310: NO RESPECT ARIEL’S POV Not someone I expected to see, but what could I say? God was just showing me things. And by the way, I couldn’t let this woman continue to walk around freely. Who knew what she had in mind? Who knew what she was cooking up? Her schemes are to ruin me. I couldn’t let her get out of my sight, no. Still sitting in my car, I watched Harriet, her figure shrouded in a black hoodie, trudging along the road with an air of secrecy. My curiosity piqued. This was how the idiot was going to keep living her life. Moving here and there, hiding from the people of New Haven. What a life that was! Once a famous actress, now look at how she was ruined. Instinctively, I felt the urge to drive in her direction, to uncover the mystery veiled beneath her cloak of anonymity. But was there actually a mystery? I could ask myself that, but the thoughts were technically kind of messed up. I knew what was going on in her mind right now. Seeking vengeance, she tried to follow through with her evil deeds. But apparently, I wasn’t going to let that happen. Well, if I had the chance, Hold on; I have the chance right now. Things could be really messed up, probably. So, right now, it was all about following her, and just as I was about to shift gears. my phone interrupted the moment, buzzing insistently with an incoming call from Janice. When my daughter’s sweet voice called, I sighed and replied, “Why hadn’t I spent the night at home?” “Oh, sweetheart,” I chuckled. “I’ve just got some things to take care of. But I promise, I’ll join you soon.” Our conversation was brief but filled with affectionate exchanges, leaving me with a warm feeling in my heart as I ended the call. Turning my attention back to the road, I became frustrated when I realized Harriet had vanished from sight. I slammed my palm against the steering wheel, cursing my luck. Fuck! Why did that good–for–nothing idiot have to vanish like that? Now, where the hell had she gone? If only I could spot her right now. I’d start the car without 310: NO RESPECT thinking twice. 2/4 But I couldn’t let myself get wild by that. I couldn’t think too much or get upset. about losing her. If she wanted to do something bad, she should go ahead. I wasn’t scared of her, but I was fully prepared for anything that was about to come. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. And then I started driving. LUKE’S POV Stepping into the lobby of my company, the weight of responsibility pressed. heavily on my shoulders, as always. Today, I just had this different feeling. I didn’t know, but things were just different. Everyone was great–same faces, normal activities–but the feeling was different within me. I glanced at my watch and decided to move further, but before I could even reach. my office, Jack hurried over, his expression a mix of concern and urgency. Crap, on the way I could actually guess that. “You’re late, sir,” he whispered, and his voice was filled with worry, as if we were supposed to depend on this company that had come to pay us a visit. “I know,” I replied tersely, all because I had to. Thoughts of the impending meeting were moving around in my head, but it wasn’t like I was panicking or something. “So, I thought you were with them. Where are they?” I glanced around, searching for representatives from the Stark company. But before Jack could respond, they approached us, their demeanor cold and disapproving “Luk Reynold, you’ve been a mess lately,” one of them stated bluntly, his tone. dripping with disdain. “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to work with you.” His words cut deep, and I struggled to maintain my composure. Other companies. noticed my erratic behavior and tendency to avoid meetings and responsibilities. I knew I needed to do better. But, you see, it has been all about family lately. It was all about Ariel, and I would do everything I could to put her first. She deserved all the attention, so losing anything just to still have a hold of her was worth it. “I apologize,” I began, my voice kind of low, and it’s not like I wanted to do this. But it was something I had to do. To maintain the relationship I had with these people. My grandfather taught me that. “I’m committed to improving and making things right,” I added. 314 NO RESPECT 3/4 But they were not swayed. Instead, they launched into a barrage of insults, which was really irritating and made me sick. “I didn’t even know why your grandfather handed this company to you in the first place. You clearly do not deserve it,” one of them spat, looking around. “Exactly,” the other spoke. “I have to admit; the old man was a fool for making such a decision.” “What the hell did you just say?” I asked in a cold and threatening tone. Anger boiled inside me, threatening to erupt. “Don’t you dare speak ill of my grandfather, “I growled, my fists clenched at my sides. “He believed in me, and I won’t let you tarnish his legacy.” “Oh, please, don’t think that we’re going to be scared of that face of yours. We’re saying nothing but the truth right here. Your grandfather was such an idiot to hand Reynold’s company to you. It’s definitely the biggest mistake someone’s going to make in a lifetime.” “Enough!” I snapped incontinently. Their words stung, but I refused to back down. “Leave the company,” I commanded, my voice low and menacing. “I don’t need your worthless project, and I certainly don’t need your insults.” “Don’t start yelling at us, Luke Reynold. We’re just telling you the truth. We all know the truth hurts.” “To hell with you and your goddamn truth. You can leave.” “Is this how you’re going to act now, Luke? Getting angry and terminating projects that are worth millions? That is so unprofessional.” “And what’s professional? You coming to my own company to throw insults at me and mock my grandfather’s name?” “Is that how you see it?” “How else am I supposed to see it?” My infuriated tone continued. “We are only correcting you.” “And in no little kid. I know how things work, mister.” “You want to know your problem, Luke Reynold? You can’t take simple corrections. NO RESPECT “And you want to know your problem? Is it that you can’t stop talking sh*t? You both are so annoying. Like, how do you idiots even run your company?” “Enough with the insults.” “Oh, shut up! And I don’t want to see the both of you around here anymore.” “You do know the consequences of your actions, right?” “Get out!” I spat, my tone final. “Before I lose my patience.” They both made me angry, but I didn’t care one bit. “Fine, we will leave. But just know that the Stark company will never work with The Reynolds anymore.” “Good. Now, bye.” I faked a smiling face, and they both adjusted their suits before walking away. “That was terrible,” Jack said softly. I sighed and walked away.
