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 deny a thrill coursed through her.

Trying to gather herself together to leave the conference room, he added.

“As for the aspect of finding my father, that stays between us.” 

“Understood.” She replied with a final nod.

“I'd be in the office if you need me.” She added and stood up finally to make her way out. 

Was this turn of events a stroke of luck or a carefully laid trap?

Walking into her new office, she found herself staring at a blank computer screen, her thoughts a jumble. Sitting, she's in thoughts of it all, Ann calls. 

“Hey girl! How's your first day being secretary? Good?”

Was it good or bad?

Was this current turn helping her case or not? She thought 

“I guess I'm settling in nicely.” She replies, her voice lacking conviction.

“Can you survive this one?” Ann asks, concerned. 

“I have to try, don't I?” 

“Found anything suspicious?” 

“— C'mon Ann. Not here!” she replied, lowering the pitch of her voice, like she was talking through her teeth.

The question hung in the air, heavy and unnerving.

At that moment, the door squeaked open and Evelyn Thorne, Liam's mother, entered with an air of cold dominance. Jessica felt her heart thump, and she quickly got up, holding her phone firmly. 

Jessica immediately gets startled, hoping she didn't hear Ann's question.

Her quick reaction prompted Evelyn to stare at her piercingly. Then her eyes drifted to the phone on her hand. 

“On the call?” Evelyn asked. 

“Oh no. I can drop it.” Jessica responds quickly and ends the call abruptly with Ann. 

“Good,” Evelyn said.

“Things at the office have become too much for my poor Liam. As newly hired, I expect you to be at the beck and call of Liam. He could really use some assistance.” Evelyn starts. 

“I believe you have experience working in such an astute organization and how to keep its secrets.” Evelyn continued, her words laced with a veiled threat.

“Yes ma.” Jessica responds quickly, now feeling a dread pool in her stomach.

“Do well for the sake of us all.” She replies and leaves the office. 

Alone again, Jessica sank into the chair, overwhelmed by the weight of her dual identities. 

Meanwhile, in Liam's office, Evelyn joined him and their conversation carried on for a long while, hushed but intense. 

Evelyn was one who loved the good life and was out of the city any day. An ice cold lady from her voice, aura and charisma.

She had finished her conversation with Liam when she cornered Beth at the reception leading towards the exit of the building.

“The new girl, what's her name again?” Evelyn asks. 

“Jessica, ma'am.” Miss Beth replies.

“I have my suspicions about her. Help me keep an eye on her. She'd be working close to Liam but I don't why, I feel an ick.”

“I'd do as you've instructed ma'am.” Miss Beth responds, all the while heads down.

“Look up Beth.” 

She did as instructed

“I take my family and this company very seriously and I wouldn't want any rat lurking or creating holes. I want competence at its best !” She added.

“Yes ma'am.” Beth replied and Evelyn made a signal to one of her security guards, who quickly attended to her by opening an umbrella as she made her way to the car.

Miss Beth wasn't shocked at all by Evelyn's suspicion. Evelyn has always been the one holding the family tides together, both in business and prestige. And her doubts about everything was a normal affair but Beth knew to do as instructed.

Meanwhile, Jessica wrestled with her own internal battle. Evelyn's presence had shaken her confidence.

Why on earth did Ann decide to call her there and then?

Suddenly, a knock on the door startled her again. It was Liam, a file folder tucked under his arm. His eyes softened when he saw her troubled expression. 

"Is everything alright, Jessica?" he asked, concerned with etching lines on his forehead.

“... Yes it is.” She stammered. 

Liam's brow furrowed. He glanced down the hall towards his mother's now-empty office. “Was my mother here?"

“—Yes, she was." She replied softly.

“You look shaken.” He said showing concern from the way his eyes carefully assessed her.

“Nothing serious. She was only stating some company concerns and how to be of help to you.” Jessica replied, trying to speak firmly even if it was obvious that she was clearly shaken by Evelyn.

Liam let out a frustrated sigh. 

"My mother," he said, running a hand through his hair, "tends to be…overprotective. Don't worry about it. She doesn't trust anyone easily."

Jessica felt a wave of relief that vanished her suspicion for a minute. However, a hint of mistrust persisted. Her voice was hardly audible above a whisper when she said, "And you?" "Do you trust me?"

She looked at Liam, and there was something profound in his eyes that she was unable to interpret. His voice was a deep growl as he answered, "For now." Nevertheless, Jessica, trust must be earned.”

A lot of meaning was left unsaid as his comments lingered in the atmosphere. Jessica was filled with a pounding heart.

With every instant that went by, this game of deceit and trust became more risky. It was obvious to her that she couldn't keep up this front for long. Finding the truth behind Liam's father's disappearance required her to find a means to obtain information without endangering her objective or her fragile connection with Liam.

A dangerous scheme that may reveal Jessica's actual identity or bring her one step closer to the answers she so urgently needed started to take shape in her head. She would have to be extremely cautious as she walked the fine line between devotion and dishonesty. She may lose with only one bad move.