Chapter 2
1503 Words
Venna
“Good morning, Miss. I just wanted to remind you, you have a meeting with Mrs. Gurd at exactly 11:00 AM.”
Oh no. I completely forgot.
“Thanks, Fiona,” I said to my secretary, groggily.
I looked at the screen: 10:23 AM.
I jumped out of bed and rushed to get ready, hoping I could make it there on time.
I arrived driving my sleek 2026 Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC sedan. As I pulled up to the property, I was stunned. Mr. Gurd’s ranch was magnificent vast, peaceful, and breathtakingly beautiful. Standing there, I found myself daydreaming: I could imagine myself here, years from now, having picnics, riding horses, planting lavender fields, my favorite flower surrounded by my husband and children, our laughter echoing through the air.
“Good morning, Ms. Venna.” A housemaid greeted me with a warm, bright smile as she opened the massive double doors. “Mr. Gurd is waiting for you out on the terrace… along with another gentleman.”
“Alright, thank you.”
I walked toward the terrace, and the moment I stepped out, my blood began to boil. Sitting next to my client was the last person on earth I ever wanted to see the man I could not stand to be in the same room with for even a minute.
“For crying out loud… Mr. Austen Jones Brake,” I said, the shock and annoyance clear on my face as they turned to look at me. “Don’t tell me… you are also here to meet with Mr. Gurd?”
“Calm down, Ms. Venna,” Austen said, that infuriating smirk playing on his lips. “And let’s be honest, we both know I’ve always been one step ahead of you.”
What on earth does he mean by ‘ahead of me’? I thought, clenching my jaw.
I forced myself to stay composed and professional. I walked closer, bent down slightly, and whispered right near his ear, “A little advice, Mr. Brake: the wheels of fortune turn. One day, you might just find yourself beneath everything you think you control… and that will be your end.”
His hands clenched tightly on the armrests of his chair, his knuckles turning white as he fought to hold his tongue. I didn’t wait for his reply; I walked past him and sat in the empty seat opposite him.
“Please, forgive me for not informing you earlier, Ms. Venna,” Mr. Gurd said gently, looking between us. “But I needed you both here. I require the combined skills of you two.”
He paused, his eyes filled with sorrow and pain, before continuing. “I want you to work together as legal counsel for my son. The police have arrested him for the murder of Mr. Johnson’s son, his best friend. But I know my son. I know his heart. He would never do such a thing. Everyone is pointing fingers at him, but I need you both to defend him… and win this case.”
One of the maids came over and poured me a cup of black coffee. I leaned in and whispered to her, “Please, just bring me milk instead.” She nodded understandingly. Black coffee has never been my thing; it tastes far too bitter and harsh.
Mr. Gurd took a slow sip of his tea before continuing.
“And beyond this case… I need your help to bring my old son back. To help him become the person he used to be, and to convince him to finally accept his inheritance. It has been five years since my wife passed away from cancer. Even now, my son and I are still drowning in grief, longing for her presence. I am an old man now; I could leave this world and join her at any moment. But before that happens, I need to know my son is at peace, and capable of handling everything I will leave behind. Only then will I be able to rest.”
Looking around at his beautiful estate, I realized how hollow it must feel when your heart is full of agony. It made me miss my family back in the Philippines terribly. After this case is over, I promised myself, I will go home for Christmas and hug them all tight.
He dabbed at the corners of his eyes. He was a striking man tall, around 6’2”, with rich, warm brown skin, sharp features, a defined nose, and full lips framed by a well-groomed beard. He was undeniably handsome, the kind of man people would describe as a ‘sugar daddy'—wealthy, mature, and incredibly attractive. Even I have to admit… my brain did think for a split second: ‘Daddy, I’d ride you’, I caught myself thinking, amused at my own silly thoughts. Aside from a few grey hairs, he looked timeless, and his bank account held billions to match his stature.
“Name your price. Whatever amount you want, I will pay it. Do we have a deal?” He held out his hand toward me.
“Deal,” I said firmly, standing up and shaking his hand.
No. He turned to the silent man beside him. “And you, Mr. Brake?”
Austen stood up slowly and nodded. “Deal.”
Mr. Gurd invited us to stay for lunch, and we both agreed.
“Before we eat, why don’t you two take a look around?” he suggested warmly. “I’ll personally give you a tour of my ranch.
"Be careful princess, snakes bite the same as insect" He whispered only the two of us could hear.
"Good thing they have a taste but if they you I guess they are blind to fall your trap." I reciprocate his tone, the tone of tease but I just add a little flirt.
He led us toward the gardens, and the moment I stepped foot inside, the enchanting fragrance of roses filled the air. They were Lavender Koko Loko roses, rare and unique. I knew instantly I could fall in love with this place.
“They are absolutely beautiful,” I said, completely amazed. I have visited many gardens, but seeing this specific variety was rare, even though roses aren’t usually my favorite flower.
"Opposite of you" Here he again
" You are just blind" What does he think I retreat?
“Yes… they are beautiful, just like their owner......my late wife.” He looked up at the sky, his gaze distant, as if speaking to her. “When she was alive, we spent every free moment here together, taking care of them. It was our special bond. When she died, I refused to let her flowers die too. So I dedicated all my time to keeping them alive, just like she did.” He wiped a tear from his cheek and chuckled softly. “I apologize… I am not being very professional right now.”
“That is quite alright, Mr. Gurd. Your feelings are completely valid,” I reassured him.
I walked toward one rose bush that caught my eye. I leaned in and smelled it.
Oh my god… it smells soft, sweet, and a little spicy too.
"Don't sniff them too much, Mr. Gurd will be mad at you for taking the rose energy".
"Don't tell me Mr. Brake you still believe in vampires. God you're senior already"He stared at badly and I didn't back down
"Are you? And I'm not a senior, I'll prove it sooner" He grin and left
I was scared to hold it too tight, like I might hurt it somehow. I glanced over at Austen, he went to the corner and to answer the phone called, his change to serious one no emotion. While Mr. Gurd who is still talking to one of his farmers who just called him.
After walking through the rose garden, Mr. Gurd brought us to where the horses were kept. He asked if we wanted to ride, but I said no and Austen also declined.
Mr. Gurd still wants to tour us but he said the food will start to cold if we don't go back. We went back to the main house when the food was ready. After eating, I said goodbye and thanked Mr. Gurd, and Austen did the same way before I got in the car I looked back at him and gave him a flying kiss and rolled eyes.
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