A Stolen Kiss From THE CEO!

81 The Ultimate Plan

Jane left Denise’s office with a loud thumping heart. Her palms were sweaty and her head was aching. A million frightening thoughts flashed through her mind. It felt as though an airplane was crashing on my head.

Jane was grateful that Denise didn’t have x-ray vision to see the turmoil in her heart as she uttered those last threatening statements. She quickly walked to her desk, picked up her bag, and left the building. On her way home, she sent several messages to Frost, using her secret phone.

It was now very clear to Jane that Denise wasn’t a person that could easily be fooled by her charms. From the look of her intense stare, Jane could tell that Denise was suspicious about her motives for joining the company. Hence, Jane decided to stop all communications with Frost after quickly forwarding the last batch of designs her department had worked on. She sent Frost a message that Denise was unto her. She further told him that they would not communicate until the end of the winter collection runway show.

In a response to her message, Frost advised her to destroy her secret phone plus its sim card and get a new one. He further told her to act normal in the presence of Ella, Denise, and Leon during the dinner. He promised to pull her out of the company if things got out of hand.

Although she was still scared out of her wit, Jane decided to go through with Frost’s suggestion. She destroyed the phone and tossed it into the garbage on her way home. When she arrived home, she took a cold shower and had a little snack. She got herself ready for the dinner outing and waited patiently for Denise’s call.

.....

At about a few minutes past seven PM, Denise and Tom drove down to Jane’s apartment.

Denise had intentionally requested Jane’s address to confirm where she lives. She had a deep unwavering feeling that Jane was up to no good. Jane gave her the same vibe that Silvia had given years back; when Silvia pretentiously warmed up to Ella as a bestie.

Another thing that picked Denise’s curiosity about Jane was how resourceful she was.

.....

Jane was just three days old in the company, yet she was on everyone’s lips. The male managers found her enticing while the female managers found her endearing. She was just too good to be true.

At some point, Denise felt as though she was acting unnecessarily jealous of Jane, due to the way Ella sang her praises. Ella seemed fascinated with Jane’s zealousness and professionalism. Even Denise was almost charmed by the baby face beauty but something in her kept crying wolf when she was speaking to Jane.

After picking up Jane from her house, Tom drove the two ladies to the Dove restaurant; where Ella and Leon were already seated at an exclusive VIP table. The beautiful couple, who seems to be into each other were busy chatting away when Tom, Denise, and Jane joined them.

“Good evening, Mr. & Mrs. Treshvire,” Jane greeted timidly. “Thanks for the honor and privilege to be invited to your table.”

“Hmm... you should thank my wife, she’s the reason why you’re here. Have a seat.” Leon’s face was void of expression as he stared at Jane with burning curiosity.

“You’re welcome, Jane. It’s so nice of you to join us.” Ella smiled and turned her attention to Denise.

“My sweet Denise, you look ravishing as always.” Ella complimented and they both exchanged pleasantries.

While they were eating and drinking, Leon interrogated Jane to know more about her.

In response to all of Leon’s questions, Jane dazzled Ella with her unique charming personality. She talked about her trial days at the orphanage. She narrated how she had to struggle and compete with other children for food and clothes. She talked about her scholarship and how she came to study at the same university Ella attended. She also spoke about how she came to Amzone city with a friend, and how she struggled all through her remaining school years to get to where she is currently. However, she was careful not to mention anything related to Frost or their plans to ruin Ella’s company.

“Wow!” Tom said out loud, “you must have passed through a lot. It makes me wonder, how a very pretty girl like you doesn’t have a supportive man by her side. if I were in your shoes, I don’t think I’ll lack anything.”

“Yeah, I totally agree with Tom,” Denise winked in Tom’s direction. “So tell us about the special man in your life, and please don’t tell me you’re single because I would certainly doubt it.”

Jane felt uneasy in her chair at Denise’s piercing stares. From the look of everything happening around her, she was simply brought here for serious interrogation and not dinner. She was amazed at the forces protecting Ella. Something that frightened her the most was the way Mr. Leon was gazing into her soul. It was as though he could read each of her hidden secrets. She found it very difficult to read the expression on his face as she couldn’t tell if he was impressed or dissatisfied with her responses.

