then nodded. “Good. Now, get to work.”

Bailey left the office, feeling like a puppet on strings. She walked back to her car, trying to hold back tears. Her father’s words echoed in her mind, a constant reminder of the expectations she could never meet.

***

The next day at Wit Builders, Bailey was in her office, going through stacks of paperwork. Her phone buzzed, and she saw it was a message from Ava.

“Coffee later? You’ll need it after dealing with Edward.”

Bailey smiled and typed back a quick

“Yes.”

That was the exactly what she needed at the moment. She was already tired of the job and wished she could easily resign.

She had wanted to open an interior decorating company with her savings. But her father had his own plans.

Moments later, there was a knock on her door.

“Come in,” Bailey called.

A young intern, Sarah, walked in nervously.

“Ms. Whitney, Mr. Edward sent you these reports.”

Bailey took the reports and glanced at them.

“Thanks, Sarah. How’s your first week going?”

Sarah smiled shyly. “It’s been good. A bit overwhelming, but I’m learning a lot.”

“Good to hear. If you need any help, just let me know,” Bailey said warmly.

Sarah nodded and left, leaving Bailey alone with her thoughts.

She stared at the reports, knowing fully well that it contained documents that could ruin people. Her father trusted her and she couldn't let him down.

She needed to find a way to gather information on Aston Realtors without betraying Carlos.

If Carlos found out, he would have her head on a spike. Literally.

***

Later that evening, Bailey met Ava at their favorite coffee shop. Ava greeted her with a hug and a mischievous grin.

“Tell me everything,” Ava demanded.

Bailey sighed. “He wants me to keep running HR and dig up dirt on Carlos’s company.”

Ava raised an eyebrow. “That’s a tall order. How do you plan to do that?”

“I don’t know. I hate this, Ava. I hate being his pawn.”

Ava sipped her coffee thoughtfully. “You need to find a way to play both sides. Give Edward just enough to keep him satisfied without screwing over Carlos completely. Cause if Carlos finds out, you’re screwed, girl.”

Bailey nodded, cringing at her language.

“Easier said than done.”

“True,” Ava agreed. “But you’re smart, Bailey. You’ll figure it out.”

“I hope so,” Bailey murmured, feeling a glimmer of hope for the first time in days.

“Yeah. You don't have a choice. Disappoint Edward and you’re screwed too.”

Ava leaned in, her expression serious. “And remember, whatever happens, I’ve got your back. You can always use him.”

Bailey smiled gratefully. “Thanks, Ava. I don’t know what I’d do without you. But I really don't want to sue my Dad.”

“Why am I not surprised by that decision?”

“Cause that's what's normal. People don't just go about using their fathers.”

“No. That's stupid. I could sue my unborn child.”

“That's you, Ava. I'm talking about normal people.” Bailey said, using air quotes.

“Yeah, that's right. I ain't normal in the least, bi…”

“Don't you dare finish that word. You curse like a sailor.”

“Well, if it isn't the normal woman and her crazy bestie.”

The women turned to see Noah smiling widely.

“Hey, Noah. What are you doing here?” Bailey asked nervously.

“Um…same thing you're doing. I came here to eat.”

“Can I sit?”

“Of course, hon.” Ava offered him the seat, ignoring the warning glance Bailey had sent her way.

“So, how are you, Bailey?” Noah asked, after he had ordered.

“I'm good.” Bailey looked away shyly.

She didn't have any romantic feelings towards Noah, but he was looking good that day.

His broad shoulders were quite enticing beneath the black shirt and his blue eyes and brown hair had a new look. In fact, Bailey was sure the club lights had played a trick on her the night they had met.

It was obvious she wasn't the only one thinking that, from the way Ava was sizing him up.

“You weren't this handsome that night. What changed?” Ava asked.

“I guess being fired by my boss in front of a woman whom I like,Ade me look ugly.” He replied, making her blush.

“If Bailey isn't interested, I am, hon.” Ava replied, winking at him.

"So, Noah, what are your plans now? Got any new job prospects?" she asked, leaning forward with a mischievous glint in her eye.

Noah shrugged, a rueful smile playing on his lips.

"I'm weighing my options. It's not easy finding something as good as the job I lost, but I'll manage."

Bailey couldn't resist a glance at him.

"I'm sorry about what happened, Noah. Carlos can be...difficult."

"Yeah, difficult is one word for it," Noah said, chuckling. "But it's not your fault, Bailey.”

Ava, never one to miss an opportunity, jumped in.

"Well, if you need a distraction, I know some great places we could hang out. Maybe a bar, or a club?" She winked again, and Noah chuckled.

"Thanks, Ava. I might take you up on that," he said, his eyes drifting back to Bailey. "But I'm more interested in spending time with good company."

Ava, sensing the tension, decided to lighten the mood. "Alright, enough of this serious talk. Let's play a game. How about 'Truth or Dare'?"

"Come on, it'll be fun! What do you say, Noah?" Ava insisted.

"Sure, why not? Could be interesting," Noah agreed.

“Noah, truth or dare?"

"Dare," Noah said, smirking.

"I dare you to kiss the person you find most attractive at this table," Ava declared, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Bailey's heart skipped a beat. Noah hesitated for a moment, then leaned across the table and kissed her cheek, his lips lingering for just a second longer than necessary.

“What the fuck is going on here?”

The trio turned to see Carlos, looming over Bailey.