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CHAPTER 12
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2024-06-02 23:13:46Related chapters
THE THORNES CHAPTER 13
The night continued calmly, the music thrumming through the room like a steady heartbeat. Jessica felt increasingly restless, her eyes constantly scanning the crowd for Lucas. He'd disappeared after their brief encounter, leaving a void of discomfort from his sudden awakening.She stood close to one of the big curtains that hung down from one of the corners of the room. There were only a few people at that corner.Suddenly, a familiar figure materialized behind her, close enough for his cologne to send a jolt of unwelcome recognition through her."Enjoying the party, Jessica?" Lucas's voice was a low murmur, sending goosebumps prickling across her arms.She jilted a bit, not turning around, forcing a smile. "Just taking it all in," she replied, her voice strained. "It's quite a crowd."Lucas chuckled, a humorless sound that grated on her nerves. "Indeed. A lovely place to mix-up, don't you think?"His words, seemingly innocuous, sent a shiver down her spine. Did he recognize her? W
Last Updated : 2024-06-05THE THORNES CHAPTER 14
Jessica tried to follow the man's trail with her eyes but she couldn't. All that he had left her was a paper.Who could that be?Was she being spied on?Why discreetly too?Jessica unfolded the paper, her heart racing in her chest, it was too much occurrence in one night. It wasn't a note, but a crudely drawn map of the building, with a small red circle drawn over a spot, indicating a secluded balcony right before the gardens behind the building.Slightly apprehensive, Jessica cast a glance at Liam whom she was nearly six steps close to. He was still talking to his business partners when he caught her gaze, it felt questionable. Trying not to cause suspicion she finally walked up to him."Excuse me for a moment," she said to him, trying to steady her voice. "I uh… I need to use the restroom."Liam nodded, a shadow of concern crossing his face. He could see through her words,it didn't feel like a restroom break, he sensed there could be more. Offering him a reassuring smile like all
Last Updated : 2024-06-06THE THORNES CHAPTER 15
Liam stood in the dim light, right in her view, a relieved smile breaking out on his face. "There you are. I was starting to get worried."“Oh… yeah. Uhm… I got lost down the hall.” She lied“I walked down here and loved the view. Simply taking it in,” she added, turning to look at the view to confirm her lie.It was then she noticed.It was indeed a lovely view from the open area on the balcony. She might have lied about the reason she was there but it wasn't totally a lie, the view was pretty.Liam turned to have a glance at the view and he got captivated. The garden lights glittered like little diamonds and the moon was out like it lay on a waterbed. They stood there, taking the view in, in silence.Then, Jessica had taken deep breaths that were enough to rejuvenate her confidence beside him.Just what she needed; silence!“It's lovely.” He finally broke the quiet moment.“I never knew you loved the cool evenings.” He added.“Well… we never spoke about interests.” She said, a smil
Last Updated : 2024-06-10THE THORNES CHAPTER 16
Tomorrow was another day, another day to live a secret life at TRIX and navigate the web of her case and this old problem of hers, Lucas.The weight of it all grew heavier with each passing moment. The more time she spent with Liam, the more she yearned to be honest with him. But honesty came with a price, and the potential consequences were too high.Jessica got home and fell on her couch. Several toss and turns for hours while her mind replayed the clips of the night's event, the stolen glances with Liam, the unsettling encounter with Lucas.Sleep, when it finally came, was a restless symphony of anxieties.And that too, forgetting the daily updates she had to give to the agency.**THE NEXT DAY.She arrived early at TRIX. Expecting Liam in his office, a flurry of activity around him as always.Jessica took a deep breath and a smile emerged onto her face. As she approached his door, it swung open, revealing Lucas, his features plastered with a charming grin."Ah, Jessica! There you
Last Updated : 2024-06-26THE THORNES CHAPTER 17
“I simply can't do what you're asking of me!” Jessica blasted at Lucas.As said, Lucas had asked Jessica to meet him at 8:00 pm. At first, she meant not to see him but Lucas could be a pain in the ass.What did he have to say tonight?Getting there, there was no sight of him anywhere close, not until an hour later he rode in, demanding a swaddle from her.“Get in!” He said as he parked his car beside her, his glass whined down to the eyes view only.Hesitant, Jessica stood in a way that showed she wasn't willing to do that.“... I said get in!” He demanded with a more controlling voice that sounded like he was angry already.Still hesitant, Jessica finally walked to the passenger side of the car, opened up, and sat down.There was about a minute of silence as both of them stared at the empty park right in front of them. The cold evening wasn't hitting on either of them tonight and Lucas looked angry.“I need you to make him accept the deal!” Lucas started.“What?” Shocked at his word
Last Updated : 2024-06-26THE THORNES CHAPTER 18
It's been two nights since Jessica gave reports to the agency. Bright and early on Saturday, Jessica tugged off her bed to prepare for some morning jog. There in the bathroom, her phone rang and she rushed out to pick up.It was Mr Troy. “Mr Troy! Good morning.” She said, startled. “Your presence is needed at the board meeting.” He started.“For two nights, two nights Jessica, you've withheld reports. Now, that doesn't look good, does it?”“The board would like to know why. They suggested a secluded physical meeting today.”Saturday was starting to look like another work day already.Arriving at the agency, discreetly through one of the restricted and confined routes, Jessica found herself in a round table of high board members, same people that had given her the last stretch of the Thorne's. “We thought you'd like a physical meeting this time.” One of the members spoke. Just then, the gush of statements started coming straight from the other members. “Is there a reason we have
