Chapter 1 Blackmailed
It was a busy Monday morning at Black Diamond Horizon.
Celia Thompson stormed into the building, arrogance clinging to her every step. Her heels clicked sharply against the marble floor as she crossed the lobby, stepped into the elevator, and rode straight to the top floor. The moment she stepped out, she headed toward the main office.
“Miss Thompson?” the receptionist called.
Celia turned her head.
Behind the marble reception desk stood Willow, always impeccably put together. She wore a fitted cream blouse tucked into a sleek black pencil skirt, her posture straight and professional. Her long chestnut hair was styled in soft waves that rested neatly over her shoulders, and her makeup was subtle but precise — just enough to enhance her sharp features. A thin gold nameplate rested against her blouse, catching the office lights.
“Yes, Willow?” Celia turned her head and flashed a confident smile.
“Your dad is waiting for you in his office,” Willow said.
The faint smile on Celia’s face stiffened.
“Waiting for me?” She stepped closer to the desk. “What do you mean? What happened?”
Willow flicked a quick glance toward the CEO’s office — the frosted glass doors at the end of the corridor — before lowering her voice. Her professional expression shifted slightly, tension slipping through.
“I’m not sure,” she admitted quietly. “The operations team called the moment Mr. Thompson arrived this morning. He seemed quite upset and told me to send you in as soon as you came.”
Her fingers lightly tapped the desk as if even she felt the pressure in the air.
Celia waved it off. “It’s fine. He worries about every silly thing. I’ll handle it.”
Turning on her heels, she walked straight toward the CEO’s office. The golden nameplate on the door gleamed under the lights.
Jerry Thompson, CEO.
Celia smiled with pride and pushed the door open without knocking.
The smile vanished instantly.
Jerry was pacing the room, his suit disheveled, collar loose—nothing like the perfectly composed man she was used to seeing. He looked breathless, phone pressed to his ear as he barked into it.
“I don’t care how you do it. Get it done,” he snapped. “Tell Mr. Graves we’re ready to give up ten percent of our profit if that’s what it takes.”
He paused, listened, then cursed under his breath before hanging up.
Celia’s body went stiff.
Mr. Graves?
Her fingers tightened against her shoulder as a chill ran down her spine.
Just then, Jerry turned around.
His gaze swept over Celia in passing. But before Celia could even take another step inside, that fleeting glance snapped back to her. His eyes darkened instantly, fury igniting like a lit match.
He whirled around, slammed his phone onto the table beside the couches, and strode toward her in long, aggressive steps.
“You’re finally here,” he barked.
Celia stiffened.
“What the fuck did you do, Celia?” he demanded, stopping right in front of her. “What did you do to Mr. Graves last night that he canceled the deal with us?”
