Stealing the Heart of Mr. Steele

Chapter 107 [Atlas]

Inside the envelope are interviews of various employees (some of whom are now fired), printouts from the security cameras, as well as security logs for entry and exit.

Angelica was in the office while I was gone. Not only that, she visited the production floor.

One of the pictures shows her handing an employee a large envelope. The employee seems very happy.

In the interview notes, Josephina, one of the sewists, mentions that the "lovely Mrs. Steele," gave her and the other sewists "a generous bonus" for "a job well done." She doesn't mention the changes, but another employee, one who received the bonus from Josephina stated that when she received the changes from Manny, it came with around the same time as the $1000 in cash, so she didn't question it. She was too excited for the bonus.

All of this information is circumstantial. There are no pictures of Angelica DOING Any of the damage that was done. Also, there is no proof she was doing anything underhanded in my office. I would feel bad if I blamed her for something she couldn't have possibly done. Grabbing the evidence, I head home. Angelica needs to explain herself. 1

Angelica is sitting peacefully in a window seat facing the garden. The light shining through her blonde waves gives her a halo of innocent gold. Her pale pink dress and matching heels along with her perfect makeup and glamourous smile give her the look of the perfect CEO wife.

She is nothing like the creative chaos that is her sister who is all bright colors and asymmetry. Cordelia is one of a kind.

Angelica is like all the others. A perfect pink princess. Once upon a time, she was exactly what I wanted. Unfortunately for her, a little chaos is what I need. A bit of fire to balance out my inner calm.

The look Angelica gives me over her teacup is the opposite of chaos. She is perfectly composed, moving in the elegant ways she was raised to, as the oldest daughter and heir to a small fashion house. Pursing her lips, she swallows her bitter brew and looks up at me an expression of curiosity. "Atlas, you're home early."

"Angelica," I take a calm deep breath. I don't want her to think I am mad. I need answers and I won't get any if she goes into hysterics or has another mental breakdown. "Tell me about your plans for today."

Her whole face lights up as she sits up straighter, happy to share her plans for the day. "Well," she begins, " I was hoping to go into town, meet my mother for lunch and plan the engagement party," she smiles. "I was thinking we could have a joint party with Clark and Cordelia, maybe even plan a dual wedding. It would help save on expenses and look great for the press."

It was a good idea. An excellent one actually, if she was going to be my wife. It's hard having a double wedding when neither couple is real.

Returning her smile, I take a step closer. I hold the large envelope casually as if it holds no real significance.

"Well, I stopped by the office, but you weren't there, so went into town to see an exhibit with my mother.

Then I came home, had a nice bath, and fell asleep," she recites as if reading off a grocery list. It doesn't sound forced, but it does sound a little rehearsed.

"So you didn't stop by the production floor?"

"No," she states quickly. "Why would I? Were you there with Cordelia?" She spits out her sister's name as

if it is toxic.

"So you don't remember speaking with Josephina?" I query, tapping the envelope against my hand.

"Not that I can remember?" She blinks up at me innocently. "Why?"

Her memory being what it is, could it be possible for her to do something like this and not remember? Is it possible that it was just someone who LOOKS like Angelica and not Angelica herself? She doesn't look particularly guilty.

"I'm so confused right now," she sighs, looking lost and a little bit scared. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were accusing me of something. But that's ridiculous. I know you trust me," she looks through her lashes. Her hazel eyes are golden today, offset by the pale pink of both her skin and her dress. "You do trust me? Right?"

When I don't say anything, her lip begins to quiver.

I almost give in until she says, "Why is it that whenever something happens to Cordelia, you assume the worst of me? What have I ever done to her that proves me to be anything other than a good sister? I even forgave her for being

for any of it, Atlas." "O cold to me and for trying to take you from me. But you don't give me any credit

"Angelica," I try to speak but she doesn't let me.

"No, Atlas, you are not being fair," she huffs. "Maybe Cordelia is the problem, not me."

She stands and sets her teacup down on the table. Her hands are shaky in the way they are just before an

attack.

"Angelica," I state firmly so there is no question of my words. "I need you to pack your bags and go to your parents' house."

"Why?" She looks confused. "This is my home..."

"No. It isn't." I'm tired of this game. I don't know what is going on with her exactly-maybe she has dementia or maybe it is something else, but I'm tired of putting my life on hold for her. "It never was, Angelica. You and I never lived together. I don't understand why...?" "BECAUSE WE ARE GOING TO GET MARRIED!" She insists. "We are having a party next week and we are going to have everyone over and...Material © NôvelDrama.Org.

"No, we are not."

She stops.

I turn my back. Looking over my shoulder I throw the envelope down on the table. "You are lucky I'm not pressing charges. You have exactly one hour to leave."1