Last Updated : 2024-06-27THE THORNES CHAPTER 19
A decision has sprung up in this young detective's mind. Monday was bright and sunny as usual and it wasn't surprising to have Liam seated at the front of a working laptop display and some paperwork featuring the day.“Good morning Mr Liam.” Jessica greeted as she walked into his office. “You seem uncommonly bright this morning Jessica. Is there a call for celebration?” He asked jokingly as she walked to where his chairs were fixed. As she stood before him, looking directly at his eyes before taking her seat, he responded to the initial greeting.“Morning Jessica.”She sat down and it was business and little butterflies sprouting in her stomach as usual. But those butterflies would be forced to go back to the caterpillar they sprouted from with the agency's keen mark on her case.As the paperwork progressed, the conversation settled from past businesses to most recent businesses, and the one of Lucas at that.“... I expected to see Mr Lucas as early as the birds today.” She starte
Last Updated : 2024-07-15THE THORNES CHAPTER 20
Jessica stared at Miss Beth, a hunch of confusion lacing her brows."Mr. Thorne wants me to meet him at the DeluxeOT Hotel?" she asked. The luxury setting felt like a steer contrast to the concept of a business meeting.Everyone knows who goes to the DeluxeOT, the big moguls and wealthy gents. For a while, Jessica had forgotten who her boss was or whose son he was.".... For a meeting?" Still questioning.Miss Beth, ever the picture of collected efficiency, nodded curtly."Yes, Ms. Willows. He mentioned a new business associate, Mr. Greg.”“Apparently, the meeting couldn't be held at the office…. He suggested something outdoor."Usually, Liam was a stickler for routine and transparency but for some other family and business reasons, he kept his reach only within the company.Requesting a meeting at a luxury hotel was not what Jessica would have ever expected.And also, what if she was seen or taken note of by known agency past victims?"Did he mention what Mr. Greg is involved in?"
Last Updated : 2024-07-15
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THE THORNES CHAPTER 42
Evelyn's birthday party was getting closer by the minute and the whole of TRIX would come to a halt to see it through. Jessica felt the need to act somewhat dry in the presence of Liam to avoid any strain of attraction that could spring between them. Liam couldn't help but notice her sudden drift but, as always, remained unshaken or unfazed by it.At intervals in the office, he stole glances at her. Maybe the way she worked on files, her facial features, or the movement of her lips when she spoke. There was something of note in everything she did.One time, she had requested to work in her office for reasons best known to her but he couldn't kick the fact that something definitely felt off between them. He thought to find out why but never to interrogate her.Of course, he cared about her and would want her in his space each time, but suddenly, it looked like she wanted none of that.Jessica knew all she was doing would take a toll on Liam in a way; her absence and perhaps, shift fr
THE THORNES CHAPTER 41
The preparations for Evelyn's birthday were still ongoing and the event was gradually coming together.“..... The guest list, how about the guest list?” Jessica had asked Miss Beth.“It's to be formed by Miss Evelyn. She has her way with these kinds of things. She will send that across soon, I suppose.” Miss Beth replied.It was another bright sunny day at the TRIX, and Jessica was all about the affairs at the office, but the upcoming party needed a bit of attention now and then.At the office, Jessica couldn't help herself but remember the previous night with Greg. How he had arrived just in time and saved her from the grip of Mike. And not to mention, the kiss. It was everything she had been missing. A touch of that added a glimpse of excitement for the night. Somehow, these thoughts meddled with the daily activities. She caught herself smiling to herself on a few occasions.It was a healthy distraction, she had thought. A call came through from her office line, and she picked u
THE THORNES CHAPTER 40
It was a relief to have Greg come in the time he did. Jessica could only be grateful.For a while, her thoughts drifted to Mike and she couldn't help but realize how desperate he was.He has never been like that towards her. This was indeed surprising. Greg caught her in the midst of the thought and that's when she collected herself together again.“..... I'm sorry to pry Jessica. That looked a bit personal. — I had to come in, it wasn't looking good.” Greg apologized.“I'm glad you did.” Jessica responded, still in the arms of Ann.That's when Jessica remembered the courtesy of introducing them to each other.“.... My friend, Ann.” Jessica said to Greg.“Ann, Greg.” To Ann.Greg stretched a hand formally for a handshake and Ann accepted. A glint in her eyes made him know he was welcome.“.... I really need to head home Jess. It's been a long day for me.” Ann said.“Let me walk you home.” Jessica offered but Ann wouldn't let her. Jessica understood what Ann meant to do and it was s
THE THORNES CHAPTER 39
“What do you want?” Jessica asked bluntly “Jessica, please, can we talk?” Mike asked quickly.Jessica scoffed.“If you hadn't seen me in this part of town, you wouldn't have asked to talk, so what is it you want now?” She stormed at him.“I really wish you would give me an audience and hear me speak…. — I called and texted Jess. But you wouldn't respond to any……. And I can understand why.”“I just need the least of your time to explain how I really feel. — explain myself to you.” “..... And you're correct, I'm only asking to talk now because I see you but please just hear me out..”There was a long pause and Jessica stared at him blankly. He looked lost in a way she couldn't quite understand but she knew she didn't have to care.Just then, he made a move to hold her hands but she rejected his touch and spoke quickly after.“I'll listen to what you have to say.” “Can we sit down?” He asked.Jessica stood still, not bulging to his offer and then he pressed further.“Please, Jessica.”
