Chapter Five: Welcome to Kingsley Manor
942 Words
Olivia left Adrian's office feeling as though a storm had settled in her mind. The confidentiality agreement was tucked neatly inside her bag, but Adrian's last words echoed in her ears. "Whoever tried to kill me...won't hesitate to target the people closest to me."
She had accepted the position because she wanted to save her grandmother, She never imagined it would place her in danger. As the elevator descended, she stared at her reflection in the mirrored walls, "Am I making the biggest mistake of my life?"
The elevator doors slid open. Emily Foster was already waiting with a warm smile. "Miss Carter, Mr. Kingsley has instructed me to help you settle in." Olivia blinked, "So... I'm really moving into his mansion?"
Emily nodded "Your belongings have already been packed." "What?"
Olivia stared at her"my belongings?"
Emily looked embarrassed. "Mr. Kingsley sent a moving team to your apartment this morning." Olivia's jaw dropped, "He did what?"
"They only packed your personal belongings after receiving your grandmother's permission." Olivia sighed deeply, "That man really doesn't wait for anyone's approval, does he?"
Emily laughed softly. "No "He never has." Outside the headquarters…
A sleek black Rolls-Royce Phantom waited by the entrance. The chauffeur stepped out and opened the rear door. "Miss Carter." Olivia hesitated. She had never ridden in such an expensive car before. The leather seats were softer than her bed, Fresh flowers decorated the center console, A small refrigerator held bottled water and fresh juice, She couldn't help but smile. "This car is nicer than my apartment."
The chauffeur chuckled, "Mr. Kingsley owns seven of them." Olivia nearly choked on the water she had just taken. "Seven?" "Yes, Miss." She shook her head "Rich people really do live differently."
Meanwhile...
Inside Adrian's office...Daniel placed another folder on the desk. "Our security team finished reviewing yesterday's surveillance footage." Adrian looked up. "Anything unusual?"
Daniel nodded "Someone followed Miss Carter home." Adrian's expression immediately darkened. "How long?" "Approximately forty minutes." "And?" "They disappeared before reaching her apartment." Adrian stood, "Increase her security "Without her knowing."
Daniel nodded "Already done." Adrian walked toward the window. The city stretched endlessly below. "They've started moving." Daniel frowned. "Do you think they're after Miss Carter?" "I don't know." "But I'm not taking any chances."
An hour later...
The car slowly entered a pair of massive iron gates. Olivia looked out the window, her eyes widened. The driveway seemed endless, Beautiful gardens stretched across the property, Colorful flowers lined stone pathways, Elegant fountains sparkled beneath the afternoon sun. At the center stood a breathtaking mansion, It looked more like a palace than a home. "Oh my Goodness."
The chauffeur smiled, "Welcome to Kingsley Manor." As Olivia stepped out of the car, several staff members lined up near the entrance. A distinguished elderly man walked forward, He wore a formal black suit and white gloves. He bowed politely, "Welcome, Miss Carter." "My name is Alfred, "I've served the Kingsley family for thirty-five years."
Olivia quickly bowed back. "It's nice to meet you." Alfred smiled kindly, "We've prepared your room "If you'll follow me."
Inside everything was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers hung from the high ceilings. Paintings worth millions decorated the walls, Fresh flowers filled every corner, The mansion was beautiful.
Yet It felt strangely lonely. "Does Mr. Kingsley live here alone?" Olivia asked. Alfred nodded. "Yes."
"No family?" "They visit occasionally." "But Mr. Kingsley prefers living by himself." Olivia frowned, "That sounds... lonely." Alfred smiled sadly.
"Miss Carter, "Mr. Kingsley has lived with loneliness for a very long time." Alfred opened a large wooden door, "This will be your room." Olivia stepped inside her eyes widened again. The bedroom was nearly as large as her apartment. A king-sized bed stood in the center, Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the gardens, A walk-in closet was already filled with neatly arranged clothes.
She turned to Alfred. "I didn't pack all of these." He smiled "They're new." "Mr. Kingsley asked our staff to prepare everything you might need." Olivia was speechless. "He bought... all of this?" "Yes."
"And if something doesn't fit we'll replace it immediately." Olivia laughed awkwardly, "This is unbelievable."
That evening...
After unpacking, Olivia decided to explore the mansion. The hallways were quiet, almost too quiet. She eventually found the library. Rows upon rows of books filled the room, A fire burned softly in the fireplace. Someone was sitting in a leather chair. It was Adrian.
He looked up from the book in his hands, "I thought you'd be resting." Olivia smiled politely "I couldn't sleep." He closed the book, "Most people get lost in this house." "I almost did." A faint smile appeared on his lips. It disappeared just as quickly.
Olivia noticed, "You know...""You smile sometimes. "Adrian raised an eyebrow "Do I?" "For about two seconds" "I wasn't aware." She laughed. "I'll consider that progress."
For the first time a quiet warmth settled between them. Not awkward, Not forced. Just peaceful.
Suddenly the lights went out. Darkness swallowed the mansion. "What happened?" Olivia asked. Before Adrian could answer… The sound of breaking glass echoed through the hallway. Crash! Alfred's voice shouted from outside. "Sir!" "The security alarm has been triggered!"
Adrian immediately stood, "Stay here." Olivia shook her head, "I'm coming with you." "It's dangerous." "I'm a nurse." "If someone gets hurt, they'll need me." Before Adrian could argue, a loud bang echoed from downstairs, Someone had forced open the front doors. Footsteps filled the mansion. Intruders.
Adrian's eyes turned cold "They're here." Olivia's heart pounded."Who?"
He looked toward the dark hallway. "The people who wanted me dead." Another loud crash echoed through the mansion. This time It was much closer.
- Writer
