Chapter 23: A Sinister Revelation
Jeremy stormed into his study, his face etched with fury. The audacity! After subjecting him to such turmoil last night, she had the nerve to speak to him however she pleased. What had he expected, though? He pondered, massaging his temples.
"Whoa, you look like a thunderstorm. Are we in danger?" Steve remarked as he and Tony entered the study.
Jeremy turned towards them, his anger palpable. "What are you guys doing here?" he demanded.
"We came to discuss business. We asked Thomas to inform you of our arrival, but he said you were preoccupied upstairs. Is everything alright?" Tony inquired, extending a glass of Scotch to Jeremy.
Jeremy accepted the glass, swiftly downing its contents in a single gulp. "Slow down, buddy. I'm sure you can handle whatever is bothering you," Steve advised, concerned.
"Quiet, Steve. Tony, go on," Jeremy commanded.
"Well, we find ourselves in quite a predicament," Tony began.
"What's wrong?" Jeremy interjected, his interest piqued.
"One of our esteemed clients, Mr. Raymond, was threatened yesterday," Tony revealed.
"Threatened?" Jeremy's eyebrows shot up in surprise.
"Yes, he was warned to sever ties with us, or else his family would suffer the consequences," Steve added.
Jeremy's gaze darkened. "Who issued the threat?"
"Mr. Woods," Tony replied.
"Mr. Woods? Diana's father?" Jeremy chuckled incredulously.
"Yes. Our sources indicate that he has a new foreign business partner, and together they intend to dismantle you and Si Tech," Tony elaborated.
A wicked smile spread across Jeremy's face. This wasn't the first time someone had attempted this. And he knew just how to handle it.
"Steve," Jeremy called.
"Yeah?" Steve responded.
"Why don't you pay a visit to Mr. Woods and his foreign partner? Deliver a message from me," Jeremy suggested.
"With great pleasure," Steve replied, a mischievous grin forming on his lips.
"Oh. And also make it clear that he should keep a close eye on his daughter, Diana. If anything were to happen to Melissa again, she would deeply regret it." Jeremy instructed, his tone chillingly calm.
Tony and Steve exchanged puzzled glances.
"Who's Melissa?" Tony asked, utterly confused. "And what does she have to do with any of this?"
"She's an incredibly talented artist we met at
the art exhibition the other night," Steve interjected, winking playfully at Jeremy.
"Wink at me again, and you'll find yourself eyeless," Jeremy retorted sharply.
Steve smirked, clearly amused. "So, you actually went and met her, as I advised. Seems like you took my words to heart. Did you two go on a date?"
Before Jeremy could respond, there came a knock on the study door, and Thomas entered.
"Pardon the interruption, sir, but the lady from last night wishes to see you in your room," Thomas informed him respectfully.
Jeremy nodded in acknowledgment.
Thomas bowed and departed, leaving Tony and Steve dumbfounded. "Seriously, dude? You work fast," Steve exclaimed.
"I thought a woman like her would be quite a challenge to win over, but you proved me wrong. It must be the combination of your stunning looks and immense wealth," he teased, a smirk gracing his face.
"Keep your mouth shut, Steve. Nothing happened between us," Jeremy stated firmly, rising from his seat.
He made his way upstairs to meet Melissa. Perhaps she had regained her memory. He couldn't help but anticipate the embarrassed expression on her face as she offered her apologies.