Chapter 112

MR JACOB POV.

Kenneth broke the silence, leaning forward in his seat. “Jacob, you’ve been awfully quiet tonight,” he said with a chuckle. “Are you feeling alright?”

I forced a smile, nodding. “I’m fine. Just a bit tired, that’s all.”

“Hmm,” Kenneth mused, his gaze lingering on me for a moment before he turned back to Max. “And you, Max? How are you holding up? That was quite the demonstration earlier. I have to admit, I didn’t expect you to eat the apple like that.”

Max shrugged, his smile never faltering. “I’m fine. Like I said, I trust myself, and I trust my work. I knew there was nothing to worry about.”

Liar.

I wanted to call him out, to expose him for the fraud he was. But without proof, without a clear understanding of what had just happened, my words would mean nothing.

Kenneth would dismiss me, as he always did, and Max would walk away victorious once again.

I glanced around the room, my eyes landing briefly on Nadia. She sat quietly in the corner, her gaze fixed on her hands.

There was something about her posture, the way she avoided eye contact with anyone, that caught my attention. Was she in on this? Did she help Max?

The thought gnawed at me. If Nadia was involved, then this went deeper than I had anticipated. It wasn’t just Max against me…it was both of them.

The weight of the bottle in my pocket felt heavier now. I needed to analyze its contents, figure out what it was and how it played into all of this. But for now, I had to play along, pretend everything was fine.

Kenneth stood up, stretching his arms. “Well, it’s getting late. I think we should all call it a night soon.”

Max nodded, rising to his feet. “Agreed. It’s been a long day.”

As the others began to disperse, I stayed seated, watching Max like a hawk. He glanced back at me once before heading toward the hallway. That single look sent a chill down my spine.

I would figure this out. Whatever Max was hiding, I would uncover it. And when I did, there would be no escaping the consequences.

ALISHA'S POV.

The moment we stepped into Richard’s mansion, I couldn’t help but marvel at the grandeur of it all.

The high ceilings, the polished marble floors, the intricate chandeliers…everything screamed wealth and power. My thoughts raced as I followed him through the grand hallway.

This is where I belong, I thought to myself. Not in some cramped apartment, scraping by, but here, surrounded by luxury and comfort.

And if Nadia thinks she can use me as a pawn in her little game, she’s got another thing coming.

Richard turned to me with a smile, his expression warm and inviting.

“Make yourself comfortable, Alisha. You’ve been through a lot today, and the least I can do is make sure you’re taken care of.”

I nodded, keeping my expression soft and grateful. “Thank you, Richard. You’re too kind.”

Inside, I was laughing. Too kind? Or too gullible?

As we walked further into the house, I exaggerated my limp, clutching my side as though the pain from the morning’s “accident” was unbearable. I had perfected this act long before today, and Richard was eating it up.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked, concerned about lacing his voice.

I gave him a weak smile. “I’ll be fine. It’s just a little sore. But I really appreciate you letting me stay here. I don’t know what I would’ve done otherwise.”

He shook his head. “Don’t mention it. It’s the least I can do.”

He led me up a grand staircase and down a corridor lined with doors. Finally, he stopped in front of one and opened it, revealing a spacious guest room that was more luxurious than any place I’d ever stayed.

The bed was massive, covered in plush pillows and a silky duvet. A vanity table stood against one wall, and a large window overlooked the estate's garden.

“This will be your room,” Richard said, stepping aside to let me in.

I walked in slowly, my eyes scanning every detail. It was perfect.

“Whatever you need as a lady, you’ll find in the dressing drawer,” he added, motioning toward the vanity. “If there’s anything else, just let me know.”

I turned to him with a grateful smile. “Thank you, Richard. Really.”

He nodded, lingering for a moment before stepping back toward the door. “Get some rest, Alisha. You’ve had a long day.”

As he left the room, I waited until I heard his footsteps fade down the hallway before letting my façade drop. A sly smile crept onto my lips as I looked around the room.

So, this is what it feels like to live like royalty, I thought. Nadia thinks she’s running the show, but she doesn’t know who she’s dealing with.

I’ll make Richard fall for me, and when he does, I’ll have everything I’ve ever wanted.

I walked over to the bed, running my fingers along the soft duvet. This was my chance, and I wasn’t going to let anyone…especially Nadia..ruin it for me.

Just as I was about to sit down, I felt the vibration against my ribs. My hidden phone. My heart skipped a beat as I realized who it had to be.

Quickly, I walked to the door and locked it, ensuring no one could walk in on me. Then, I reached into the folds of my dress and pulled out the small, cheap phone I had been hiding all day.

The screen lit up with Nadia’s name.

I sighed, already irritated. Of course, she’d call. She was probably panicking, wondering if I’d stuck to her little plan.

I answered the call, keeping my voice low. “What do you want?”

“Alisha,” Nadia’s voice came through the line, sharp and impatient. “What’s going on? You were supposed to report back hours ago.”

I rolled my eyes, leaning against the door. “Relax, Nadia. Everything’s fine.”

“Fine? I haven’t heard from you since you left with Richard. Do you know how risky this is? If you mess this up…”