Chapter Twelve: Cracks and Coffee
The morning sun had barely risen, casting a muted glow over the glass towers of the city. Kim Monroe stood at her office window, arms folded tightly across her chest, staring out into nothing. Her reflection in the glass mirrored a woman who looked put together, but the storm beneath her calm exterior raged on.
Monika.
That name alone sent a chill through her. It wasn't just business rivalry—it was personal. Monika had always found a way to taunt her, to compete in everything from clients to contracts to social status. And now, she was sending threats.
Kim hated being rattled. She hated even more that someone like Kelly, who she wasn't even supposed to care about, was somehow wrapped up in this.
Her phone buzzed. It was Caramel.
Caramel: I'm downstairs. You better have coffee.
Kim sighed. "Of course you are."
Minutes later, Caramel burst into the office like she owned the building. She tossed her coat onto the nearest chair and gave Kim a once-over.
"You look like you haven't slept."
"That's because I haven't."
Caramel plopped onto the couch. "Monika again?"
Kim didn't respond. Instead, she handed Caramel her tablet—the screen already pulled up to the anonymous text message.
Caramel read it silently, her jaw tightening. "This is Monika's style. She plays dirty. Always has."
Kim leaned on her desk. "And now she's targeting people around me. People who don't even know they're in the line of fire."
"You mean Kelly?"
Kim gave a stiff nod. "He brought me research this morning. Legitimate numbers. It was actually useful, and I couldn't even thank him properly. All I could do was question why he thought it was his job."
Caramel chuckled. "That's your way of saying thank you."
Kim groaned. "I just... don't want him involved. And then there's Zuri."
At the mention of the girl's name, Caramel perked up. "She's adorable. I saw her in the lobby with him once. Has your eyes."
Kim snapped, "She's not mine."
Caramel raised her hands. "Relax. I'm just teasing you stop being too sensitive
Kim paused. "She told her father she heard me shouting at him. That's how she knew. That little girl is sharp."
"Kids are like sponges. They pick up everything."
Kim turned to the window again. "I don't want to be the villain in that girl's life."
Before Caramel could answer, a knock came at the door. It opened slightly, and there he was—Kelly, holding a folder in one hand and Zuri's drawing in the other.
"You left this on the copier," he said.
Caramel turned, eyes widening slightly as she saw him in person for the first time.
Kelly noticed her stare but said nothing.
Kim stepped forward. "Leave it on the desk."
He did, but didn't leave immediately. "You might want to review the proposal again. I updated the projections."
Kim looked at him sharply. "Why do you keep overstepping?"
"Because you clearly need help, and you won't ask for it," he said plainly.
Caramel almost smiled at the boldness.
Kim glared. "You're a driver. Not my assistant. Not my analyst. Know your place."
Kelly held her gaze. "Then maybe stop treating people like they're disposable. Not everyone bows when you walk in."
Silence.
Kim's chest rose and fell. But she didn't reply.
Kelly nodded to Caramel politely, then left.
As the door clicked shut, Caramel exhaled. "Wow."
"Don't say it," Kim warned.
"Oh, I'm going to say it. I like him."
Kim rolled her eyes. "Of course you do."
Caramel grinned wickedly. "Don't worry. I won't steal him. Not unless you push him away first."
Kim groaned, but before she could fire back, her tablet pinged again.
Another message.
UNKNOWN NUMBER: You should've stayed out of it. Now everyone pays.
Caramel leaned over to read. Her smile vanished.
"Kim... this is getting serious."
Kim nodded, her face hardening
I really don't even know what's she's talking about
But since she's being like this l think
"It's time we find out what Monika's really is blaping about.