My Dad's Bestfriend

Jacob

"Sir, they've pulled quite a lot of funds. The ongoing projects at this point, and the ones we've bid on, could pose a significant hindrance if we don't take action. We must make up for it or, at the very least, add new funds."

Well...

"I'm aware, Flavio," I murmured, rolling the paperweight onto the table. "I've had doubts about these types of events, so I've kept myself prepared. Moreover, there are already several companies eager to invest in our projects. Those who know me well and aren't inclined to curry favor with Tyler will leap at these opportunities as soon as the news circulates. Besides, Tyler already has enough enemies already." "But none would want to challenge him, especially considering his recent victories in the bids," Harry interjected. "Shouldn't we maintain a lower profile for a while? Consolidate our resources, and put less critical projects on hold until we resolve this issue? If we take a step and end up facing more losses, it could lead to serious difficulties."

"You made a valid point, Harry, but we can't afford to lie low because that's precisely what he'd expect. Tyler wants us to cower and play into his hands. He's well-versed in his game and would exploit the opportunity. We won't halt any ongoing projects; however, we'll keep caution with our bids," I asserted. "He did it before, and this time, his tactics are even more underhanded. I'm unsure of his motives, but he seems to be targeting everything all at once."

"So... are we just going to act like nothing happened?" Ben's voice carried a bit of skepticism.

"In reality, nothing catastrophic occurred. Sure, the funds were helpful, but they're not so crucial that we'd face bankruptcy or feel like the world's crashing down on us," I chuckled lightly. "You guys needn't fret over it. Just continue with your tasks. I'll handle Tyler and everything else. The funds will be added soon. And Flavio, those documents I asked for send them over. Need to check if some investors might bail soon. Gotta be ready. Ricci's always up for playing dirty."

"Understood, Sir."

Before I could say another word, the ringtone of my phone resonated through the room. The familiar caller ID of my girl flashed on the screen, drawing a small smile from me.

She was, without a doubt, the best part of my life. Since she entered it, I had been experiencing some of the most fulfilling moments I'd ever known.

God, I loved her!

"You guys can leave now," I cleared my throat, motioning for Flavio and Harry to depart. Both suppressed their smiles, nodded, and walked out of the cabin.

As the door clicked shut behind them, I picked up the call.

Finally....

"Hello, Eve "

"J-Jacob...can you please come home?" Her voice trembled, breaking into sobs that startled me.

What the hell...

"Evelyn...what's wrong, love? Why are you crying?" I rose abruptly, my heart racing. "Tell me, dear. What happened?"

"Jacob... they," Her voice hitched, trembling as if she were terrified. "Your uncles. They came and... wrecked everything. They even threatened-" Her words dissolved into sobs, "Please, can you come home?" My body seized up at that moment. Luigi and Mario-my uncles who incessantly stirred up trouble at my doorstep, always seeking money and causing chaos. They were no different from my father, who thankfully met his end. They believed I owed them some absurd debt because I was adopted into a prosperous family and lived a comfortable life. Their rationale was utterly ludicrous-it was a privilege granted to me due to their brother's demise, and they felt entitled to it. There was no familial love in their hearts for my so-called deceased father; they would have sold him for a dime if it meant filling their pockets. They craved money for drinking and gambling, and I inadvertently became their personal bank-whenever their cash ran dry, a scene would inevitably unfold.

I had contemplated obtaining a restraining order against them, yet I never deemed it worth my time. Money was never an issue, so I let myself be their financial cushion.

But this time...

I never fathomed they'd stoop this low.

Those despicable bastards! Damn it!

"Evelyn, listen to me, baby..." I attempted to soothe her. "Take deep breaths, alright? Stay on the line. I'll be there in five minutes."

Without a second thought, I bolted out of the office.

I needed to be with her.

Everything else could go to fucking hell. I needed to be there, no matter what.

"I'm scared, Jacob. I can't... I can't catch my breath," she cried hysterically. "They... they threatened to return. They said they'd hurt you too. I don't know what to do."

"Evie, darling, I'm on my way to you now. They can't touch you," I pressed the elevator button frantically, her cries piercing through me as if my heart was shattering. "Are you injured? Are they still there?" "No, they... they left. But, my knee... it's bleeding. And my wrists hurt," Her tearful voice shattered my soul into fragments.

Those damned scumbags-I'd kill them. I'd fucking kill them.

"Did they hit you?"

"No. I tried to stop them... so they... pushed me and-" Her voice faltered. "They broke everything. They said they'd kill me and... I'm scared, Jacob. I don't want to be here."

"You won't have to be," I bolted to my car as the door swung open. Sliding inside sped away from the parking lot, accelerating to the maximum speed, and heading in the direction of my apartment. I wasn't sure if was following traffic signals or not-I just wanted to be with her.

She was crying, and I couldn't bear to see even a single tear fall from her eyes onto the floor. "I'll take you somewhere else. You don't have to be afraid, baby. I'll be there in no time."

"Please, come soon."

"I will, baby. I'm almost there."

I made a turn, opting for the

shortcut. In the next two minutes, I reached the building. As the lift doors slid open, I sprinted down the hallway to my apartment. The door was wide open, and the

ven

heart-wrenching sight of Evelyn amidst the shattered furniture, broken glass, and scattered electronics unfolded before me.

And there she was, her tear-filled eyes locking with mine. Her face was streaked with tears, her eyes swollen and bloodshot. Blood stained the floor from the cuts on her knee and wrists, revealing fingerprints. She trembled, shaken to her core.

Damn it, why didn't I just fucking die before witnessing this? Why?

"J-Jacob..." Her quivering lips spoke, more tears streaming down her cheeks. "You're here..."

My legs, frozen like they were encased in ice, suddenly thawed, and I sprinted toward her. Dropping to my knees in front of her, I pulled her into my embrace.

"Yes, I'm here, baby," I cradled her face in my hands, kissing every inch of her tear-stained cheeks. "I'm right here."