Hateful Games: (An arranged marriage billionaire romance) (Arranged Games Book 2)
Chapter 36

What I feared the most is finally happening.

Another major account we had recently acquired got stolen by my rival from right under our noses over the weekend. Apparently, someone leaked sensitive information about our client. A breach of trust of this proportion leaves no room for negotiating with them to stay.

With the size of our firm, it shouldn’t have even occurred in the first place.

My gut tells me it’s the same mole from last year.

Their timing was perfect, making sure I was distracted with the wedding.

Right now, a hit of tobacco will calm my head and help me focus but I can’t replace myself to touch the packet of cigarettes I always carry. Suddenly, it’s the most disgusting thing in the world.

I scrub my hand over my face before buzzing my assistant, Radha, and telling her to send Samarth, who is the head of cybersecurity, to my office.

Honestly, this disaster couldn’t have come at the worst possible time.

My team and I have been working on acquiring one of the biggest construction companies in the Middle East for months. We’re in the final stages of negotiating and finalizing the deal. After the news of the leaks gets out today, all the progress I made will go down the drain.

Getting to the bottom of the situation is my priority for today.

Over the phone, I wasn’t able to get much information and I want to know exactly what occurred so I can brainstorm and take the necessary actions. Someone is covertly sabotaging us. I need to know their motives. They’re obviously not scared of getting caught. Or perhaps overconfident in their abilities.

Is it a disgruntled employee? Are they working alone? Who could possibly have a vendetta against me in my own company? Or were they approached by someone from the outside? So many fucking questions and zero answers.

Usually, these seedy and underhanded games were played by Mihir Kapoor but ever since the engagement, things have been quiet. Except I can’t tell whether or not it’s the calm before the storm. Hence, I wouldn’t rule him out at having a hand in this.

A knock sounds on my door.

“Come in.” I look up to see Samarth step inside. His face grim. I motion for him to sit while I remain standing. “Tell me.”

“Whoever it was, they logged in using an ex-employee’s credentials to access the confidential files of all the new accounts.”

“Who was it and why were their credentials still active?” I calmly ask but inside, I’m seething. A tiny negligence and the blunder caused me millions of dollars.

“It was your old assistant’s desk. Someone in HR messed with his last working date which led to his account remaining active.”

“It’s been a whole fucking year since I fired him.” I trusted him explicitly until Rosalie messed with him too. Few minutes in her presence and he was putty in her hands. At least Rosalie had the sense to look guilty but it lasted until I made her work under me for the summer.

“It has to be the mole from last year who manipulated it.”

“And we have no clue who the mole is?”

Samarth’s jaw clenches in embarrassment. It goes to show him and his team’s competency. I hired him because of his fifteen-plus years of experience and impeccable recommendation from his earlier manager. “Unfortunately, no. Whoever it is, they’re smart in evading and hacking.”

“And no one from our cyber department can trace them?”

“Not yet.”

“What about surveillance?”

“Cameras were also hacked and shut off.”

My temper flares to an all-time high. “So, he’s probably sitting with confidential and sensitive information of all our clients. They’re a ticking time bomb.”

It’ll be like looking for a needle in a haystack.

“Our best course of action is to investigate into the team directly involved with both the lost clients. Meanwhile, we’re updating everyone’s systems with tighter security and will see if we can trace anything malicious.”

“Also revoke access to unnecessary team members in our Middle East acquisition project. Only the leads working closely should have access to the files. I also want a full background check on the team who handled the two accounts we lost, especially the last person who had access.”

“Okay.”

“I want those reports on my desk by the end of the day.”

“Of course, I’ll get my team right on it.”

“We need to narrow it down to highly suspicious employees before we announce a full formal investigation. We need to replace the person responsible before they do any more damage. Make this your priority.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Send Radha in on your way out.”

Samarth nods and exits my office. Just as I sit down on my desk, my assistant walks in. One glance at my face and her expression becomes nervous. While she manages every task well, I don’t miss how much I intimidate her.

“What did you need, Mr. D’Cruz?”

