Episode8
1111 Words
I looked at my phone, then the file in my hand.
“It’s just work, Amy. You’re his assistant.” I sighed and returned to his office to get the other files.
Linda rushed past me just as I stepped inside.
I shook my head before dialing a number.
“Hello, this is Ten-Tech enterprise, how many we be of help to you?” A masculine voice picked up.
“Hi, I need a computer repair technician at Blackwoods holdings.”
I answered a few questions, “Let me know when you’re at the gate.”
The call ended.
I returned to clear my desk and their call came in just as I was about leaving.
I spotted a guy on uniform in the compound, “Thirty-fifth floor, ask for Linda.” I gave him the hard drive with an envelope of cash, “Transfer everything here back to her computer. I’d appreciate it if you don’t tell her what really happened.”
He smiled knowingly.
“I understand. I’ll restore everything and leave quietly.”
“Thank you.”
I only wanted to shake her, not ruin her life.
I hailed a taxi
“Get the documents signed and leave,” I told myself.
The Blackwood estate was even more impressive during the day.
The roads were spotless. The lawns looked professionally painted.
Even the air felt expensive.
I barely noticed any of this the first time because I’d practically run out of here like I was escaping from a kidnap.
We stopped at one of the biggest buildings on the estate, with gates looking so enormous like it was guiding heaven.
“I don’t think they won’t let us in,” the taxi driver said, looking out at the security.
It took some questions and calls before the ones at the estate gate let us in. It seems they don’t allow taxis in here.
“Oh! That’s fine. I can get off here.” I paid and got out.
Surprisingly, they opened the gate immediately I got out, without questions. I guess Ryan told them of my arrival already.
I took my time feeding my eyes with sight of the beautiful fountain in the compound. Stone doves playing around in the air and spewing water down.
I walked toward the mansion but slowed when a strange van caught my attention.
A huge man with black gloves moved some boxes into the building.
I paused my steps as I examined the scene before me.
“I know this man.” I murmured, asking my brain for help. I definitely know this man, I’ve seen his face somewhere.
It took a few seconds and when it finally clicked, my eyes widened in shock.
Cole!
He was one of Landon’s friends. They came to my bakery on most of their free days to enjoy some of my pastries.
He gave me a thick envelope at Landon’s burial, with teary eyes.
What the hell was he doing here? In the Blackwood’s compound?
Walking freely and confidently, instead of trying to tear this whole place apart.
As he walked out of the building, I quickly hid behind a car. If he sees me, it’s game over.
I remained hidden until the van drove out.
There has to be an explanation for this. It can’t be what I was thinking.
I really wanted to leave this place and call Marco, but I decided to stay calm and finish what I came here for.
I knocked on the door and a middle-aged woman opened up.
“Hello ma’am.” I greeted politely.
She had an apron on, and ushered me in with a warm smile. “Come in dear, Ryan told me you were coming.”
“Thank you,” I walked in.
It was like I stepped into a palace. Exquisite interior as expected of the Blackwoods. Paintings hung on the wall, all so unique and rare. Ryan must love paintings, he has about three in his office too.
“He’ll be down shortly,” the woman said. “Poor boy has been suffering from a hangover all morning.”
She shook her head, “I still don’t know why he came home so drunk.”
“Nana.” Ryan’s voice interrupted. “That’s too much information.”
I looked up and instantly forgot what I was thinking.
He descended the stairs like a king in a castle.
He was dressed casually in grey pants and tank top.
The tank top stretched over his chest and shoulders.
I quickly looked away before my thoughts became illegal.
Could he not wear a hoodie? Or an armor?
Or literally anything else?
Urgh. I cried mentally, swallowing dryly and pretending to be carried away by a painting to my right.
“ You were so wasted last night.” She had a stern look as she scolded him.
“I’ve apologized a million and one times today. I should’ve just gone to work.”
Watching them go back and forth almost made me laugh. She spoke to him like he was twelve, and he wasn’t trying to act like he wasn’t.
“Do you want tea, dear?” She turned to me when they were done.
“I’m fine, thank you.” I smiled at her, and she nodded, walking away.
“Let’s go upstairs,” he turned.
“Why?” The question was sharper than I intended.
Was he inviting me to his room? That’s absurd!
Ryan slowly walked back down two steps.
A grin spread across his face, the annoying one.
“My office is upstairs, Miss Amelia.”
I wished the floor would swallow me.
“Right.”
Office, not bedroom.
He raised an eyebrow, “What exactly did you think I meant?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar.” His grin widened, then he leaned closer.
“Stop having unprofessional thoughts.”
My entire soul left my body.
“I wasn’t…”
Just shut up.
I bit my lower lip when he walked away.
I gathered what little dignity I had left and followed him upstairs.
The staircase was so long and felt endless. I wondered how he went through this torture every day. Rich people must hate convenience.
Each floor had a long hallway.
My ankle felt sore as I silently walked behind him.
“I saw a guy earlier,” I said, trying to sound casual. “He left in a van. Is he your friend?”
Ryan shrugged, “No. He works for my father.”
My heart skipped.
“He does?”
“Yeah. More like an errand boy.”
Somehow, the stairs didn’t feel exhausting anymore.
Cole works for Lucas?
- Writer
