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CHAPTER 42
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2024-08-29 01:26:08Related chapters
THE THORNES CHAPTER 1
The last days of a person's career are always gloomy. The sky didn't open up as early as they usually did and all this young detective wished for was it never opening. Jessica's neighbor, Ms. Felicia knocked on her door as early as that.“Hello! Neighbor! Hello…”Jessica wished Ms. Felicia could just go away and leave her in her mystery to sulk as a failure. “Not even a single case have you solved successfully!” Mr Troy had blasted at her last week at the office. “You can consider this your last case with the agency!” He added coldly. Mike wasn't even helping issues. She had gotten home that day to meet Mike in his dirty green shorts and cream socks, buried in his game with his lazy-ass friend like him, Jay. “You're moody because of a job?”“Lighten up! Make me some omelet!”“I haven't showered too. You can run my bath too.” He said, itching his crackly neck. Jessica thought of her current life as a mess and Mike's weight on her made it worse. She had met Mike at a Christmas
Last Updated : 2024-05-06THE THORNES CHAPTER 2
Olivia was a lady of character and everyone at the office knew her bitter spot for Jessica. She was a bright lady as well. Smart and audacious in a way that makes her daring. Jessica on the other hand had her own simple qualities but Olivia wasn't going to let her have her place in the agency. And luckily for her, she's witnessing her leave the organization due to failure to prove herself worthy of being a detective. “You look pathetic.” Olivia continued. “I mean, who could have thought that those little cases that even a janitor in this organization could have solved would cost you a dismissal.” Olivia continued coldly, noticing what her hurtful words were doing to Jessica's expression.“You should have stayed with your father, that way—” Olivia continued but Jessica cut her. “That's enough Olivia.”“I get it! I get it!”“You wanted me gone. Here I am, leaving!”“I guess that's enough for your fill!”Jessica summoned her speech out even though she would have preferred to be qui
Last Updated : 2024-05-06THE THORNES CHAPTER 3
“I got my job back!” Jessica screeched over the phone to her dad. “You deserved it love!” Her dad echoed from the other end of the call. “I was stunned. Felt so unreal!”“Seems I'm still going to make you proud dad” Jessica added excitedly. “You sure would!” He responded. Jessica's front door opened with a munching sound and little soft barks. It was Mike. And with Ms Felicia's dog!“Oh why. Hello Jess. Got fired?” He asked sarcastically. “Is that Mike?” Jessica's dad asked audibly that Mike could hear.“Yeah it is.” Jessica responded with rolling eyes and her hand stamped to her face in sudden regret. “Hello Mr Willows! Jessica got fired!” He said loudly. “Is he drunk?” Her father asked. “I'd be surprised if he wasn't.” Jessica responded. “I'd speak to you later, dad” Jessica added and ended the call. She quickly turned her gaze to Mike, who was now seated on the couch, drunk and munching on a snack while he fondled the poor dog aggressively. “Why did you take the dog?” J
Last Updated : 2024-05-06THE THORNES CHAPTER 4
Getting an email from TRIX was the greatest delight for Jessica.The TRIX company was one with a lot of prestige and reputation as it stands as a world class firm.Update on acquiring a job in the company reached Mr Troy and other trusted board members of the agency. Her reports were slated to be given at the end of each working day. Bright and early this day, Jessica got all ready for her new place of work. Definitely, she has been on several detective cases but not one she had to disguise for.This was a new turn!“Taxi!” She boarded.She got in and pondered on how this phase of her life was going to turn out; if she was going to get her case closed up or if it was going to be like the others. Then her mind drifted to Olivia. “Oh good Lord!” She said and heaved quietly, then the driver spoke."A great day, isn't it ma'am?". The driver asked, noticing she was drawn away from the world."Very well, it is". Jessica responded, collecting herself back and forcing a smile out from the
Last Updated : 2024-05-06THE THORNES CHAPTER 5
“I know that. Tell me more!” He said with his gaze fixed on her.His phone rang!The person on the other end spoke and all he said was “Give me a minute. I'd be there.”“I'm needed immediately. Come!” He said standing up. Jessica thanked her stars that she hadn't answered because her confidence was already ripped off.They journeyed quietly in the elevator till the ground floor and upon opening, a woman who looked very important stood while Miss Beth engaged her in a conversation.Her ambience could be felt. She was heavily surrounded by her guards.Liam walked straight to the woman and they turned to face each other. “Hello son!” The woman said audibly.“Hello mom. Good to have you back!” Liam responded in the same pitch and hugged her.“That's interesting. His mom!” Jessica thought. They spoke inaudibly for the rest of the conversation and Jessica stood, observing all she could from the body movement and descriptions.Soon, Liam signaled her to join in their midst. He introduced
Last Updated : 2024-05-06THE THORNES CHAPTER 6
Liam heaved a sigh of relief and smiled briefly.He carefully studied her body language, in search of her uncertainties and discomfort from all she had found out but he was pleased she had agreed to it.Well then," Liam said in a carefully measured tone, "I look forward to the journey ahead.""As well, I," Jessica replied, trying to compose herself. The conversation had been a whirlwind, and the weight of responsibility settled on her shoulders like a lead cloak.“— As for the secretary position," Liam continued, his voice taking on a lighter tone, "that can be considered filled. The company could really use a secretary after all.”Jessica blinked, completely thrown off guard, “I thought I was yet to be assessed for the position.”“Well, let's call it an unorthodox assessment. I'm the CEO and I say you're hired.” Liam responds calmly.“Oh. Yes…. Alright then” she had mindlessly forgotten he had the power of who comes in and goes out. It was a blatant abuse of power, yet she couldn't d
Last Updated : 2024-05-23THE THORNES CHAPTER 7
The day has been a whole lot and this young detective was all exhausted from the whole drama of it. Reports were to be given back to the agency on the close of every working day. There was a separate phone allocated for that purpose and it was securely placed in one of Jessica's bed drawers. Mr Troy and the rest of the board has been eager to hear the updates from her first day of work as an undercover detective. It was a new dive in Jessica's years of being a detective but she had something to prove and they hoped it better be positive. She picks up the phone immediately she gets in her room and gets on the call with the required persons to hear her report. “How was your first day there, Jessica?” Mr Troy asked in a concerned voice. “ Good sir.”“Your update.” Another voice, one of the high members in the agency, spoke audibly.Jessica was held stuck on what to say for a moment. The part where Liam had asked for her trust to keep the secret of the company safe popped into her th
Last Updated : 2024-05-23THE THORNES CHAPTER 8
Jessica hurriedly gets down from the cab and runs straight into the company. Every worker on that floor looked fully settled in for the day but there she was, running the hallway, through the reception and straight into the elevator. Panting heavily with her head bent down, hands on her knee and her handbag falling slightly off her shoulders, she cursed again under her breath.“Screw you Olivia!”The elevator clicked open at her floor and she ran out, noticing every see-through office was empty, but as she walked past the conference room, she found all the board staff there, organized and well seated. At that moment, everyone turned to notice her and she just stood still in awe. Not what she was expecting and not knowing whether to join in or just walk away!She definitely wasn't looking composed. Her hair looked all messy from the hurry of the morning and she wasn't her best physically, her face looked tired as well.Liam, seated at the head of the conference table made a signal to
Last Updated : 2024-05-24
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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
