Chapter Thirteen: Tangled Lines
The silence in Kim Monroe's office was thick with unspoken tension. Caramel leaned against the desk, arms crossed, watching Kim pace.
"She's bluffing," Kim muttered, her heels clicking back and forth across the tiled floor.
"Then why are you sweating?" Caramel asked calmly.
Kim shot her a glare. "I'm not."
Caramel smirked. "So, this Monika person… she just waltzes in, claims she knows secrets, and suddenly you're losing your cool?"
Kim exhaled, annoyed. "I'm not losing anything. I just don't like surprises. Especially not from that woman."
Caramel raised a brow. "And what's her story?"
Kim hesitated. "She's competition. Used to work with one of my vendors. Tried to undercut my distribution deal last year. She's bitter and cunning."
"Clearly still holding a grudge," Caramel said. "And sending creepy messages from unknown numbers. Real mature."
Kim's lips twitched, but she didn't smile. Instead, her voice grew firmer. "Whatever she thinks she knows, it's not going to work. I've handled worse."
Caramel leaned forward. "But if there's even a sliver of truth in what she said..."
Kim nodded, her face hardening. "I really don't even know what she's talking about. But since she's being like this, I think it's time we find out what Monika's really blabbing about."
---
Downstairs, Kelly zipped up Zuri's little backpack. He was humming a tune softly when Caramel passed through the open office door.
Their eyes met.
Instant recognition.
Caramel stopped short, blinking. "Oh. It's you."
Kelly raised a brow. "Didn't expect to see you here."
Zuri looked up between them. "Daddy, who's she?"
Kelly kept his expression neutral. "Just someone I've seen around."
Zuri giggled.
Kelly gave a polite smile, but his voice held no warmth.
"Clearly," Caramel muttered, folding her arms.
Kim walked in, heels sharp against the floor. She eyed them both. "You two know each other?"
"Barely," Kelly said flatly.
Caramel flashed Kim a bright smile. "We've crossed paths."
Kim ignored the awkwardness. "Caramel, I need you to help me look into Monika. Find out who she's working with now, and why she's suddenly interested in this office again."
Caramel nodded. "Sure. You want subtle or a full-on dig?"
"Start subtle," Kim said, then glanced at Kelly. "And don't let her near Zuri again."
Kelly tensed. "I can handle my daughter."
"Just making sure you do," Kim snapped.
Zuri sighed loudly. "Can we go now? I'm hungry."
Kelly took her hand. "We're going."
As they walked past, Caramel looked at him once more, her expression unreadable. Kelly didn't return the glance.
Once they were gone, Kim turned to Caramel. "Keep your eye on him too. Something's off."
Caramel didn't reply, but inside, she wondered what it was about Kelly that made Kim so nervous—and why Monika was stirring the pot now.