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CHAPTER 4
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2024-05-06 19:10:46Getting 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 thoughts of Olivia.
The car went silent for the rest of the short trip until they arrived at TRIX.
"We've arrived ma'am." The driver said as he made a stop at the nearest parking space to TRIX.
She made her pay and carefully got down to gather herself.
“Here we go Jess!” She mouthed quietly to herself.
Swiftly, she made her way towards the entrance.
"Welcome to Trix. A division of Tezera and inex. We serve at the best. Kindly find your way to the reception for inquiries". The micro speaker at the entrance subtly made the brief welcome.
Jessica walked straight to the reception as it was not so difficult to locate from the entrance. She sat quietly as the receptionist was busy with another visitor.
The building was highly maintained and luxurious. It had detail and everyone making a first entrance would give similar comments. Paying attention to the structure and color, she fed her eyes with its grace.
Just then, the elevator clicked open and a young lady came out walking towards the reception with her hips swinging from side to side. She had very bright skin and she looked like one that took her job almost too seriously.
Soon, she halted in front of Jessica.
“You must be Jessica.” The woman said firmly.
“Um, yes, I am.” Jessica responded.
“The CEO has been expecting you. Come with me.” She said firmly, turning immediately towards the elevator and Jessica quickly followed suit.
They both walked to the elevator and up they went; the 94 layered building, a journey!
There in the elevator, the young lady engaged Jessica.
“You're welcome to TRIX Jessica. I'm Miss Bethany. Beth.” Miss Beth says.
“... I'm Jessica.”
“Oh no… You already know that.”
“I'm sorry”
Jessica rushed these words out like she was nervous with how stern Miss Beth spoke.
But Miss Beth didn't reply after that.
Rude?
The elevator clicked open at the top floor, highest of all the buildings that could be sighted from there.
Miss Beth led the way out, walking towards a security guarded door. There, Miss Beth gave her security pass and they both gained access in.
They walked past artifacts and offices until they came across a see-through glass conference room. In the room was a man who exuded confidence.
Engrossed in a phone call, with a broad and imposing figure that could easily intimidate anyone, yet incredibly attractive. With an effortless stride, he walked around the room, running his hand through his hair, which was neatly packed in a bun. Though he was barely smiling while on the call, his demeanor oozed assurance.
Miss Beth made a signal pass and the man went off the phone while Miss Beth and Jessica made their way in.
“Is all well?. You didn't look too good on the phone.” Miss Beth asked with a glimpse of concern.
“She cares?” Jessica thought.
“It's nothing to worry about Beth.” The man said as he walked towards one of the conference chairs to sit.
“Jessica Willows?” He said with an assuring voice like he knew her already.
“Yes sir.” Jessica responded.
The man and Miss Beth looked at each other after Jessica affirmed her name.
Creepy!
“I'm Liam Thorne, son of Philip Thorne and CEO of TRIX.” The man said.
“Pleased to meet you sir.” Jessica said, wondering how he was the CEO.
Up until that morning, it read on the Internet that the active CEO was Philip Thorne, his father.
Even the agency knew that!
For a family that didn't even have a lot to show on the media, how could the only thing they knew be inauthentic?
“You may sit please.” Liam offered.
Jessica took her seat while Miss Beth just stood firm.
“From your application, it's obvious you got the information of Philip Thorne being the CEO. Well, that's changed. And it remains so only within the organization.” Liam said.
“What does he mean within the organization?” Jessica questioned quietly in her thoughts.
“Your job here is one that must be attended to effectively. I hope to see you deliver.” he said and Jessica concurred with a nod.
“That's all for now. Miss Beth would see you to your office.” Liam added.
Miss Beth ushered Jessica out and straight to her new office; cozy and luxurious for a secretary. While settling in her new desk, Miss Beth spoke.
“See Mr Liam in 30 minutes.” She said and left the office.
Jessica just nodded and took her seat right after, admiring her space.
The thought of her finding the pieces to solving her case crawled in. She questioned everything the agency claimed to know about this family if they didn't even know the CEO.
Thirty minutes later, she arrives at the conference room where Liam was still seated.
“You asked to see me sir.” Jessica said as she entered.
“Yes. Have your seat.” He offered her again. He covered the lid of his laptop and looked at her brightly.
For a moment Jessica felt uncomfortable with his stare, then he spoke up.
“Who are you?” He asked.
Jessica's heart skipped as she heard him ask.
Did he know who she was?
Was this why he locked eyes with Miss Beth the moment she affirmed her name?
“.. I'm… I'm Jessica.” She says almost losing confidence.
He scoffed.
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“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
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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
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**JESSICA'S HOMEAnn stood outside Jessica's apartment, tapping her foot impatiently. When the door finally swung open, she was met with a stoic Jessica, a stark contrast to the animated woman who usually greeted her."Hey, girl. Are you alright? " Ann asked with concern, filling her voice as she followed Jessica inside. “You look pale. Did a cabinet fall on you or do you require some manly touch?” Ann asks, teasing.Jessica managed a weak smile, the humor failing to reach her eyes. "Something like that," she mumbled as they walked in.“But seriously, are you fine?” concerned once again."Yeah, I am," Jessica replied, her voice flat. Maybe a little too flat. "Just feel hungry, that's all." Ann dropped her bag on the couch with a thud, the sound echoing in the silent apartment.Ann wasn't buying it. Jessica might be able to fool an unsuspecting victim, but her best friend knew her far too well. "Uh-huh," she said skeptically, "and what kind of ravenous beast are you craving tonight?”
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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
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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
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“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.”
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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
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“.... 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
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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
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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
