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CHAPTER 22
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2024-07-16 21:54:11Related chapters
THE THORNES CHAPTER 23
Jessica felt locked in within herself. Lucas was definitely high on his depressants. That had to be it.After several calls through to Mr. Troy, he finally picked up. With a tight and something barely above a whisper, she spoke up. “Mr. Troy!”Her voice was cracky and almost breaking.“Are you alright, Jessica?” Mr. Troy asked, concerned.Jessica tried to mutter out but the words wouldn't come out.“Are you there?”“Detective?” Mr Troy called out, now having an unsettling feeling from it all.“It's Lucas,” Jessica spoke up.“He's back. — He's been back for a while now.”“Oh goodness. It's a mess!” Jessica blurted out, a wash of tension lining each word that came out.“Be calm Jess?”“Is he there at TRIX?” “What’s the situation?”Mr. Troy requested in a calm yet, strong voice.“He… He isn't. I found out he was a friend of Liam.”“And I might have made a terrible mistake Mr. Troy.”“I helped him…. I couldn't risk him exposing me to Liam.”“But he wants something extremely wild now
Last Updated : 2024-07-23THE THORNES CHAPTER 24
Text message: Just a reminder kitty cat, you can't run away from this. I still have my mouth shut! You still owe me.As Lucas stepped out of TRIX, Jessica received the message. A jolt of increased worry struck her again.His appearance at Liam's was a flare warning.Left alone with Liam, the day progressed slowly. As Jessica gradually got comfortable in the absence of Lucas, the conversation hit.“—Is there a need for a change of payment gateway for some of TRIX leaseholders?” Liam asked, seeking an outstanding idea from her as always.“Is there a reason for the change?.” Jessica asked.“Well…. As you already know, I do not have a hold of all of TRIX’s properties— my father does. But so far, I have made some businesses and I can have them under my name through TRIX.”“.... I still have a share of TRIX though but a big side is the requirements my father has placed in place for some attainable access.” He continued explaining.“What about his lawyers? Maybe a written statement? A wil
Last Updated : 2024-07-23THE THORNES CHAPTER 25
Liam entered Jessica's office and upon seeing the situation, immediately intervened to unhand her from the grip of Lucas.On getting her released, she coughed continuously, while he played the part of aid to her. Lucas simply soon in a carefree manner, unapologetic.“What the hell is going on here?” Liam asks, startled as he gradually stands up from when he had Jessica, faced to Lucas.“Lucas! What the hell man?”“My secretary?”“—What was that all about?” “For whatever reason Lucas?” Liam questioned continuously, his anger gradually stirring up.“Oh c'mon, she's a fine piece, don't you think?” Delusionally, Lucas replied.Making Jessica stare wide at him.“What?”“Is this a sexual violation?”“How dare you, man?” Liam's anger widened.“.... Well. I'm just saying. —I was only getting a piece.” Lucas continued his witty reasons without remorse.“You're out of your mind. —I need you to leave.” He demanded.“No—no Liam. Don't say that!” Lucas began, a spark in his voice, about to unlea
Last Updated : 2024-07-25THE THORNES CHAPTER 26
The medical personnel came as Liam had said and in due time, Jessica was relieved of the tension, bruised wrist, and red neck. A good time to rest and think carefully about the next step to take.The weekend was gradually crawling in and Mr Troy was yet to give feedback on the next move for her.Ann was already on her way to Jessica's and that could only mean a weekend of relaxation, catching up, and lots of girl fun.“.... Ugh... I miss you!” Ann snuggled Jessica like a little doll for a warm welcome.“ You're….. choking…. Me.” Jessica managed out from the intensity of her wrap.Ann finally let go and they both gave a light laughter.The girls caught up on all of Ann's affairs. A moment ago, one would have thought Ann to be void of feelings and love for anyone, but here she was talking about a guy she might be interested in.“.... It's good for you.” Jessica pitched in.“Yeah. I know.” Ann mocked her statement. Another soft laugh.The love episodes Ann explained all brought some form
