ALMOST EIGHTEEN.

CHAPTER EIGHT.

FATED.

CONNOR.

Willow Hill, founded in 1896. The 1 percent of the population, people who command power and authority, came together and established a global hell house. A place to modify and change people.

As they say, the rich enjoy doing the most absurd things. Willow Hill, a product of someone's dark hobby. Taking people, keeping them in hiding, changing them and exploiting them.

Willow Hill preys on the weak, hopeless, abandoned, helpless. Those whose disappearance wouldn't be questioned. Those that would never be remembered.

Latoya? She falls in the weak category. Her mother, Shawna, was the s*x toy of Edwards Waldron. The second grand Commander of Willow Hill. A man whose name alone causes fear and chaos. The man whose brutality is unmatched. Evil doesn't live in him. He is evil.

Shawna grew tired of him, he was fed up with her. Then they made a deal. One that had another side to it.

A deal that can't be revoked. Latoya's fate was sealed even before she was born. She can't run from it.

I can't wait to see the new Latoya. She would spiral completely. Little does she know that her anger, her inner chaos, is Willow Hill’s joy.

I'm fiddling with the golden plaque in my office that has my initials on it. Soon, I'll be the head of this entire organization. I'll be unstoppable. A knock on the door interrupts my happy thoughts. “In."

"Hey man!” "f*****g Eric?”

I go over to him, shake his hand and give him the side hug. "What the hell of a surprise man” Eric laughs and sit on the chair opposite mine. "In town for a while. Thought to stop by.”

Eric, CEO of Viola group. A large industry specialized in clothing and textile production. Eric and I have been friends since meeting at a soccer game five years ago. We were close knit and always hung out together before he created his company three years ago.

"You surprised me for sure.” "That's the point.” he said laughing and toying with the pencil holder on my desk. "I see you've become a top guy here.” I chuckle and sit, spinning my chair.

"It's my position.” Eric continues playing with the pencil holder, not responding. He has always been skeptical about me being a part of Willow Hill's running.

Eric and I are the same. We don't flock together for no reason. We're both in on some dangerous operations. Eric is more cunning and dangerous than myself. Unlike me who attacks hot, Eric preys on his victims with a smile.

"How does it feel to head it? Must be tough." “How did you know you'll find me here?" Eric laughs and throws a pencil at me. “I have my ways Connor." “Stalking me?" I go to the wine holder and grab a bottle of whiskey.”

"I don't do you Connor.” I thumped his back playfully. "You're psychotic.” I pour the drink and hand it over to him. "When did you get back in town?” "On Monday. I had to attend a shareholders meeting.”

"How did it go in Berlin?” He sighed and sipped his drink. "You know I don't leave without getting the job done.” I smile knowingly. Eric showing up to fix the problem himself, tells me all. “Those bastards were on my nerves too much."

“You got the USB drive from him?" He nodded, downing his drink. He spins his chair playfully. "Is everything done with the girl? I'm excited to see what will change."

I rub my hands like a magician. “She's in the operating room now. Soon, we'll unveil the new specimen." “You know when I saw her that say, I was intrigued to be frank. She looks interesting."

I gave him an eye. “Don't even think about it. She's special to the organization." What was I thinking when I gave into his request to see Latoya.

When I told Eric that I would be handling the change procedure of a new specimen, he begged to be a part of it. He wanted to see Latoya before and later, her after. He was in the car that brought Latoya to me.

"I haven't said anything.” He has a smirk on his face. "Well don't. I know that's why you're here." He raised his eyes in pretence. “Be here for a girl? Spare me the s**t. I've seen better girls."

I eye him and stand up to face the see through office view. I'm itching to see Latoya. "Sure you have. How is project X coming up?” "I haven't been in touch for a while. Relax. I know they have it covered.”

I dip my hands in my pocket and face him. “This can't go wrong. I have to get it out of the way. It's the only way to secure everything I've worked for."

“Have I ever missed a game? Trust me." I know what Eric is capable of. I shouldn't be worried. “You know what? Let's go play golf. I'm itching to beat your ass."

