Chapter 5

Enzo’s POV

My heart nearly leapt out of my throat; my saliva became as sticky as glue. My face with unreadable emotions. For a second, I was too stunned to react.

Since when have you been planning this, sir?I wanted to ask, but the words stuck at the tip of my tongue. It will make his skin crawl more with suspicions.

Did he find out? I thought I was very careful.

Is this his plan to fire me? I started barely a few days ago.

What will he tell the agency? Is this how my identity and whole secret will be revealed?

A series of questions ran through my mind as he moved over to his desk and pulled out his chair; it squeaked in the deafening silence of the office.

He spun the atlas map on his desk, swivelling in the chair. I straightened my eyes, and the map of North America faced me, reminding me of my childhood home in Birmingham.

My eyes scanned through the corners of the room in front of me.

“I want you to work undercover in the LIAS group. They're up to something; my instincts don't lie.” He stated this as he leaned back in his executive chair with his hands at the back of his head.

I could bet I looked funny with the wig; it felt so strange. I took it off, holding onto it. I managed to swallow my saliva, even though it felt like a lump in my throat. This is part of the challenges you face. I shut that little voice in my head up as I adjusted my tie.

I braced up my voice to not end up sounding awkward. “Why me, sir?. There are other workers that are fit for the job." I groan inwardly at the slight slur at the end of my speech. Even though I wasn't really sure of what was going through his mind. I tried studying him for a tell, but he looked as blank as a board.

“The receptionist can't be discarded; it's quite a task to get someone who will understand the ethics. We don't want our business partners to keep seeing different faces attending to them. We don't want to hire new workers currently. So you need to do this,” he clarified. “Do you want to discard me, sir?”

"No, you'll still be in touch with the company. Enzo, you're perfect for what we need to make this bust. You're smart, intelligent and very observant," his hazel-coloured eyes focused on me.

The weight that has been perching on my chest eases like a silent wave. I heaved a sigh of relief; maybe it's just a coincidence.

I've lived different lives – as a random girl in a brothel, as a mercenary, and as a bodyguard. Now, it's time to be undercover.

I want to do this; Tillard Collin must pay for kidnapping me and leaving my mother in a helpless situation. My life was better, filled with love and laughter. He separated me from the only family I have left, and that was the last time I set my eyes on her until her death. He ruined me.

Since then, I have become a shell. Life hasn't been smooth if it includes this. I'd definitely do it.

"Everything you need to know is in this file. You'll be deep undercover with him and his organisation. You will be on official assignment. You have full clearance and power to do what's needed to find the truth about them.” He said as he pulled out a file from beneath the stack of books carefully arranged close to the edge of his table.

"So, I'll need multiple assignments and….

“You'll be on work, residential and personal contact assignments. I just need you to do your job. Your qualities alone will get this job bagged and tagged. You have what it takes and what is needed for this to succeed.” He proceeded, cutting me off.

He's really serious about it. Stern.

I didn't want to think deeply into it. It's unexpected, but it meant a lot to me.

Infiltrating the LIAS group, it's a two-factor authentication. Providing information to the BER corp and exacting revenge on the LIAS group.

“Enzo”. The voice made me jerk out of my thoughts. Ever since I sighted Tillard, I've been in the haze of my own making.

“Do you need time to think about this?”

“I'd do anything for the development of this company,” I said matter-of-factly.

Am I not supposed to think about what can push me to the dead end?. In this case, determination is an understatement. My need for revenge simmers beneath the surface like an untamed animal. Taking risks has always been part of me. The door cracked open, and Mr Bernard entered. His quizzical gaze bounced between me and Juliano like a ping pong ball.

“Are you really doing this?” he asked with a deep frown etched between his eyebrows.

“It’s our first time proposing a partnership with the LIAS group. I can vouch they’re not professionals. We can’t put our profits at stake. You're too blinded by his fake lights to see his shadows.”

“Enzo is meant to protect you," he said with a hint of concern in his voice. “We'll contact the agency for another bodyguard.”

“The secretary reported that the company sent in an email for the finalisation of the contract, still bent on the full payment,” he said, settling in the cushion near the window blinds.

"We haven't even had a proper board meeting yet.” He smiled as he stood, pushing the chair backwards and moving around the desk to stand in front of me.

He picked up the file on his desk and handed it over to me.

“Excellent choice, Enzo. Don't let me down, and you have my words. You check in once a month; another medium for communication might be included.” I nodded, clinging onto the file in my right hand.

He moved over the cushion and patted him on the shoulder as he took a seat beside him.

“I have my reasons, Father.”

“You can take a leave,” he said, facing me.

“Okay, sir.” I gave a last look at his face, bowed and walked out of the office.

As I took a few strides, he called my name in an angry tone, “Enzo.” I froze.