THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

CHAPTER 14

STILL IN THE HARRINGTON'S MANSION

After much deliberation among the three of them on what to do concerning the situation. Harrison decided to check up on Carmilla leaving his parents behind.

Mr and Mrs HUNT ROOM

“ This is getting out of hand, Margaret”, Arthur said, his voice low but urgent, as they shut the door behind them.

Margaret's eyes flashes with anger.

“ Shh, keep your voice down. Or do you want to draw out children's attention here?”.

His face reddens.

“ The children? You're worried about the children? What about the fact that our family could be in danger. Your…extracurricular activities could get us all killed”

Margaret's expression turns icy.

“ That's enough, Arthur. How would I know that something like this is going to happen? I'll look into this and have it taken care of. You just need to make sure that this stays within these walls. Especially Carmilla- she can't report this to her parents”.

Arthur's eyes widened, feeling more disgust about his wife's words.

“ You're still worried about protecting your empire, aren't you? Even when our families safety is at risk. Don't you see… that was your Sam's head on the floor”.

“ Drop the argument!”, her voice raised from normal.

“ You knew about this dealings yet you still got married to me. Why are you acting all newbie now? Besides I'm finding you more suspicious…. Ever since Carmilla got married into this family, you always seem to want to back out. How am I sure your not responsible for this evening event…I mean just hours ago you wanted to ditch me in front of the children”.

Arthur voice drops whisper feeling exhausted from arguing with his strong head wife.

“ Don't be delusional, I wouldn't do anything to hurt this family. And yes.. you're right, I think I made the biggest mistake believing that you will stop your illegal business. That me to blame”

“ I mean what are you doing now…breaking your promise!”.

“ Keep your voice down” she orders him, sitting on the bed her face away from him. Of course, how does she expect to look at her husband in the eyes after all that's going on.

“ Do you think I'm not trying my best to protect this family the way I can, let me just remind you that this family is where it is because of me!” She yells .

Arthur's face became paled, looking up to the ceiling his shoulders sagging with defeat. Taking a deep breath before finishing what he had in mind,

“ I just don't want to lose anyone, Margaret. I don't want to lose our family. But since your so persistent about your business, count me out because that….will surely be the end of the Harrington's”, he concludes leaving the room angrily as he barges the door behind him.

The tension between them was so palpable. Margaret knew that whatever happened this night, she has to present a united front the next day at least for the sake of her children. She took a deep breath compositing herself and headed to bed. Though the weight of her secret and worries hanged heavy in the air.

HARRISON'S ROOM

“ Hey, are you okay?” He ask, sitting down beside Carmilla on the bed as he watches her being all tense and nervous.

Carmilla nods in response but there is no doubt her eyes were filled with questions that needed answers.

“ I don't know Harrison. This whole thing is just really unsettling, who would send us such a thing?...it not like I've friends in the city”.

Harrison looking at her uneasiness thought of how much to reveal as he was not sure of the situation himself. He also needed answers.

Thinking of a way to ease her down, he places his arms around her pulling her close to him.

“ Gosh, why do I feel nervous”, this thought was to himself.

“ Don't worry, we'll figure out who sent those. You don't have to worry about anything”.

But Carmilla didn't feel convinced afterall her mother-in-law had dismissed the idea of involving the police

“ Then why did your mom tell me not to involve the police? It looked like she didn't want them to catch whoever did this”.

Harrison hesitated for a moment unsure of how much to reveal.

“ That how she is…she's just trying to protect us. Come to think of it, if words should get out…it will be on the internet. She's worried that if we involve the police, it could complicate things”.

“ Complicate things?...what does that mean?” She questions releasing herself from him.

It then occured to him that he might have said so much.

“ Just trust me, my mom knows what she is doing”.

Carmilla still felt uncertain but brushes it off, ‘ everything is alright, Harrison feels calm so why am I bothered about this?’ she questions herself.

“ Try not to leave the house for the time being until we dissolve this” he orders her with his expression mixed with a little seriousness and concern, but then a change of mind flashes on him.

“ You know what, why don't you join me at the office tomorrow, that way I can keep an eye on you and make sure you're safe” he decided this time.

Feeling a little bit surprised about his decision and suggestion, Carmilla had a reason to be relieved.

“ Thank God…at least I have someone to be around with” she told herself.

As her eyes began dropping, Harrison urges her to go shower and get ready for bed.

“ We'll deal with this tomorrow, okay?”

Carmilla answered giving a nodding response. Slowly she headed to the bathroom while Harrison watches her go.

Left alone, his mind began racing with thoughts.

“ Why do I feel like carmilla is right? I've never thought about this before. Everytime there was a problem, mom prefers handling it privately instead of involving the police. Why haven't I ever thought of this?”.