Chapter 7: A Game of Cat and Mouse*

The assistant's eyes narrowed, his expression unyielding. "I'm afraid that's not possible, Mrs. Rykard," he repeated. "Mr. Rykard is unavailable. But I'm happy to discuss any...matters you'd like to address."

Maya's eyes flashed with anger. She knew that she was being stonewalled, and she was determined to push back.

"I don't want to discuss anything with you," she said, her voice cold. "I want to see Alexander. Now."

The assistant's expression didn't change, but Maya could sense a flicker of uncertainty behind his eyes.

"I'm afraid that's not possible," he said again. "But I can offer you a...compromise. I can arrange for you to meet with Mr. Rykard's lawyer. He can...address any concerns you may have."

Maya's eyes narrowed. She knew that she was being manipulated, that the assistant was trying to distract her from her goal.

"I don't want to meet with a lawyer," she said, her voice firm. "I want to see Alexander. And I'm not leaving until I do."

The assistant's expression turned cold, his eyes glinting with a hint of menace.

"I'm afraid you don't have a choice, Mrs. Rykard," he said. "You're not going anywhere until...arrangements have been made."

Maya's heart skipped a beat as she realized the true extent of the Rykard empire's power. She was in a game of cat and mouse, and she was determined to come out on top.

"I'm not afraid of you," she said, her voice steady. "I'm not afraid of Alexander Rykard. And I'm certainly not afraid of your...arrangements."

The assistant's eyes flashed with anger, but he quickly regained control of his emotions.

"We'll see about that," he said, his voice dripping with menace. "Please, follow me."

Maya hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do. But then she stood up, her eyes locked on the assistant's.

"I'm not going anywhere until I see Alexander," she repeated.

The assistant's smile was cold and calculated.

"We'll see about that," he said again.

And with that, he turned and walked away, leaving Maya to follow him. She did, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that she was taking a risk, but she was determined to see this through.

As she followed the assistant, Maya couldn't shake the feeling that she was walking into a trap. But she was ready. She was ready to face whatever lay ahead, to fight for the truth and for justice.

The assistant led her to a secure elevator, which took them to a private floor. The doors opened, revealing a luxurious office with a stunning view of the city.

And then, Maya saw him. Alexander Rykard, her husband, the man she had been searching for. He was standing behind his desk, a look of surprise on his face.

"Maya," he said, his voice low and husky. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Maya's eyes locked on his, her heart pounding in her chest.

"I've come for the truth," she said, her voice firm. "I've come to find out what really happened to me."

Alexander's expression changed, his eyes narrowing.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said.

But Maya knew that he was lying. She could see it in his eyes.

"I'm not leaving until I get the truth," she said.

And with that, the game of cat and mouse began.

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