THE THORNES CHAPTER 38
Starting the preparations was not as difficult as Jessica would have thought. Everything came in handy. An event of the elites and wealthy was one not to be compared to the regulars. Beth, on the other hand, was useful. Jessica barely had to stress about anything. It was mere convenience and she wondered why she had been called upon by Evelyn in the first place.The colors for the place were picked and it was all coming together greatly. Meanwhile, at TRIX, Liam couldn't ignore the fact that he missed having his secretary in all the time. Jessica was often in, but her attention was needed for every picking that had to be done.Liam, at this point, still Wondered why he felt this way.He knew he was getting a rush of emotions every time he was at least two feet from her.It was hard to hide the burst of emotions but he needed to. “.... What would be Miss Evelyn's preference, Mr Liam?” She has asked, as they say, in his office, looking at some current documents on the recent deal wi
THE THORNES CHAPTER 37
Evelyn walked back to her seat opposite Jessica. Now, Jessica had learned to look the woman before her in the eye.Maybe she didn't appreciate how timid she had appeared.Jessica immediately adjusted herself as the woman sat.“.... You know why I called you here?” Evelyn asked.“Certainly not.” “—But I'd suggest it's business and cooperate” “Well, you're wrong,” Evelyn answered.Jessica shook in fear of what Evelyn might say next. Why had she invited her in if not for the matters of TRIX?“..... Are you always this shaken with Liam?” She asked, taking a rest back in her seat.“Sometimes…” she replied.“..... Judging from what I saw at the conference room, not so often I guess.”“He's fond of you, I believe.” She continued.Jessica felt a surge of adrenaline by Evelyn's words. “It's in good faith….. We work closely together, so I suppose that could be the reason for that.”“Hmm…. I'm not disputing that. In fact, that's why I asked to see you.” “.... Because of Mr. Liam?” Jessica a
THE THORNES CHAPTER 36
“.... ugh”.Jessica managed to get out of bed. A strain of headache arose from the left corner of her head. It was as if some effects of her illness still lingered on.Stepping into the bathroom, she took a dose of painkillers and stared at the image that reflected herself. “.... Not —so — bad.” She said and went ahead to run a quick bath. Not until she got out of the bathroom did she notice she was running late for work. Hurrying out of her apartment to the side of the road, she highlighted.“Taxi!” She called out.Jessica arrived late. But that wasn't bad enough. The offices on the top floor felt empty. She had experienced this before and she feared that it could be happening again.Well, it did. A meeting was held in the conference room again. Through the see-through glasses, she entered quietly, and once again, everyone turned to her.But something was different.Evelyn was in the meeting. Now, she was sitting at the left-hand side of the head of the table and Liam was at the h
THE THORNES CHAPTER 35
The imposing figure of Evelyn Thorne commanded attention as she walked into the conference room.Not the usual days that Jessica was used to but it felt rather urgent, given the way the senior and high board members filled the conference room.Evelyn’s impeccably tailored suit and sharp features exuded an aura of power and authority. Her eyes were as sharp as an eagle and the glint of mascara around them made them further piercing.Miss Beth had followed Evelyn like a chick behind the mother-hen every step of the way from the moment she stepped foot into TRIX.There in the conference room, well seated by her right-hand side was Liam. Jessica, seated on her left-hand side, directly opposite Liam couldn't help but feel a surge of nervous anticipation. Something was intimidating about the older woman, a silent demand for respect.Liam seemed unfazed by his mother’s presence. His posture was relaxed, his expression confident. He was obviously used to the limelight, something he had recei
THE THORNES CHAPTER 34
Jessica stared at the phone and without wanting any hesitation crossing her face, she spoke up.“.... It's not a bother. I'll call when I'm better.” She said,Liam simply heeded without any doubt.The door opened and Ann came in with a lovely bouquet and some packs of chocolate.The girls were excited and Liam simply watched them act all goofy around each other. It was rather unsettling but he couldn't understand, could he?“.... Get well soon Jess.” He said finally and with a final formal greeting to Ann, he excused himself and headed back to the TRIX.Jessica's recovery was quite speedy. She returned home after a series of checkups and medications.Ms. Felicia had mentioned that a Hulk bully had come to her apartment in search of her. She had also mentioned that it was probably because Jessica was in some kind of trouble.But Jessica simply understood what she meant. Liam had told her he was at her apartment before coming to the hospital.That was just Miss Felicia's way of describi
