“What do you mean she escaped? How the heck can she escape when you told me you’ve been watching her go in and out of that apartment?” Jaxon snapped at Wells, who just ruffled his hair as he looked at him.
The expression he had on his face was that of anxiety and confusion.
“I think she left overnight. I tried asking the neighbors some questions, and they said she only comes out on rare occasions and whenever she comes outside, she is either in a hoodie or a face cap. They haven’t seen her face clearly since she moved in.” He explained, but Jaxon wasn't satisfied.
“It's been two freaking months, Wells. I have people everywhere that will tell me if she attempts to leave the country. What the heck are you trying to say?” He narrowed his eyes.
“But, sir, anything can happen. She might have escaped without anyone knowing.”
Jaxon released a long breath and stood to his feet. “I don’t think she has gone anywhere, Wells. Go back to her house after sunset and check again. Where could a b***h like her possibly go, huh? Stop being like this and make sure you bring good news this time.” He didn’t wait for him to reply to him and headed out of the office.
His Dad had asked him to go see Sophia and her parents again, and see if they would reconsider this time around. He wasn't someone who liked to beg, and it would even do him good if this arranged marriage between he and her didn't work out. He never wanted something like this, but since it was partly his fault, he decided to play by his dad's rules this time. He had already made up his mind not to go there ever again if they don't accept his apology.
With a sigh, he got into his car and drove off.
*
As Jaxon pulled over at the Sebastian's residence, he looked around as an unsettling feeling gnawed at him. He tightened his grip on the steering wheel and released a long breath. He couldn't wait to stop taking orders from his father. After today, he would definitely know whether it was over or just getting started.
He got down from the car and headed towards the door. He was about to open it, but the guards at the entrance stopped him. Jaxon frowned at them. Do they know who he was? How dare they lay their filthy hands on him?
“What do you think you're doing?” He asked, glaring at them.
“We're sorry, Mr. Blackwood. We've been ordered not to allow you into the house.” One of the guards answered and he couldn't believe it.
They had ordered their guards not to let him in? Was he some sort of criminal? He was about to say something when the door opened and Mrs. Bella, Sophia's mother, walked out. She had a scowl on her face and didn't fail to let him know that she wasn't happy to see him.
“If you are here to apologize, Mr. Blackwood, I'd advise you to leave immediately. We have already made up our mind not to work with your company ever again. Our daughter loved you with all her heart, but what did you do? You cheated on her with a freeloader; a mannerless slut who even went as far as ruining your reputation.” she said, her voice tinged with mockery and venom.
Jaxon tightened his fists. “Ma'am, it's inappropriate to keep bringing this up. I already explained that I had no idea what happened that night. If you don't believe me, that's your own cup of tea, but I won't tolerate you mocking me over what isn't my fault.” He replied, and she let out a scoff, her eyes darkening.
“You still have the audacity to run your mouth? Don't forget that your family needs us to scale high-”
“That doesn't give you the right to act like a god. We aren't ass-kissers, so I won't tolerate you acting like the world rests on your shoulders. Don't forget that we aren't bankrupt and will be just fine without your family stepping in. This arrangement was solely for friendship and nothing more. You have no right to belittle us.” He had come to apologize for the sake of making amends, but if she keeps behaving like this, he'll be forced to show her that the Blackwoods are a force to be reckoned with.
“You ingrate! How dare you speak to me like that? I wanted to consider the Blackwoods but because of this, I will never work with your group ever again!” she snapped. Jaxon could sense the rage in her voice, but he stood unmoved. “And as for Sophia, she will never want you back! You're a disgrace to the Blackwoods and should be ashamed of yourself!” she fired, and the door opened, revealing Sophia, who was equally unhappy to see me.
“Leave, Jaxon. You've done more than enough. Just get out and don't ever show your face to me again.” she snapped and all he could do was snicker.
It was like a heavy weight had been lifted off his shoulders. It was good to hear it directly from the horse's mouth. He felt immense joy that the arrangement wasn't going as planned. His Father would have no choice but to give up.
Jaxon looked up at her with a genuine smile on his face. “Thank you so much, Sophia, for clearing this up. I will never ever bother you again,” he said, and she folded her arms with a displeased expression on her face. “Why aren't you happy? I thought you wanted me gone.”
“Yes, I want you gone.” She answered, but the uncertainty in her voice could not be missed.
Jaxon nodded with a smile, then faced her mother, his eyes blazing with determination. “Mark this day, Mrs. Bella. I, Jaxon Blackwood, will make you swallow your words. You dare to look down on our company?” He snickered. “Watch and see how I'll become the best in this entertainment industry. People already call me the best, but this time around, I'm going way up… where no one would be able to reach. Be careful not to be at my mercy then.”
“Are you threatening me?” She asked, her eyes holding nothing but hatred for him.
“No, I'm just giving you a warning. Good day,” He winked at them with a smirk and returned to the car. He got in and zoomed off immediately. He sent a text message to his father explaining the situation, and his defeated reply was enough to put a smile on his face.
Finally, it was time for him to rule the Entertainment Industry. He got a text from Wells and stopped by the company. When he entered his office, Wells greeted him with sadness written all over his face.
“What is it?” Jaxon asked.
“We couldn't find the lady you are looking for. She seemed to have disappeared off the face of the earth.” He sighed, and Jaxon could tell he was frustrated.
He snickered. “Quinn Lane,” he muttered her name; the first woman who dared to sleep with him and still ruin his reputation. There was no way he was letting her off the hook that easily.
''I don't care how long it's going to take. I don't care if it will take years, I will find her!''