Page 15 of Conquered

Suddenly, Noelle remembered the catch-22 situation with Immigration and her uncertain status. Fear gripped her heart. If things got out of control, Diggs could even end up having custody of Nikko.

“What do you really want, Diggs,” Noelle asked weakly.

“You seem to be doin’ really well with this café and all. And able to hire a maid too? I’m impressed. So I was thinking you wouldn’t mind sharing your wealth with me, seeing that I just got out of prison?”

Noelle immediately sensed his intention. He was blackmailing her. Rage coupled with fear engulfed her. If she didn’t put up, Diggs could cause trouble right here and now.

"First of all, Miranda is not a maid. She is my assistant. Second," Noelle fumed, removing a five-hundred-dollar bill from her purse, "Don't think you can come barging into my store each time you need money, you piece of shit."

Diggs chuckle menacingly, tucking the money into his pocket.

“Oh, by the way, have you worked out your residency visa? I remember you mentioning that to me before.”

Noelle blanched. He knew too much about her.

“Yes. Actually, I just got word that my status has been approved,” she lied.

“Good for you,” Diggs sneered, as he stood to leave the premises.

Noelle watched him go with a sickening feeling. This won’t be the last time she’d see him again. She was in trouble. She knew that now. And the admission was enough to thwart all the good things that had been happening in her life.