I smile mockingly. “Don't get ahead of yourself." “Let's f*****g goooo" We're heading out the room when Russell comes in. I know what he's here for. It is done. "Master Connor. The girl is ready to be seen.”

I rub my chin in excitement. "Is the procedure done?” Eric taps me smiling hard. “Russell, where is she?" “In the resting area Mr Eric." “Is she awake?" “No sir."

“Lead the way Russell." I'm excited to see what Latoya looks like now. This is my first time working on a project like this alone and I'm thrilled. After giving Chris a kiss to his skull the other day, Father sent a message for me to work alone.

I know it's a trap well set. He wants me to fail and then punish me severely for failing and for refusing to work with that i***t. This is why I can't fail. We take the elevator to the 55th floor. Eric keeps grinning and rubbing his hands.

“I can't wait." “Take the chill pill." The elevator dings and opens. I pull back an ecstatic Eric. “Remember. This is private. Don't say or do anything stupid." Eric stares at me blankly before bursting into fits of laughter.”

"I only want to see how she looks now. I want nothing to do with her. She's way below me.” I release his arm and nod. “That better be it.”

Russell opens the door and we walk in. There's a beeping sound. In the room is Latoya on the bed, a towel covering her face. She seems to be unconscious. “She's not awake yet?" I asked the medical personnels who conducted the changes.

"Not yet sir. It does take a while for the anesthesia to wear out.” Personnel 19 responds. “So when would she be up?"

Eric asked. "Later today or tomorrow.”

"We're gonna see her or not?” I move closer to Latoya, her skinny body, her pale white skin. I take on a breath and pull the cloth off her face. Her entire face was covered in bandages. I covered it back.

"It hasn't healed yet?” Medical personnel 5 replied “It should be sir but we can't take it off now. She has to regain consciousness, and we'll examine her.”

"How long will that take?” Eric asked him. “We can't say." I rub my chin. I'm getting frustrated. "When she's up, inform me immediately.” "To think I was super excited.”

We leave the room and head back to my office. "Let's go play golf then. We'll check on her when she's up.” I look at Eric, rage in my eyes. “Do I look like I want to f*****g play?”

"Chill. The girl isn't up yet. Let's do something to pass time." I feel like punching Eric's guts. I don't have the luxury of playing golf while my entire being and continued existence rests on Latoya. Why is the darned girl taking so long to wake up?

“Suit yourself. When she's up, phone me immediately. I'm off.” I ignore him, focusing my eyes on the golden plaque on the desk. Eric heads to the door and is about to leave when someone barges in.

There is only one bastard who has the audacity to do that. Chris. "How dare you mess with me Connor?” His eyes were red like blood. I smile wickedly. Chris is here at the wrong time. Eric stands for a while before leaving the room.

“You haven't learned proper manners have you?" He moved menacingly towards me, pointing a finger at me. “I will end you if you keep daring me.” I pour whiskey into my cup, sloshing its content.

“You haven't told me what the fuss is about." “I’m not ignorant of your cheap tricks. Don't dare me Connor. You do too much for a wimp that isn't useful."

I grin and stand up. “It's quite obvious that this wimp is an obstacle for you." He folds his hands in a ball, tightening his jaws, leaning forward stealthy. In a flash, his fists are in the air.

Having already calculated his move, I dodged his hands, causing him to lose balance. I take that opportunity to grab his arm, slamming him face down on the desk, giving him two hard hits to his skull.

I release him, spitting on him. "You're too weak to be a nuisance Chris.” I roll my sleeves up. I want to tear him into a million pieces but that would spoil the fun won't it?

He gets up slowly, his nose bleeding. He holds his broken nose, the look of defeat on his face. “Russell… get him out." I watch him being dragged out shamelessly. What a loser.

Russell comes back in and bows. “She is up Master Connor.” My heart skipped a beat. I loosen my tie, running towards the elevator.

I open the room door slowly and go in. Latoya is facing the mirror, backing

me. She turns to look at me.

I tighten my jaw…