HER RECKONING

CHAPTER 10

At seven the chauffeur’s car slid up to the hotel-like complex that housed Trunks’ penthouse. The entry was private. Bodyguards escorted her through polished marble; the elevator hummed up into a world of neutral tones and curated light. She stepped into a space that looked made for a magazine spread — library wall, private gym, a shimmering pool, a luxuriously soft living area with glass doors looking over the mini-city.

Trunks waited at the entrance, awkward and ardent. “I hope you like it,” he said.

She kissed him without hesitation. “Yes. I hope soon you’ll give me access so I can come anytime.”

“You can. It’s yours now,” he answered, blushing.

“Your girlfriend is very beautiful,” Grandma Yuna said, materializing like a warm presence in the doorway.

Angelique turned and smiled at the elderly woman. “Nice to meet you, Grandma Yuna. I guess I’m your granddaughter now.”

Grandma Yuna gave a polite nod; her eyes, however, were not unclouded. Angelique met the gaze and offered her practiced charm.

Trunks took her on a tour, introducing the staff with shy pride. “This is Serges, my butler. The five who keep the house running are Mira, Léa, Cathy, Inès and Mayla.” Each curtseyed. “Those are my bodyguards. Alphonse is my chef, with Dominique and Magali.”

“Nice to meet you all,” Angelique said, dipping into a smile that always made people feel chosen.

Dinner was set for eight. Trunks’ voice faltered as he asked, “Would you like to see my room?”

She loved this part — she nodded and followed him.

His room was very Trunks: nerdy and geeky. Neat stacks of books, diagrams pinned on small corkboards, a bedside table with framed photos. She picked one up.

“Are these your parents?” she asked, softening.

“Yeah. Choi Seungmin and Feng Xiaolin,” he replied.

“I’d love to meet them,” she said, the room drew a shadow across his mouth.

“You won’t,” he said quietly.

“Why not?” she asked, surprised.

“They died two years ago.” His voice was small as paper.

Her practiced sympathy slipped on, quick and flawless. “Oh my God! I’m sorry. I know your pain. I also lost my mother and sister too, when I was little.” she said, tilting her head.

“I’m sorry for your loss.” He replied.

“It’s okay. Its been long now.” She replied.

He offered family photos, and she let him show them, letting the intimacy settle like paint. While she smiled and listened, the apartment staff murmured in the corridors.

“Young master’s girlfriend is a beauty,” Serges said to grandma Yuna.

“Yes she is, and she does make him happy.” Grandma Yuna replied.

“You don’t seem convinced.” Serges said.

“There’s something not clear about her.” Grandma Yuna replied.

Across town, Cornelia was on the phone, curled in a chaise with a fluffy robe draped over her knees. “Musa, why can’t we FaceTime?” she asked, breathless with excitement. “All my friends say you’re fake.”

“No, my baby,” Musa’s voice crooned across the connection. “I am very occupied.”

“You mean busy?” she probed.

“Yes. I miss you my princess. I love you more than anything else. When you come to Africa, you will be a queen,” he said, and Cornelia melted.

“I can’t wait to see you.” She replied.

“Where are you my African mama?” He asked.

“In my apartment and you?” She replied.

“I’m at a jewelry shop,” he said, voice laced with romance. “But my cards aren’t accepted here in Vietnam. Can you send me one hundred thousand dollars? I’ll repay you when I’m back in America.”

Cornelia smiled, then replied. “Sure please send me your account details.”

He launched into a lyrical line while she fed the details into her phone without a second thought. “You are a lovely girl. You are my African queeen, the girl of my dreams… you take me where I’ve never been…”

“You are so romantic Musa.” She said, eyes shimmering.

Back at Stanton, Alejandro walked Suhee home. She invited him for a drink. Over a glass of whiskey in her apartment he said, “Today’s Diamond Room drama won’t end with words.”

“I know,” Suhee replied, setting the glass down carefully. “Angelique isn’t just after Trunks. She wants the Blue Diamond.”

“But you have it,” Alejandro said, surprised. “Trunks gave it to you.”

“Yes it is true,” Suhee replied . “But he can claim it back. I think Angelique plans to manipulate him to get the gem back and officiously give it to her so she may have access to its advantages.”

“It’s true the advantages of the S-Class are the most exclusive in the world. But what will motivate her to do all that? She’s rich already.” Alejandro asked.

“Angelique’s motives are not purely financial. There is something deeper.” Suhee thought. “We should not underestimate that girl. She doesn’t fight with claws — she poisons slowly.” She ended.

Alejandro’s mouth thinned. “So you plan on unmasking her?”

“I don’t want to force Trunks into anything,” Suhee said, folding her fingers in a composed knot. “But he’s too naive. I won’t let him drown. I’ll keep him afloat”

“Do you expect him to run to you after that?” Alejandro asked

“Hell no. I don’t like it but I have to accept being his little sister.” Her voice held iron. “He preserves the family name. I’ll preserve him.”

Alejandro took her hand and squeezed it, a small, unspoken vow. “Count on me.”

“And for your love life ” He asked, eyes flicking to her with a wry smile. “Any projects?”

“No. I don’t want anything. I’ll concentrate on myself, use all the advantages of my gem and continue building my strong future. I will rule this world.” She said laughing.

“You’re too proud, Suhee. Pride won’t protect you when the knife’s already in your back.” He said.

“Pride won’t protect me but my intelligence and strength will shield me.” She countered “Look how I uncover Angelique and secure my place as the next world’s ruler upon graduation.” She ended.

“Oh my God, I love this girl.” He said smiling

They clinked glasses to that,

At Ryan’s apartment a late call came through.

“I’ve finally spoken to her,” he told the shadowed voice. “To seal this, send what I asked for and I’ll hand it to Angelique.”

“Do you think she’ll buy it?” He asked.

“She will,” the voice replied with that unclimbable coldness. “Everything’s been transferred. The recordings are ready. Chaos starts tomorrow.”

“Good,” Ryan said, letting his smile curve into something that might be satisfaction or malice. “Stanton needs new blood.”

He ended the call, and the apartment felt colder for a moment. He sat back, palms flat on his knees, and hummed. “Ahhhh. Drama drama.”