WEST CROSS

Chapter seven

Carla had a strict policy about lies. She hated telling them and even more so when they were told to her. West's lie had been innocent and she could understand why he had done it but that didn't change the fact it infuriated her. As punishment, she ordered her guards to lock him up in the underground murky room they used as a torture lab slash dungeon.

She made him stay there for a day without food or sunlight. It was hard on her too because for some reason she couldn't fully comprehend she kept wondering if he was fine or not. It was only when she ordered her guard to set him free that she experienced peace of mind.

Tony was a mastermind, always steps ahead of his rivals in the business world. He was skilled in the art of manipulation and deceit. He concluded that the only way he was going to get Carla in control once again was to get West out of the way and the best way to do that was to let Antonia know about Carla’s interest in the boy. Antonia and Carla had been rivals for years and even though Tony hated her guts, he knew she would prove useful in times like this.

Tony called Marco, his trusted ally and ordered him to act as a mole. Marco's job would be to feed Antonia with information about Carla's growing interest in West. Antonia was no fool; she knew Carla's reputation as a formidable opponent. The news of Carla's attraction to West was bound to set a fire within Antonia's competitive spirit. Tony marveled at his genius plan as he set everything in motion. Later that day, Marco reported his success.

Some weeks later, anticipation rose as the date of the mayor's grand party loomed closer. This event was the embodiment of extravagance. It was a means for the wealthy to show off their clout. It was a battle of wealth. A gathering where the city's elite would mingle and compete for supremacy. Both Carla and Antonia had their eyes set on this moment, plotting their moves carefully.

As the night finally arrived, Carla made a grand entrance, her simple elegance commanding the attention of everyone around. But she didn't walk alone. By her side was West, clad in a humble suit that seemed out of place amidst the extravagant affair. It was a vision that surprised even Antonia but it also made her curious as she heard about him some weeks ago.

Her initial reaction to the news had been doubtful. She had laughed it off as crazy talk because she knew Carla just as Carla knew her. They were both cold creatures who couldn't form connections with other humans if their lives depended on it. Antonia watched West and she smiled.

Throughout the night, West could feel the eyes on him. It was like everyone in the damned party was watching him. Miss Carla had gone over to a table to greet some of the guests and West felt vulnerable standing alone in the open. It was almost as if he was standing in the wild amidst predators.

A group of women dressed in fabulous designer night dresses strolled over to where West stood waiting.

“Fetch me and my friends a drink. Be fast about it.” The woman in front said waving her empty glass.

West blinked in surprise and then he realized his suit was the same as the ones the attendants moving about wore.

West smiled cooly as he tried to explain to them. “I'm sorry.” He said, shrugging. “but I don't work here.”

The woman eyed him with a disapproving look on her face. “Are you trying to say you're a guest dressed like—like that.” Her voice was laced with contempt.

Her friends snickered and whispered insults. West wished the earth would swallow him for a brief moment until the party was over. He felt so out of place and as much as he tried to stay hidden, there was no escaping the humiliation.

For West, the night was majorly filled with unwarranted insults and humiliation from smug guests. Antonia, witnessing the injustice, stepped forward to defend him. Her audacity vibrated the room and West stood in awe of this unexpected champion.

“Why don't you shuffle off and suck a dick or something,” Antonia said, to a woman who gasped as if she had been punched in the guts. “Do something interesting for once in your vain pretentious life.”

West's eyes glowed as he stared at Antonia in gratitude. He was impressed by her resilience. West admitted to himself that the woman standing before him reminded him a lot of Miss Carla. They had the same aura. Cold, unfeeling, strong, dangerous yet with so much warmth and heart beneath it all.

Antonia's heart swelled with empathy for West. She saw potential in him and a tenderness that no longer exists in men. In that instant, she decided she would get West not just for rivalry's sake but also because she wanted him by her side.

“Thanks for that,” West said, smiling nervously.

His naivety and sincerity touched Antonia. She wasn't the type to easily let emotions get to her yet West was effortlessly moving his fingers along her heartstrings.

“It's nothing,” Antonia said, waving it off. “I'm Antonia by the way.” She added, offering her hand.

“West.” He said, accepting her outstretched hand.

Carla appeared at that moment like a mother eagle she moved between them hovering protectively over West.

But Antonia had a bold offer up her sleeve. "Carla," she declared, her voice heavy with confidence, "I have an offer you can't resist. I'll give you ten billion dollars for West."

Silence permeated the room as the audacity of Antonia's proposition hung heavy. It was a game-changer, one that no one had expected. Carla paused and studied Antonia. West couldn't imagine why Antonia would want to buy him off of Carla for such an amount. He decided they were both crazy. It was the only valid conclusion.

“Fuck off," Carla said, her voice laced with defiance. “West isn't for sale.”