Chapter Eight

ANNA

"What?!" I exclaimed. I choked on my water and started coughing. 

"Why would she be travelling?" I asked confusingly. 

He retorted, "That is for you to worry about", he passed me the napkin to wipe my mouth. 

I was not expecting him to know the exact reason, I just needed an answer from someone. A stupid reason would work on me at that point. The person I risked to do this for deserted me and is planning to flee. 

I sat up from the chair slowly, I struggled to find my footing and I left the dining table, dragging my feet slowly. 

I sank into my bed, and hot tears rolled down my face. The only solution was to do according to what Daniel said, be on my best behaviour and hope he will keep on to his promise. 

….

I realized I slept when I suddenly jacked up to life, the emotions flowed through me so much as I stared at the room ceiling.

 I heard my phone buzzed and sluggishly picked it up. An unknown number had called me about five times and now left a message that said "Hello Anna, it is Mr Lewis. I need to speak with you"

I rose with the speed of lightning, the phone call was very brief. He wanted to meet to discuss the situation. I have no idea whose den is more dangerous between Mr Lewis and Daniel but I need an answer to what Daniel couldn't provide. 

We had yet to finalize our contract, therefore, I decided to go without notifying him about it. It was a few minutes past 11 am, I was sure he left for work already. 

I had my bath and I freshened up in preparation to meet Mr Lewis. There were wide ranges of clothes to choose from in the closet Daniel prepared for me. It would be safe to assume he's always had a woman at home. 

I wore a custard yellow V-neck knee-length body con dress. It exposed my cleavage a little bit. It has a shorthand, I decided to pair it with a jet-black blazer and a pair of black stilettos shoes. 

"Money indeed makes everyone pretty", I murmured to myself as I swirled in front of the mirror. I packed my hair in a bun, grabbed a black stony purse and I left the house. 

I arrived at the destination, it was a restaurant in a remote area. Mr Lewis must have chosen this location because of his public appearance, but that was the least I could care about right now. 

He walked in after ten minutes and he sat on the chair. He stretched his hand forward for a handshake which I acknowledged. 

"I will get straight to the point without wasting our time" he started speaking. 

He signalled to the waiter and continued,  "My informant explained all that happened between you and my daughter"

He placed an order for a cup of rose tea, dismissed the waiter and turned to me. 

"I had my suspicion at the event but, the deal is too important that I couldn't disrupt the whole thing", he admitted. 

My heart skipped a beat, "How could he do that", I questioned myself. 

"Could you please go straight to the point sir", I demanded. 

He smirked at the audacity I had to throw the question at him, but he didn't flinch. The waiter brought his tea, he took a few sips and placed the cup down. He then relaxed on the chair and looked at me with all concentration. 

"I believe you agree with me that it is normal for a parent to look out for their children before anyone else". 

I wanted to argue because my mother would not do the same for me but I held back. 

"For the period Daisy would be out of the country, I want to plead with you to cooperate with Daniel. I'm aware he knows of the situation and I am willing to do anything for my business and family". 

"Are you sure you can do anything?", I asked. 

He nodded in affirmation and he proceeded to ask me what I wanted in return for my cooperation. 

I thought well and hard before I decided to accept money. My life will be on hold for a whole year with Daniel, doing what I have no idea of. The least I could do for myself is to ensure I secure my future. I'd never thought I could be greedy for money but the situation called for it. 

"I want monthly money in return", I blurted out without trying to sugarcoat the words. 

If he could ask for what I wanted, it means there is more to what meets the eyes of Daniel Matt. The only way I could ever think of protecting myself was to do it financially. 

He faked a smile and responded, "I knew money would solve anything. I'm glad you didn't try to prove stubborn", he added.

My inner mind jumped for joy, I thought he'd disagree, he's a businessman after all. His company was on the line and he needed to protect his daughter. 

He offered to pay five thousand dollars every month which I didn't argue. It sounded like a good deal to me, and together with the money Daniel promised to pay off made me feel like I could get my hands on all the things I've always wanted. 

I ordered a cab and headed back home, I reminisced on my meeting with Mr Lewis and I kept smiling to myself. I also hoped I'd meet the house empty just as I left it. 

It was just a few minutes past 4 pm, I made my way into the house and walked majestically to my room, feeling all fly that I closed a good deal with a business mogul. He had promised to open a different account in my name, credit it every month and grant me access at the end of the one-year deal. 

 I raised my hand to unzip the dress when I heard a gruff voice behind me, "Where have you been?"