Eva's Pov:
By the time I reached home, it was almost midnight. The first thing I did was check on my cousin, Liam, the only family I had.
He had fallen asleep on the study desk. I smiled, shaking my head.
He was the reason I had to get rid of this contract at all cost. I couldn't let Ace get his hands on Liam. I don't know what I would do without him.
I took a deep breath, clearing my thoughts and then tapped his shoulder. He mumbled a few incoherent words before rubbing his sleepy eyes.
"Cute," I said, and he glared at me, half asleep.
"I think it's time you used the bed, hmm?" I held his arm as I helped him up. He sighed and followed me with lazy steps.
"You're late again today," he muttered.
"I know, and I'm sorry," Though I didn't think he was conscious enough to hear me, I still apologized.
He hummed, and I smiled, tucking him in.
Just when I turned to leave, he said, "There's food in the fridge."
My lips curled up again. "Good night, Liam," I whisper before heading out the door.
As soon as I reached my room, l quickly changed out of my work clothes to something more comfortable, and after that, I sat on the bed with my laptop in front of me. I went through the files and reports Sam sent me,
About two years ago, the masters of the Nova Empire, George Nova, and his wife died abroad in a plane crash. Their daughter, Melody, died shortly after a scandal that went viral, and the Nova Empire had been in chaos since then, unable to decide on a successor. Everyone believes this, 'Shadow' guy was the next best candidate since he was closest to George and his family.
But George Nova had a younger brother who is also vying for the same position, but he doesn't have the seal of authority, and so, there's internal division. Jacob Nova, George Nova's brother, couldn't get the position without the seal, and there's where Shadow comes in again.
They believe Shadow has it and does Ace …
"This is going to be exhausting," I placed a hand over my eyes, straining from staring at the screen for too long.
Jacob and Shadow weren't the only ones competing for the position of the leader. There were other competitors, too. They just lacked legitimacy and proper backing.
I sighed, keeping the laptop aside, I went under the covers. I needed to stop thinking and sleep. Nothing would change no matter how long and hard I thought about it. I'd just give myself an unnecessary headache.
Morning came faster than I'd like, and I had to get up and start the day. I was told to wait at home until someone came to me with instructions from Ace.
It was annoying, but I had no other choice but to wait.
Liam got ready for school and left after breakfast.
"Take care out there, okay? Don't follow strangers, and should anything or anyone suspicious approach you, don't hesitate to run and then call me." I reminded him before he could walk out of the door.
"You always say that every time like I'm still a kid," he said with a frown. I didn't respond, I just stared at him. His expression softened, and he mumbled, "Nothing will happen, so don't worry too much. Take care of yourself instead."
If only I was worrying for no reason, I thought as the door closed behind him and his footsteps faded.
About an hour later, a black SUV pulled up in front of our house, and through the window, I saw a man in a black suit and sunglasses stepped out of the car.
I didn't need an ID to know where he was coming from, and I didn't like it. The fact that they knew where I lived and about Liam unsettled me. The thought of moving out had crossed my mind many times, but we couldn't afford it. And this was where we grew up. Our family's small but comfortable home.
He knocked, and I opened the door without asking who.
"Here," he handed me a brown envelope right away. No hello or introduction. Just straight-up business mode.
I took the envelope and unsealed it. Inside was a fake ID and address to a well-known …
"This is a joke, right?" I asked through gritted teeth.
The man smirked. "You know better than I do if it's a joke or not."
"A club?" I said, glaring at the man. "You want me to believe this isn't a joke?"
"The information had been delivered. I'll be taking my leave now," he said, turning to leave but then he stopped. "Oh…and the boss says he doesn't care what you do during the day. And he wants to know if you are good with a pole." he added, looking over his shoulder with a smirk.
"Bastard!" I cussed, but that only made him chuckle as if I said something amusing.
I gritted, glaring at his retreating back. The envelope crumpled under my grip. I'll remember his face, and one day, I'll make him regret laughing today.
After cussing for a while, I looked down at the words boldly written in black,
"Sensual Nights." I read out loud.
This was a place that I only came to know after I started working for Ace as per our contract.
It was a popular place for society's rejects and trouble makers. But it was mostly famous for its beautiful girls and the services it rendered.
I've heard from many drunkards back at the club I worked at until last night that no one who goes there ever leaves unsatisfied. They were that good and popular.
And now, I'm supposed to work here? In a strip club?
There's no way in hell I'll let that happen.
I stomped inside, changed my clothes, grabbed a bag and left, heading for the base. I needed to talk with Ace and let him know I wasn't going to go there no matter what. There has to be a limit to how much humiliation he can put me through.
This was exploitation and I won't stand for it anymore.