“Tell HR, whoever was responsible for processing the termination of my old assistant’s account that they’re fired,” I order, and she immediately types it on her tablet. “Set up a meeting with all my department heads for tomorrow morning at nine.”

“I’ll do it right away.”

“That’s it for now.”

She scurries away. I’ve about ten minutes until my first meeting for the day. While I should be going over the notes, my mind wanders to my wife. I absently trace the wedding band on my finger. My mother’s assistant should have reached her by now and I can only imagine the hell Rosalie will be giving the poor soul. Her sharp-witted tongue is not for the faint of heart.

I was surprised when she agreed to meet without a fight. I guess I just assumed now that she’s not under her tyrant father’s thumb, she’d want to explore the freedom to pursue something of her own. Rosalie has an independence streak a mile wide. Plus, she’s had the best education. No way she’ll be satisfied living off of any man’s money given the chance.

Or does she think I’m a conceited prick who wouldn’t allow her?

She must if she didn’t even bother to argue. Then again, I did shoot down her request of wanting a separate bedroom.

But that’s different.

I contemplate for a minute before picking up my phone to send my mother’s assistant back. At the same time, my office door jerks open and in strolls Nathan.

“How’s the missus?” His shit-eating grin gets bigger at my harsh scowl. “She didn’t try to kill you. That’s progress.”

“Why the surprise visit?”

“Can a guy not check on his best friend?”

“Check or make fun of?”

“Both.” He shrugs innocently. Approaching my desk, he sits across from me. Something catches his interest and he squints his eyes at my slightly messy desk and asks, “Did you buy nicotine patches?”

“Yes.” I should’ve hidden them in my drawer.

“Why?”

“Trying to quit.”

“Quit smoking?” He stares like I’ve suddenly grown two heads.

“Why else would I purchase a damn nicotine patch, you idiot?”

The jerk laughs and imitates me, “I am not quitting smoking. Rosalie will have to get used to it.”

“Is that supposed to be me?”

“One day and your wife already has you scared?”

“Why would you assume she’s the reason?” I counter. “I could totally be doing it for a health-related reason.”

“But you’re not.” When I immediately don’t deny it, his eyes go wide and he accuses, “You like her.”

“I do not.”

“That’s just the denial talking.”

“She’s the enemy, remember?” I can’t tell whether I’m reminding him or myself.

“Her father is. And you’re hooked on your wife. That’s what you hate about her.”

“Why are you here, anyways?” I demand irritably, shuffling papers aside, and he smirks in satisfaction like a loon.

“Why so grumpy?”

“Because I hate the game of twenty questions in the morning.”

“You have bags underneath your eyes.”

“Jesus. You turning into a woman?”

He continues, unbothered. “I know it’s not because you were playing horizontal games with your wife all night long. So, I’m curious as to what’s the reason.”

“I didn’t get enough sleep,” I reply because it’s better to sate his curiosity than argue. Either way, it’s a waste of time.

“Why?”

Because three mutts kicked me out of the bed and despite being half my size, are keeping me away from my wife. Obviously, I’m not going to reveal this to my best friend to mock me for the rest of my life. So, I lie, “Her dogs’ snoring kept me awake.”

“Damn. Her pug is still alive?”

“As well as a Chihuahua and an angry pit bull who has it out for me.”

His eyes go round before he bursts out laughing. “I don’t know whether to congratulate you or give my condolences.”

“Wait until it’s your turn, asshole.”

“Iris loves me.”

“How you got that to happen is a mystery to me,” I mutter. “I still don’t believe you both ran into each other and just clicked. That shit happens in movies.”

He gives a secretive smile and replies, “I got lucky.”

Radha knocks on my door and pops her head in to remind me, “Your call is about to start in two minutes, Mr. D’Cruz.”

“Thanks, Radha.”

She shuts the door and Nathan turns serious. “I heard about Mercer limited. It’s the second incident now. Someone has it out for you.”

“I’m on it.”

“Are you thinking of bringing in a private investigator?”

“I don’t want to spook whoever it is. They’ll be on high alert.”

“It’s a risky move, waiting for them to slip up.”

“But also, my best shot.”

