As Laura walked into the Delicate Nannies World building, she found what she saw impressive."So her name is Emily Parker; she is the CEO of the organization; she is the one you'll be meeting," Audrey explained, giving Laura a quick breakdown of who she was going to meet."Humm, okay, let's get this done, shall we?" Laura replied, taking in the beautiful and friendly atmosphere around her.They walked over to the reception, and Audrey said to the receptionist, "Hi, we have an appointment for five."The lady at the reception looked at them with a smile and said, "Hello, welcome to Delicate Nannies World. May I please have your names?""The meeting is for Laura Phillips," Audrey replied.A few seconds and a phone call later, Laura and Audrey were directed towards an office at the end of the hall."I'll be right here if you need anything, Laura," Audrey told her as she opened the door."Okay, thanks," Laura said as she entered the office.Laura had expected to see an elderly-looking woma
"What the hell?" Jason muttered as he stared at her, walking like she owned the place.Heads turned in her direction, and Jason could see the eyes of every male following her. She looked quite different from how she had looked the day before."Jason, is something wrong?" Tim asked, wondering why he had stopped suddenly."Of course something is wrong; what is that lady still doing in my hotel?" Jason murmured."Uhm, which lady are you referring to?" Tim muttered as he looked around, adding, "Ahhh, I see," as soon as he saw her too."I am going to have a word with her," Jason stated without giving a thought to what he was about to do.Tim chuclked and muttered to himself, "I'm assuming that's the lady who has got Jason so bothered," before hurrying after Jason.Laura stopped and looked towards the cakes that were displayed in the open restaurant. "Let me get one for my babies," she muttered to herself.Changing her direction, she turned and headed in Jason's direction; unknown to her, s
Laura opened the door, and standing there was a guy dressed all black."Here is the list, ma'am," Charlie said as he handed over the list to Laura and headed back to Jason's suite."Uhm, okay," Laura replied. She had not gotten a look at the guy's face.Walking back to the living room after shutting the door, Laura kept the list beside her, hoping to go through it before telling the kids."So, guys, I want to talk to you about school," Laura announced to them with a smile.The twins looked at themselves, exchanging a weird look.Laura watched them. Lisa had her mouth open in hesitation, while Liam had his brow raised as he shook his head at her."Okay, go on, spill; I can see what's going on there," Laura told them, folding her hands and resting her back on the couch.Whenever they had this twin psychic thing going on, Laura was usually left out of the loop."Mom..." Lisa drawled, giving Laura her puppy-looking expression."Yes…" Laura drawled right back, rolling her eyes at the funny
"I asked you not to contact me or send me a message," Jason said to Gift.They were standing to the side of the hotel, while Tim and Charlie stood a few feet away."I know, but I had something to ask you about; that's why I am here," Gift replied.Jason was pissed that she had disobeyed his instructions when Tim told him she was the one waiting to see him."What exactly is it that's so important you couldn't talk about on the phone?" Jason asked.Gift smiled, her beautiful teeth flashing as she said, "There is a project that the Tuner family is about to sponsor; I need you to speak with Jared Tuner for me."Jason's head jerked up at her statement, "What?""It's a big project, Jason, and I want to be a part of it; all you have to do is tell Jared that Gift Hatcher is your girlfriend," Gift explained calmly.Jason looked at her, his face unreadable as he said, "Why exactly do you think I'd ask Jared for something like that?"Gift shook her head. "I know you can't take me to the party to
Laura stared at the name; she took a deep breath and muttered, "It's going to be a long night."Audrey, who was sitting beside her, turned and asked, "Did you say something?"Laura smiled. "Yes, I was just talking to myself. Yes, I know it's weird," she replied.Audrey chuckled. "No worries; we all have moments like that," she replied.A few minutes later, they were at the office, and in no time, Laura was walking into her office."What time do I have that meeting?" Laura asked as she took her seat."In the next one hour," Audrey replied."Okay, that's enough time. I should get some things done before then," Laura stated.Laura was still settling into her position, and she needed to understand the whole department that was under her. Although that did not mean she didn't have some clients who consulted her,."I'll let you know when it's time," Audrey offered."That'll be really appreciated," Laura replied, adding, "Can you please send another email so everyone is reminded of the meeti
Jason looked up at the door and said in a hard voice, "What the hell do you want again?"Tim halted in his steps, suddenly raising his hands in surrender as he looked at Jason and said, "Uhm, sorry, I assumed the meeting was over and wanted to check in with you."Jason closed his eyes to calm himself. Taking a deep breath, he took his seat and beckoned to Tim."Yeah, come on in," Jason said.Tim walked the large expanse of the office towards Jason's desk. He knew just how reactive Jason usually was after a meeting with his family members, but he seemed particularly pissed right now."I'll get the MOU signed and have Bailey send it over to them," Jason stated."Alright, you have a meeting with Mr. Cheng in the next hour," Tim said to Jason."Oh, yeah, I remember," Jason said, brushing a hand through his hair."Do you need a minute?" Tim asked quietly.Jason sighed and replied, "No, I don't," adding, "There's something urgent I need you to do.""Okay, what is it?" Tim inquired."I need
