New York, September 9th.
The news of Theodore Johnson's death—billionaire and board member of the "Golden Stone" holding - came as a shock to everyone. He was found dead in his office under the most mysterious circumstances. He had just signed an important donation agreement, transferring his share in the company and his board seat to Hugo Kaiman. A deal no one, not even his family, knew about. But the story was only beginning.
***
One day, sitting at a table in the Dark Taste Café, Jessica was watching Nick Burien. He was the head of security at "Revival Commerce" and often came here for lunch. They had exchanged a few words before, and Jessica hadn't paid much attention to his presence - until today.
Nick, as usual, was at his table with a cup of black tea with lavender. He noticed her, smiled, and said flirtatiously:
"Oh, it's you, Jessica? Can't live without my jokes, huh?"
Jessica walked over to Nick's table with a playful stride, pulled out a chair, and sat down confidently.
"Actually, I'm not tired of you at all, Nick. I just thought you might be useful in one particular matter."
Nick raised an eyebrow; his expression became more attentive.
"What kind of matter?" he asked.
"I've got an idea involving Theodore Johnson. I want what I deserve. I've worked for him for over two years, and he doesn't appreciate it. I'm always in the background."
Nick chuckled, stirring his tea with a spoon, but the interest in his eyes flared up.
"Maybe you want to be the boss, huh?"
Jessica gave him a contemptuous smile, leaning a bit closer.
"Not quite, Nick. I want to know what goes on in the private office when I'm not around. You're head of security—you know what to do."
Nick pondered, chewing over the implications. Jessica hadn't said it outright.
"Wiretapping, Jessica? You want to bug Theo's office? Seriously? And what would you even do with that?"
Jessica leaned in closer, almost whispering:
"It's not just a wiretap, Nick. It's a chance to learn all the secrets. Who's talking to who, and about what. You'll get information, and information means money. You know stuff like that can be sold for a fortune. I can help you. And in return, you help me."
Nick fell silent. He wasn't stupid—he knew this wasn't the kind of thing you pulled off lightly. He leaned back, exhaling:
"I can imagine what happens if we actually sell all that. You think I'm interested in this?"
Jessica looked at him with a steely gaze, though her blood boiled inside. She knew people like Nick would grab any chance to make serious money. Now she just had to push the right buttons.
"Don't you want to know who's behind all these deals? Who's planning what, and how we can profit from it? You're in charge of company security. I think you'd like to know what's going on—and earn from it."
Nick finally realized Jessica wasn't joking. This was serious business. His voice turned firmer.
"I won't get involved if this leads to trouble, Jessica. Do you understand what we're risking here?"
Jessica nodded, her eyes gleaming:
"I know. Trust me. I'm willing to take that risk. Are you?"
Nick couldn't say no. He wasn't naive, and he understood this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. A chance like this didn't come every day.
"Fine. I'll do what you ask. But remember, this may not end the way you want."
Jessica knew she had Nick on a short leash now. She smiled smugly.
"We both know that, Nick."
***
Revenge is a carefully crafted plan.
A few days later, Nick installed a listening device in Theodore Johnson's office. Meanwhile, Jessica began executing her plan. She signed up for amateur shooting lessons, preparing for any unexpected turn of events. And, of course, to keep Nick close, she began dating him. Nick was pleased with both the professional and romantic relationship, but for Jessica, it was all part of her strategy. She didn't just use him—she enchanted him, kept his attention, and maintained control. Her plans were far-reaching; she wasn't satisfied with merely learning what Theodore was up to. She wanted to control it all, and to do that, she needed people like Nick around her.
That morning, September 9th, Jessica arrived at work as usual at 9:00 AM. Mr. Johnson had informed her he would be coming in at 10:00 AM, unlike his usual late evening arrival.
First, she made herself a light tropical drink of pineapple and coconut water. Today was a special day. Then she checked her email. The office was quiet, and no one had disturbed her yet. The phone rang.
"Good morning, Revival Commerce, Jessica speaking."
"Chirping like a parrot this early—connect me to Theo," Claire Johnson hissed.
"Mrs. Johnson, I'm afraid Mr. Johnson hasn't arrived at work yet," Jessica replied in a calm, professional tone.
"Who do you think you are to 'disappoint' me? Sit there and keep quiet," Claire snapped, unfiltered.
"Have a nice day, Mrs. Johnson."
"Don't tell me what to do, got it? I know perfectly well!" Claire screamed and slammed the phone down.
Jessica stood up, shaking. She walked to the window, clenched her fists, gathering her willpower. Claire's sharp jabs replayed in her mind. Just recently, when colleagues gathered in the foyer to enter Theo's office for a meeting, Claire had shown up unannounced and sneered in front of everyone: "Your cheap perfume reeks from a mile away, Jessica. Try not to let it stick to my husband's suit."
At a corporate party, in the ladies' room, Claire had aggressively grabbed Jessica's arm and spat: "Circling my husband, huh? Remember, you little tramp, your place is by the door! You'll never be on my level!" The other women gasped, expressing sympathy: "How do you stand her? She's a monster."
Jessica exhaled deeply. To herself, she whispered, "Everything will change today. Let's see who ends up where - and on what level."
Jessica Goodin was 29. An attractive brunette. She came from a small town where dreams often shattered against grim reality. She had moved to New York with one goal - to conquer it. This city was not for the weak. In the world of ambition and ruthless competition, you either swim or sink. And Jessica had no intention of sinking. Her dreams were grand - but her ambition was greater.
She had tried modeling, which turned out to be as fragile a bubble as her failed attempts to break into acting. Through it all, she held on to one thought: she had to achieve more. When her film dreams finally collapsed, she pulled herself together, studied business administration, and got a job as a secretary at Revival Commerce. Her two years there weren't just about work—they involved an intimate relationship with Theodore Johnson. To him, Jessica was just a secretary. To her, he was a stepping stone. She wouldn't settle for being the "pretty and smart one." She wanted more. One day, when she voiced her career ambitions, Theodore snapped:
"Remember, you're just my secretary and you'll remain one! But your appetite's like a wild animal's. Don't like serving me? Quit! There are younger, prettier girls ready to take your place."
Jessica hadn't expected such a response. She swallowed her pride. Between Theo's treatment and Claire's constant jabs, everything built up. Everyone has a breaking point. Jessica realized she had to avenge the humiliation. She decided she would do everything to prove Theo and Claire wrong. She wasn't just a "secretary." She would get what was hers - no matter what it took. Revenge would be harsh.