Feeling trapped by Denise’s questions, Jane bowed her head slightly, pretending to be embarrassed. I...I...I do...”

“Enough of the questions already.” Ella stepped in to defend Jane.

“Jane, you don’t have to answer that question. Go ahead and enjoy your meal.”

“Thank you, ma’am,” Jane smiled in gratitude at Ella and started eating with slightly trembling hands.

When Jane was done with her meal, Leon instructed one of his bodyguards to take her home.

After Jane had left the restaurant, Denise quickly spoke out her feeling concerning Jane.

“I don’t know why I still have these bad feelings about her, but she seems genuine so far.”

“If you ask me,” Tom spoke up, “I would say she’s like every other normal workaholic. Although, she has a charming personality.”

“You guys are worrying too much,” Ella took a sip of her drink. “Jane is a nice and talented individual. I read her file this morning.”

“So was Silvia, years back,” Denise interjected.

“Well, I understand your worries, Denise,” Ella frowned slightly. “People can be heartless sometimes and I just hope Jane is not one of them.”

“Time will tell,” Leon’s voice was finally heard. “I’ll run a security check on her just to satisfy my curiosity. “We have to be careful about people we trust.”

After spending more quality time together, each couple said their goodbyes and left the restaurant.

————

By the next working day in the F&K fashion home. Frost happily shared his second batch of stolen ideas with the creative department and everyone got busy with work. Although some of the staff members gossiped within themselves about the source of the designs Frost brought, they were also happy at the magnificent masterpiece they created.

Chloe was among those curious about the source of Frost’s latest design. She invited him over to her office and started questioning him indirectly.

“Frost, you seem inspired lately.” Chloe leaned back in her seat and stared deeply into his beaming eyes. “I am so impressed with the batches of designs you have come up with in just two days.”

“Hmm... Let’s just say I’ve been doing my homework,” Frost smirked. He could guess what Chloe’s intentions were. Hence, he played along, hoping to lure Chloe into the trap he was preparing.

After his discussion with Jane the previous day, Frost decided that if the whole mission went South, someone would have to take the fall. He planned on sacrificing Chloe on a platter of gold, as the true mastermind behind the mission. After all, Chloe’s parent’s money could save her neck. He also decided that he would pull Jane out of Ella’s company immediately after the winter collection show was concluded.

“Really, your homework you say, can you elaborate on that?” Chloe rolled her eyes in disgust.

“Let’s just say, you would be able to throw the first punch at ARILPORTER BOSS brand as the CEO of this company, during the winter show.”

“Are you for real!” Chloe excitedly stood up from her seat. “Frost, you better not be joking with me because I won’t forgive you,” she warned.

“How can I joke with something as serious as this? In fact, as the CEO, you need to hold a press conference, stating that you have personally come up with some new designs that would rock the winter show. Also, state that anyone who copies your work will be liable for an excruciating lawsuit battle.”

“That’s a wonderful idea. Do you think Ariella intends on copying my hard-earned design?” Chloe’s sudden cold stares became vengeful.

Frost couldn’t stop himself from chuckling bitterly. Not only was this spoilt brat a brainless fool, but she was also a selfish one. An idea that he came up with at the expense of putting his lovely Jane at risk is what Chloe is already claiming to be hers. ‘What’s a cold-hearted brat,’ he thought within.

“I am one hundred percent certain that she is not just copying your design but producing the same style,” Frost said.

“What!” Chloe’s voice was high-pitched.

“Calm down, Chloe! No need to get overly excited!” Frost quickly stood up and walked over to her. “Take a deep breath and count from one to ten.” Frost placed his hand on her shoulder, trying to make her feel better. He had no intention of witnessing her scary tantrums.

“The plan is very simple, you will convince the judges to display your designs first. Then, you will secretly tip them that Ariella has stolen your work and is about to display the same designs. When her work is finally displayed on the runway, that is when you should strike.”

Chloe smiled from ear to ear as Frost concluded the ultimate plan. “This is going to be awesome.”