"What request is that?" Laura asked skeptically. "Tobias White reached out to me a while ago and offered to go to the party with you. He wants to be your escort," Audrey explained. Laura looked amused. "And why would he want to do that? What changed?" she asked. "Would you like me to accept the offer on your behalf?" Audrey enquired. Laura thought about it for a while and said, "No, kindly reject it; tell him I'll see him at the party." "Okay, I'll do that," Audrey replied, leaving the office. Laura spent the better part of the morning in meetings and going over a few things she was working on for her clients while putting the finishing touches on the Hilltop holdings file. As she was closing the last file, Audrey came in and informed her, "It's time for you to get your dress, Laura." "Oh, humm, can I go to the hotel instead? Then I can go get the dress later and head over to the party from there." Laura asked. "Yes, you can; I'll call ahead to inform them you'll be coming in
Jason walked slowly, his smile spreading as he neared his target."Hello, Jared," Jason said, stopping directly in front of the host for the night.The look on Jared's face almost made attending the party worthwhile, Jason thought.Jared's face was neutral; it was hard to tell what he was thinking about."Hello Jason, thank you for coming tonight," Jared replied."It's my pleasure, Jared; you know I wouldn't miss it for the world," Jason replied with a smile."Hi Jason, it's so good to see you here." Pamela Oswell said to Jason."Hello, Pamela, it's been such a long time. Did Jared bring you over for this party?" Jason asked with a cute smile. His right dimple was evident as he smiled boyishly at Pamela.Jacob West walked over to them and hugged Pamela from behind."There you are," he said, pecking her on her left cheek.Jacob turned to Jason and said, "It's nice to see you grace this occasion with your presence, Jason."Jason smiled. "It's nice to see you haven't lost your sense of h
Shawn and Tobias looked back instantly, and the shock on their faces was so appealing that it brought a smile to Lily's face. "Laura? What are you doing here?" Tobias asked, looking shocked. "You look like you've seen a ghost." Laura said as she walked over and sat in front of them. Before they could answer, they heard a knock at the door, and Laura said, "Oh, that must be him." "Aunt, I thought you said she left," Tobias said, looking at Lily. Lily remained silent and only responded with a shrug. Laura opened the door, and Jason walked into the office, a sight that only made Tobias more scared and Shawn visibly angry. "You were saying something about my family," Laura said, addressing Shawn. "What is going on here? Why does this feel like a trap? Are you suspecting us of something?" Shawn asked, standing up suddenly. "Nobody is suspecting you of anything; we are just asking you about your last statement," Lily said, breaking her silence. "You know what? I'm leaving. I only
As soon as they were alone, Jason turned back to Laura and said, "Let's hear it."Laura shook her head and replied, "Jason, up until this morning, I didn't have the information I have now. I was actually trying my best not to be angry at you.""Why would you be angry at me? If for anything, I should be the one pissed, because you were not picking up my calls and you left without any notice from the event that day.""I know, but if you hear me out, then maybe you will understand my reasons," Laura said, holding up her hand."Okay, you have the floor," Jason said as he took his seat a few feet away from her."I came back to town to find my mother and to find out what happened to me seven years ago," Laura said.Jason was silent as he watched her speak, his expression neutral. Laura brushed her hair behind her neck and continued to explain her mother's relationship to Lily."Suffix it to say that I found my grandmother, but I was not able to find out what happened that one night that I c
Grace walked into Jared's office, demanding to have an audience with him."I'm sorry, ma'am, but you can't go in now; he is not on sit," the receptionist said apologetically."I know he is in there; tell him that if he does not see me now, he won't like the next news he hears," Grace responded.Having no choice, the receptionist put a call through to Jared's office again and relayed the message.After a few minutes, she dropped the phone and said, "You can go in, ma'am.""I thought as much," Grace replied, and she walked straight to the elevator.It had been radio silence since her last confrontation with Jared, but now she was going to rain down all the anger she felt within on him."I told you not to come here, Grace," Jared said as soon as Grace walked into his office."I don't give a damn what you say any longer, Jared," Grace replied with scorn."What exactly do you want, Grace?" Jared asked."What do I want? Huh, that's rich coming from you." Grace replied, adding, "You know I h
