Chapter 9–The North Wing
947 Words
Chapter 9
Kyle and Robin stepped out of the executive’s office and entered the elevator, riding two floors down from the top. Though Robin was leading the way, Kyle insisted on walking beside him — he disliked trailing behind anyone except a very select few.
They stopped in front of a large double-door office. Robin pushed the doors open, and they walked in.
The room was exquisite — from the rich, polished furniture to the elegant interior décor. It was second only to the executive’s own office.
“This is your office, sir,” Robin said, stopping just a few steps inside.
Kyle walked over to the desk, running his hand along its smooth surface.
“I see.”
A moment later, a young man entered the office, breathing slightly heavier than normal, as if he had rushed to get there.
Robin gestured toward him.
“Kyle, this is your assistant.”
Kyle glanced briefly at the young man before returning his gaze to the desk.
“I see. You may leave now,” he said to Robin without looking up.
Robin gave a slight bow and exited the office.
The young man stepped forward.
“I’m Mark, your assistant.”
Kyle leaned back in his chair, finally meeting his gaze.
“I see,” he murmured slowly.
Mark hesitated, unsure of what to do next.
“Well,” Kyle said lazily, “get started on today’s work.”
“Yes, sir,” Mark replied quickly before hurrying out.
Kyle’s eyes lingered on the door for a moment. Then he turned in his chair, spinning once before coming to a stop, his expression unreadable.
---
Rivera Corps
Hazel sat at her desk, reviewing the partnership proposal she had been working on. Her phone, lying beside her, still displayed the research she’d done on Voss Inc.
Satisfied, she clicked Save and then Print. She took the freshly printed pages, neatly placed them in a folder, and stood. Her stride was graceful as she made her way to Lucas’s office.
She knocked lightly before opening the door.
“Here’s the partnership proposal,” she said, handing him the folder.
Lucas adjusted his glasses as he scanned through the pages.
“Your intellect matches your aura,” he said approvingly. “This project is yours. See it through to the very end.”
Hazel gave a small nod, retrieved the folder, and left the office.
Back at her desk, she emailed the proposal to Voss Inc., then returned to her work. And that set the ball rolling.
Kyle closed the folder and rose to his full height. Taking his coat from the hanger, he strode out of the office.
He rode the elevator down to the ground floor, looking effortlessly elegant. Greg approached him.
"All done for the day, son? Heading home?"
"No. I have somewhere to be. I’ll be back before dinner," Kyle replied flatly, sliding into his car. In seconds, it sped away.
Greg watched the disappearing vehicle for a moment before getting into his own.
Kyle’s next stop was the rooftop of a tall building. He stood at the edge, the wind whipping through his hair, and took in the sprawling city below. Pulling out his phone, he dialed a familiar number.
"Get on the next flight back and dig into everything about the Rivera family," he said as soon as the line connected. "The information online is limited."
"Why do I need to come back? I can investigate from here. What—do you want me to be your personal assistant now?" the voice on the other end complained.
"Yes. Come back and be my personal assistant. Quickly."
The person let out a pitiful cry, but Kyle ended the call before they could finish. He stared at the city in silence for a few moments before turning to leave.
---
Rivera Mansion
Hazel stepped out of her closet, now dressed in something comfortable for the night. Picking up her phone, she left her room.
This time, she didn’t head downstairs. Instead, her steps carried her toward the North Wing of the mansion—her parents’ domain. She arrived in front of their bedroom, where Melvin lay alone in the fully lit and furnished room. She stood a few steps in front of the door for a few minutes without moving. She didn't reach out to open the door or knock on it, she just stood there staring at it.
Suddenly, she clutched her head and bent down. Her breath slowly became laboured. It was this same spot, six years ago. She wanted to knock, to talk to her mom then she heard it, their argument. She couldn't really hear, what they were saying but she knew she could hear "Rivera Corps" being mentioned. Then the next day, her mom left and then.... that...happened
She took deep shaky breaths then raised head, she cast a quick glance at the door before gathering herself together to leave.
Hazel returned to her room, her face was paler than when she left. She placed her phone on the table and walked to the balcony, the curtains swaying gently with the wind.
She held the rail as she leaned over slightly as if to take in all the air, she then slowly exhaled. Her eyes rimmed as she tried to blink away the tears. If only she had actually heard what they were saying, if only she had been smart enough to fix the puzzle then, they would never have had their way with her mom.
She stayed that way for a while before every emotion in her eyes was slowly replaced by coldness.
She turned around and retired to bed.
- Writer
