Chapter 81

ALISHA POV

“Good,” Nadia said, her tone softening slightly. “I’ll also send you texts if there’s anything important. Check them when you’re alone. And remember, Alisha, don’t do anything that will make him suspicious.”

“I get it,” I replied, trying to keep the frustration out of my voice. “I know what I’m doing.”

“Do you?” Nadia asked, her voice dripping with skepticism. “Because this isn’t just about you, Alisha. If you screw up, we’re both done for. Keep your focus.”

I bit back a retort, reminding myself that I needed her. This wasn’t the time for arguments.

“Where is Richard, anyway?” Nadia asked suddenly. “And where will he take you after office hours?”

I hesitated, unsure how to answer. “I…”

Before I could finish, the office door creaked open.

My heart leapt into my throat, and my eyes widened in fear. I clutched the phone tightly under my blouse, my body frozen as the sound of footsteps filled the room.

Who was it?

RICHARD POV

I pushed open the door to my office, expecting silence, but instead, I heard faint murmurs. My brow furrowed. Who could possibly be in here?

The sound was low, almost indistinct, like someone whispering. I stepped inside, my gaze sweeping across the room. At first glance, it appeared empty, but then I noticed Alisha wasn’t in the chair where I had left her.

“Alisha?” I called out, my voice steady but laced with curiosity.

She appeared from near the window, stepping away from the curtains. Her movements were hesitant, and for a moment, she looked startled, as though I had caught her doing something she shouldn’t.

“I was just… admiring the view,” she said, offering a quick smile.

Her excuse seemed harmless enough, but something about her demeanor struck me as odd. Still, I brushed the thought aside. My eyes traveled to her hand, wrapped in fresh bandages, and the small hospital plaster on her cheek.

“Are you feeling alright?” I asked, stepping closer.

“Yes,” she replied softly, her gaze dropping to the floor for a moment before meeting mine.

There was something vulnerable about her, something that made my chest tighten. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of guilt. If I had been more careful on the road that day, she wouldn’t be in this situation.

“Are you hungry?” I asked, my tone softening.

Her face lit up, and she nodded. “I am, actually.”

Her smile, despite the plaster on her face, was disarming. It was a simple, genuine expression that made me feel a little less like the villain in this scenario.

“Well,” I said, gesturing for her to sit, “you’re in luck. My mother is expecting us at the family house. We’ll have a proper meal there.”

She nodded again, her smile growing wider. “That sounds wonderful.”

I was about to say more when my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out, glancing at the screen. It was my mother, Mrs. Garrison.

“Hello, Mom,” I greeted, putting the phone to my ear.

“Richard, where are you?” she asked, her tone warm but slightly impatient.

“I’m just finishing up at the office,” I replied. “I’ll be on my way soon.”

“Good,” she said. “Drive carefully, and don’t keep us waiting too long.”

“I won’t,” I assured her before ending the call.

I turned back to Alisha, who was watching me curiously. “That was my mother,” I explained. “She’s eager for us to arrive.”

She nodded but didn’t say anything. There was a look of something in her expression…nervousness, perhaps?

I moved to my desk, beginning to gather my things. My laptop, a few important files…everything I’d need for tomorrow. The weight of the day pressed on me, but there was something comforting about the thought of going home, even if it wasn’t for a break.

As I packed my bag, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something about Alisha was… different. But before I could dwell on it, I zipped up my bag and prepared to leave.

As I kept talking to Nadia, my heart was raising. I tired calming down but my heart didn’t. It was pounding so loudly I feared it might echo across the room.

I clenched my fists and forced myself to breathe. Calm down, Alisha. You can’t let him suspect anything.

The sound of the office door opening jolted me upright. Richard stepped in, his sharp eyes immediately scanning the room. I tried to steady my trembling hands, forcing a casual smile as I leaned slightly against the window.

“Alisha,” he said, his voice calm but curious. “Were you talking just now?”

My stomach dropped, but I managed to shake my head quickly. “No,” I said, the word slipping out almost too fast. “Not at all. Why do you ask?” I lied.

He frowned slightly, looking around as if trying to confirm my answer. I silently thanked my stars for my quick thinking.

A few moments earlier, I’d hidden the phone behind the curtains of the office window. It was wedged against the frame, and the thick fabric concealed it perfectly.

“Must have been my imagination,” he muttered, walking toward his desk.

I exhaled slowly, willing myself to appear calm. I moved away from the window and sat down on the chair near the coffee table, keeping my movements casual.

My hands folded neatly in my lap, but inside, I was screaming at myself for almost getting caught.

I watched as Richard sat down in his chair, leaning back slightly. He glanced at me, his expression softening as his gaze moved on the bandages wrapped around my hand and the small plaster on my cheek.

After he was done with his call, he then focused back on me.

“Are you hungry?” he asked, his tone gentle.

I hesitated, but only for a moment. “Yes, I am,” I said, offering him a small smile.

He nodded. “Good. We’ll head to my family house. My mother’s expecting us, and I’m sure she’s prepared a sumptuous meal.”

I blinked, stunned by his words. His family house? The Garrison estate?

I’d heard stories about it…a sprawling mansion that symbolizes wealth and power. And now, I was going there, sitting at the same table as Mrs. Garrison, one of the most respected women in the country.

“Your… family house?” I asked, trying to mask my surprise.