Lily was surprised to hear that, so she gripped her hand tightly and asked, "What else is there that I haven't said?"Laura shook her head and replied, "No, not you; it's from me.""Oh, what is it?" Lily asked.Laura pulled her hand from Lily's grip and brushed it through her hair as she sighed deeply."Actually, I came back to town because of two things. The first was because of the note you sent to me about my mother, and the second was because I wanted to find out what happened to me about seven years ago." Laura explained.Lily's face squeezed in confusion as she asked, "Something happened to you? What might it be?""Well, I don't know either; all I know is that I got pregnant after, and that was what resulted in my father sending me away from town," Laura replied."What?" Lily exclaimed in shock."Yes, you see, I was betrothed to Jared Tuner, but my stepsister set me up that night," Laura said, explaining what Grace had told her about the same night.There was more confusion on L
"Jason?" Tim called, wondering what was wrong."Okay, Liam, thank you for calling me. Do you know where you stay?" Jason said this on the phone.Tim realized he was talking to Laura's son and shrugged, hoping he got the answer he was looking for."No, that's fine. How is Lisa?" Jason asked.Just like magic, the hard look on Jason's face cleared as he spoke with the children. After a few minutes, the call ended."So?" Tim asked."They are leaving in two days," Jason said."What two days?" Tim replied, surprised."Yes," Jason replied, his voice sounding dejected."Oh, oh," Tim muttered."What did Gift say?" Jason asked."Nothing, just like I told you she would," Tim replied, adding, "Don't the kids know where the house is?""They don't; I think Liam called me from the card I gave him sometimes back," Jason replied."Hmm, well, I think you have tried all that you can," Tim said encouragingly.I am really going to lose Laura, Jason thought as he sat there, staring into space.*************
When Jason walked into the office that morning, everyone who saw him knew something was wrong."Jason, you don't look so good," Tim whispered behind him as they walked through the building lobby."You look like you did not get any sleep last night," Tim added as he noticed a few people staring at Jason."That is of less concern right now, Tim; I need you to get Gift here today," Jason replied as they boarded the elevator."Gift? You mean the same Gift Hatcher?" Tim asked."Yes, I need to ask her about Laura. She mentioned some time ago that they had been childhood friends," Jason replied.Tim shook his head, knowing that was not going to be a good idea, considering the outcome of the last meeting Gift had with Jason."I can basically feel you shaking your head from here," Jason muttered."Uhm, I just don't think Gift would be a good idea; I mean, after the last time, she would not be so keen to see you." Tim explained.Jason was at his wits end, and he was only trying to hold it all t
Jason woke up that morning with a heavy concern in his heart. He had tossed and turned through the night.The night before, he had been stunned by Tim's statement, and for a moment, his heart had frozen."What did you just say?" He had asked."Humm, I just heard from Emily, who heard from Laura's live-in nanny that Laura is leaving town," Tim had replied carefully.Jason had sat at the back of the car, stunned by the news. He had imagined a lot of outcomes from her sudden departure from the hotel, but he had not imagined that she would leave town."When did you get this information?" Jason had asked."Uhm, just before you stepped out of your office," Tim had also replied catiously."Why isn't she telling me about leaving town? Why is she suddenly avoiding me?" Jason asked himself, feeling a sinking feeling in his belly.Now, at the dawn of a new day, Jason climbed out of bed, looking dazed as he murmured, "I never thought I would feel this way."He walked over to the balcony and stare
"I really must have feelings for him," Laura muttered under her breath."Laura?" Teressa called again."I'm fine; I just felt a tiny pain in my chest," Laura said."Okay, let me get you water or something," Teressa said, hurring over to the mini-kitchen in the apartment.Laura's phone rang, and she saw Audrey's name on the screen."Hello, Adurey," Laura said, picking up the call."I think something must be really wrong," Audrey said in response."What?" Laura asked, her brows squeezed in confusion."You never miss a chance to work; that's why I'm wondering what's going on. How are you feeling now?" Audrey asked.Laura shook her head as she replied, "I'm fine, Audrey; I'm just not up for work yet.""Okay, no problem; I just wanted to check in on you," Audrey replied."Thank you," Laura replied, adding, "If there is anything that requires my urgent attention, please let me know.""Don't worry, I will," Audrey replied before ending the call.Laura pulled the phone from her ears and rubbe
"Hello? Lily?" Jason said as soon as he heard her voice."Jason, how are you?" Lily said, breaking into a smile as she realized it was Jason."I'm okay. How are you? Is Laura there? I called to speak with her," Jason replied.Lily looked back, and to her dismay, Laura was gone. She looked from Audrey to Tina, both of whom had unreadable expressions on their faces."Humm, she is not feeling too well and has taken the day off," Lily replied, adding, "If there is anything you want us to help you with, I'm sure Audrey would take care of it.""Oh, yes, of course," Jason replied, the line silent for a few seconds before he added, "Are you aware she moved out of the hotel?"Lily coughed slightly as she replied, "Uhm, yes, I am.""Uhm, so do you know where she moved to? Well, not that I am particularly interested; I'm just, you know, trying to be a good neighbor; I believe we were neighbors," Jason replied, forcing himself to stop after realizing how he must sound."Hmm," Lily said, her brows