Last Updated : 2024-07-25THE THORNES CHAPTER 27
Mr Troy had left a message on Jessica's phone and when she woke up, a bit of a headache featuring the morning, the message simply read: “Hello Jess. I came up with a way around this little problem of ours. Reach out when you can.”Liam too had dropped a message to check up on her after the ugly incident at the office but the feeling of sweetness that she would have felt became sour as her heart replayed the incident. It felt like Liam placed a dot on her conscience at the mention of his name or anything related to him.Just over the weekend too, he had mentioned the insight of her coming to the office which made her know she was still needed at TRIX.Jessica tugged out of bed and it seemed like the after effects of two nights ago still had an impact on her.A quick wash up and self therapy of yoga and little words of encouragement set the day off for her.“Morning Beth.” She said as they had met at the entrance, just before she used the elevator.Up on the top floor, her little skirt
Last Updated : 2024-07-28THE THORNES CHAPTER 28
“Hey. What's up man.” Greg opted for a handshake to Liam. He accepted, and with a single shoulder hug and gentle pat on the back, they retreated to take their seats.“.... Good to see you Greg.” Liam replied.“Having a busy day already?” Greg asked.“It's kinda a routine now.” “.... Never getting used to it.” Liam responded and they both laughed a bit.“Tea?” Liam asked, making a point to the cups and tea jug.“... That'd be awesome.” He went on to get some.“You usually have your secretary in at this time, don't you?” Greg asked, turning to look towards the door and back at Liam.“... She should be here any moment from now.” Liam responded.The rhythmic click of Jessica's heels echoed through the polished hallway as she hurried towards Liam's office. Liam had informed her of the meeting with Greg through an email earlier in the morning but a couple of paperwork had kept her on standby.Reaching Liam's office, Jessica found him already there. Across from him, a tall man with a dazzl
Last Updated : 2024-07-28THE THORNES CHAPTER 29
“A fever?” Evelyn cried.“Oh c'mon mom. It's just a day off work.” Liam replied to his mother who was already making a big deal out of the situation.“You need to see a doctor.”“I'd call Dr Davis right away.” Evelyn continued.She had placed both hands on his cheeks as though he was a baby who needed to be pet.“No mom. You don't have to.”“I'm fine.”“I'm only taking the day off from the office. And —no, I don't have a fever. I can still work.” Liam replied, holding her arms and rubbing on them to reassure her.“I don't think so Liam.”“You look sick.” She looked him directly in the eyes, almost summoning tears to her eyes.“—Just hold on. Let me call him.” She added.“... You really don't have to.”“I just need some time away. —A different air perhaps. —Away from distractions.” Liam explained.Evelyn raised her brows, a sign of discovery from his words.“Did you say distractions?” She asked.“TRIX stands on a prestigious ground and you command every bit of its dynasty. What seems t
Last Updated : 2024-07-30THE THORNES CHAPTER 30
“What say you….. For instance, a man. A grown man feels a gush of melting coal down his throat. Sweating out profusely.”“—And then, his close vicinity and the people around him trigger that feeling even more.” He explained.His descriptions were hardly understandable and Beth struggled to make sense of them.“... I don't follow Mr. Liam,” she replied.Trying so hard to miss the intended details, Liam spoke in parables to Beth. Would he look stupid talking to her about such things in detail? He wondered.“... Perhaps a desire for something far from what the environment speaks. —When an encounter is made, it feels somewhat exhilarating to the mind.” He continued, his words bringing unmatchable meanings. “.... Perhaps, if you explain in detail I could grasp what you mean to say. —I honestly don't understand any of what you've said, Mr Liam.” Miss Beth responded.Perhaps this was a bad idea!Maybe talking to Beth was not what he needed. She couldn't understand his simple words. How w
Last Updated : 2024-07-30
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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
