His Beautiful Addiction

''These people were affected because they took a trusted product; even though it was not from the company, it was packaged as such. It would be unfair to let them suffer when they were innocent consumers of a trusted company's product.

In as much as measures are put in place to stop a situation like this from repeating itself, we won't let them pay their bills and any cost that has been accrued by this mishap, to us, customers come first and we would do anything to uphold their trust. ''

''This is a very good move, Mr. Howells; I know the victims would be very pleased to hear that. ''

''I hope so. '' Nicklaus replied; his lips curving to something that looked like a smile.

Douglas sat in the parlor, his eyes stared at the television intently, his face appeared nonchalant but on a closer look, there was a troubled frown on his forehead.

Just that moment, Michelle stepped into the parlor, holding two glasses in one hand and a wine bottle in the other; one look at her husband and she knew there was something wrong, her eyes glanced at the television, and when she read the caption she stiffened.

Sitting down beside him, she poured some wine into the glass cups; handing him one; Douglas took the cup from her; his eyes not leaving the television for a second.

''Seems he's smart after all. '' He spoke calmly, but his voice, deadly. Michelle felt a cold aura emit from him, and she shuddered, he was furious.

She needed to choose her words carefully; else she would be the one taking his aggression.

Douglas insides burned with great wrath, he had really underestimated Nicklaus. Just when he thought that the company would be his!

Grandpa had told him that Nicklaus had agreed to him taking over the company if he does not find a solution in 24 hours.

He couldn't hold in his amusement after hearing that. How did he intend to find a solution, much less in 24 hours?

He had made sure the infiltration had been foolproof, so he knew that Nicklaus couldn't find out, and even if he would, it couldn't be in a week not to talk of finding it in 24 hours. He was anxious to know how he intended to solve the problem in 24 hours, who could have thought he would be smart enough to create a solution for the problem instead of searching for one?

He had recruited men to take the blame; how smart of him.

Now he was back to square one. Why was Nicklaus pushing him so hard? He didn't want to hurt him but he was really pushing him.

Michelle drank from her cup; she wasn't really bothered with Nicklaus or the company, for now, she was more concerned about finding Mia's killer. But then, if he would be able to get the company from Nicklaus, it'll still be to her favor, so she turned to him;

'' don't worry husband, let him enjoy victory a little, he won't be able to survive our next attack. '' She smiled at him, raising her hand, she rubbed along his arm.

Douglas was quiet for a moment when he couldn't keep watching, he turned off the television and turned to Michelle. His eyes stared at her for a second, then he took the cup from her hand and dropped it on the table;

Michelle was surprised but just when she wanted to say something, Douglas seized her lips with his, taking her breath away.

He kissed her deeply and ferociously; Michelle clutched onto his shirt, trying to stable herself, suddenly, he stopped and raised his eyes to her.

Michelle opened her eyes, her brows creased; he was gazing down at her as though there was something wrong;

Michelle gulped, her heart slamming against her chest; she had taken a bath before she came to see him, did he suspect anything?

''You smell… different?''

Douglas spoke, his voice grave as he stared deeply into her eyes, as though searching the deepest part of her soul.

Michelle gulped; the last thing she wanted was Douglas suspecting anything, she would be as good as dead.

A smile quickly found its way to her lips;

''I changed my perfume, husband. '' Thankfully it was the truth.

Douglas brows creased, as though not believing a word she said, but after a moment, he let go of her.

''I don't like it. It smells… masculine. '' he said, his gaze finding its way back to her eyes;

Michelle's breath hitched, but she made sure not to blow her cover.

''Alright, I'll go back to my old brand.''

He was always manipulative, even when he didn't know a thing, he would make you think he did, but she wasn't falling for it this time.

Douglas stared at her for a moment; then smiled; ''Better. ''

 Standing up, he walked out of the parlor in long strides; Michelle gasped after she was sure he had left, she needed to be very careful now. She couldn't even imagine what he would do to her if he caught her.

And to think it was his sister's husband… she would be as good as dead.

…

''Hmm… interesting ''

Catherine smiled as she watched the television. It seems she wouldn't have to do all the dirty work anymore. Her eyes glanced at her butler standing by her side, as though telling him to continue.

''Yes, his Uncle is after the company, he was behind the contaminated the drinks, but it seems Nicklaus was a bit smart this time, but I don't think it'll last long. ''

Catherine's laugh resonated in the room. She didn't even need to work hard anymore, she would just let Douglas get rid of Nicklaus and when he thinks he had achieved his aim and his security is weakened, she would get rid of him and take over the company.

How did God make everything so easy?

She just needs to cross her legs and watch everything unfold.

Her biggest rival was Nicklaus, and once he was out of the way, she wouldn't have a problem going after Douglas. She would strike him when he didn't even know, how splendid!