“True,” replies Nathan before rising and buttoning his suit jacket. “Watch your back. This could all be a distraction from a bigger play.”

***

I’m deep in between examining the latest financial reports when my phone rings. My mom’s name flashes on the screen and I pick it up after the first ring. Most people are surprised when they realize I’m the closest to my mother. She has always been and will be my number one priority. On the surface, her life is a dream the world envies her for, but only I know in reality she’s trapped by her demons. Their hold tighter than a noose.

Even though it’s been years, she still blames herself for my kidnapping. Which is why I never miss her call, knowing it sends her into a fright. It’s the last thing she needs.

It kills me because it wasn’t her fault.

Just another vicious stab taken by Mihir.

“Hi, Ma,” I softly answer.

Her gentle voice flows to my ears. “Where are you, beta?”

“Office. Where else would I be?” I reply teasingly, relaxing back in my chair.

“At home with your wife, perhaps,” she teases back with a soft chuckle.

The sound of her laughter was a rare sound while growing up. She’s been doing it a lot freely over the years and it eases some of my worry. “Soon. Have some urgent work to finish first.”

“There’s always something urgent.”

“Ma,” I sigh.

“Work is important but family should always come first, Nova. Rosalie has uprooted her whole life and you should be by her side to make her feel welcome. It’s your responsibility as her husband. Spend time together and learn about each other.

“That’s what honeymoons are for and we’re leaving after next week. I’ll have all the time in the world to know her better.” Before she can lecture me more, I switch the topic. “How are you? Are you taking care of yourself? I don’t want you to hesitate to call me when you need me. I mean it, Ma.”

“Oh shush, let me be the mothering one between us,” she scolds. “I am your mother, after all.”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I. I have your father to take care of me.”

“Does he?” I wince when it comes out as a taunt.

I can hear the smile drop from her voice. “He has changed, Nova. He’s become thoughtful and caring. I gave him a second chance and you need to do the same. The past is in the past.”

It’s not. It’s sitting clueless at my home.

“Fine. I’ll drop it.”

“So, I got a call from Mahi,” says my mom brightly, mentioning her assistant. “She told me Rosalie picked a few animal rescue charities to raise money for and will also be volunteering at a shelter once you both return from the honeymoon.”

Of course she did. I would pay to see her getting her hands dirty while praying that she doesn’t bring another dog home.

“That’s so wonderful of her,” continues my mother, gushing. “Before I forget, your father and I were wondering if we could visit you both for family dinner tomorrow. Unless you kids have plans.”

“We’d love to have you, Ma,” I reply. Despite the ups and downs my family have faced, the three of us have never missed eating dinner together at least once a week. I know Rosalie doesn’t trust us. Perhaps it will be a good opportunity to fix it. “I’ll let Rosalie know.”

“Perfect. Let her know we’ll bring dessert.”

“Sure. I gotta run, Ma. Will talk to you soon.”

“Can’t wait to see you tomorrow.” Lowering her voice, she sternly orders, “And be attentive and go home early.”

Except, I don’t miss the hint of sadness and yearning. She doesn’t want me to turn like my father. Neither do I. However, I have other flaws that’ll destroy my marriage. Not that I’ll let my mother ever know. Like the world, I’ve kept her in the dark about the truth of my marriage with Rosalie, specifically how it came to be.

If she got a hint that either Father—which I’m ninety percent certain of—or I have a hidden agenda… it’ll wreck her. She has enough to worry about already, even though she has not once let it show.

But I can read her like a book.

Her pain is as much mine as it’s hers.

“Don’t worry about it,” I consolingly answer.

“A good businessman knows to delegate. Try that.”

Too bad the people I’m delegating to cannot be trusted. “I will. See you tomorrow.”

“Love you, beta.”

Bidding goodbye, I hang up and check the time on my wristwatch. It’s six in the evening. Quite early for me to leave. I stare at the papers on my desk and suddenly don’t replace them as appealing as I did before.

Just the thought of my sassy wife is enough to pale the rest of the world.

Now all I desire is to run to her.

Jeez. Maybe Nathan was right.

I’m hooked on her.

My thorny Rose.