3 The Offer.

“Cheers!” Anna clinked her glass with Lily’s glass and smiled. They were currently in one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. It’s been two days after Anna and Lily exposed the secret of Daniel and Renee and Anna has been so happy. She had finally done something to taint the impeccable reputation of the Monroe family. “I didn't think it was gonna work,” Lily confessed. Anna shrugged, “The media hasn't released the heat from Daniel and Renee yet. They've dug deeper and uncovered a lot more evidence to use against them.” “And yet not a single evidence that can tie you to being his ex-wife was found,” Lily smirked. “I owe it to you, my wonderful computer hacker,” Anna smiled. Lily studied computer science in college and she's always been interested in computers. She had mad hacking skills and had taken lots of courses to get better over the years. “I still don't know why Daniel hasn't signed the divorce papers yet,” Lily mused. Anna shrugged, “I think he’s trying to bait me. He's called me over a hundred times since yesterday and I didn't pick up anyone.” Just then Lily’s eyes widened with surprise causing Anna to frown. “What’s wrong?” “Daniel is here, Anna.” Just after Lily’s announcement, Daniel made his way over to their table. “Mind if I interrupt, ladies?” he smirked. “What do you want, Daniel?” Anna asked, not in the mood to play games. “You sent me divorce papers,” Daniel said. Anna nodded, “Yes, you rightly stated the last time we were together that you were done with me.” “Why didn't you wait for me to send the divorce papers myself?” Anna laughed, “Is that what this is about? Your ego is fractured because I sent the letter first? Get over yourself, Daniel, I don't care!” “I am not giving you a single cent of my properties from this divorce,” Daniel said. “Good. Keep it, I don't need it,” Anna shrugged. Daniel stared at her dumbfounded. She was suddenly acting like someone else. A ruthless woman whom he had never met. She wasn't the sweet and submissive wife he had married. “When did you become so ruthless?” Daniel asked. Anna chuckled, “I haven't even begun yet, Daniel. By the time I’m done you and your family will regret all you did to me.” Daniel tried to find the right words to say but he hadn't prepared himself for this outcome. Nothing had prepared him for Anna acting so ruthlessly. He had planned to use his dominant voice and get her to leave him alone then drag her back to the family house with him. Ever since Anna released the news about the scandal, his position in the Monroe family was hanging in the balance. Bringing Anna back to his father was one of the ways he would have redeemed himself but now watching her talk he had a feeling that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. “If that's all then please leave,” Anna said interrupting his thoughts. Daniel shook his head, “You want to divorce me so badly?” “More than anything in the world,” Anna smiled. Daniel produced the divorce papers and gave them to her. He had already signed it especially after the doctor had given him the news about Renee’s condition. He just needed to talk to his father, present a few fake evidences and everything Anna had done would go away. “Enjoy your newfound freedom, Anna, but stay out of my way,” Daniel said as he walked away. Anna opened the papers and saw his signature. She was supposed to feel happy but why did it feel like her heart had been ripped out of her chest so badly? She blinked trying to hide the tears welling up in her eyes but Lily saw them and she sighed. “I’m not gonna fault you for crying, Anna.” “Daniel is a douchebag and he just signed the documents without even trying to fight for you after loving him all those years.” “No one deserves that kind of pain,” Lily said. Anna sighed, “I guess a part of me had hoped he wouldn't go through with the divorce and that he would start acknowledging me after knowing what I’m capable of.” “But it seems like I just gave him a free hand to do whatever he wants with Renee now.” “No, not with the media watching his every move,” Lily said. “Give or take, the media will be off his back in less than twenty-four hours,” a voice said behind them. Anna saw a man walk up to them. His aura was very powerful. He was dressed in a black tuxedo, his black hair was neatly slicked back and his green eyes were void of any emotion. He was very handsome but he gave off a cold aura and it made Anna skeptical. “I’m sorry, who are you? And I can't remember inviting you to join our conversation.” “You don't need to invite me, Anna, I simply decide when I join a conversation and when not,” the man replied. “Well leave, this is a private conversation,” Lily said. The man briefly glanced at Lily then focused his attention back on Anna. “I must say it's been years since anyone has tried to destroy the Monroe family,” he said. “What do you mean by that? Were you eavesdropping on our conversation?” Anna asked. “Are you a reporter?” Lily added. “God, no. I'm not one of those pesky people. My bodyguard merely did some background check-up on you both.” “So you’re a stalker then,” Anna said. “I’m here to make you an offer.” “What kind of offer?” “It’s clear you want to destroy the Monroe family and I want that too so let’s team up,” the man said. “I don't know you and I don't know what you're talking about. And even if I did want to hurt a certain family, I think I’m doing very well on my own,” Anna said. “I have the money and connections, Anna,” the man said. “Well you can shove it up your ass, my friend doesn't need you!” “In a few hours, Daniel is going to spin a story and make all these go away. You can't take apart the Monroe without being among them. When that happens, call me and accept my deal.” The man dropped a black card on the table and left just as Anna picked up the card. “That was weird,” Lily said. “Tell me about it because our bills have been paid for too,” Anna replied. “How?” Lily asked. The bartender just dropped off the receipt as he was heading to serve the next table,” Anna replied. “Do you think the man will be right?” Lily asked. “Only one way to find out. We wait.” Anna and Lily went back home with their fingers crossed as they kept their eyes glued to the television. Then in the evening, Daniel released a statement along with some evidence. Apparently he lied that he’s been married to Renee for some time now. After she jilted him they decided not to have a public wedding. They've been together ever since and whoever released that photo was malicious and envious about their union especially after he found out that Renee is pregnant for him. Anna felt her ears ring at his words as they provided proof to support the marriage and pregnancy claim. In less than an hour the heat was off Daniel and the Monroe family was back to being an impeccable family. “The guy was right,” Lily said. “Yes and the baby I’ve always wanted for two years Daniel has given it to Renee.” “What are you going to do?” Anna brought out the black card. It just held a name and number. Davis. She dialed the number on her phone and he picked up on the first ring. “I’ve been expecting your call, Anna,” the man said over the phone. “I accept your offer,” Anna replied.