The banquet was more of an open style where people mingled and got whatever they wanted to eat. Most people took advantage of the opportunity to increase their network and visibility.Dana and Sarah sat chatting in a corner while everyone else walked around mingling.  The girls sat with Dana looking around in awe at the world of glitter and glam. Ben wanted to drag Dana along with him, only to be glared at.Lara, being one of the stars of the night was dragged into conversations one after the other along with Ed.Amber spotted Ben toasting with a bunch of entrepreneurs, she picked a glass and swaggered up to him.“Mr Adalase, long time no see.” She smiled seductively and stood next to him almost giving an impression of someone who is close to Ben. She was secretly glad when Ben didn’t come with Dana in a high-profile manner into the venue. This proved that Dana didn’t hold much weight in Ben’s heart and was just another

Bryan was about to turn off the lights when his phone rang.“Dring….Dring….Dring….”Bryan looked at the caller id and frowned. ‘Why was Shadow calling this late?’“Hello” Bryan held his heart in his hand and answered trying to be calm.“Big Brother sorry to disturb at this hour… but something happened. I need help.” Shadow didn’t have the mood for pleasantries. He needed to deal with this and rush back to Boss’s side. Boss didn’t look normal when he left…“What is it?” Bryan’s brows knitted deeper. Shadow would never call him for help unless the person in trouble was Ben.Shadow briefly explained what happened. “What should I do?”“Wait there.”Bryan walked to the closet as he spoke. He changed quickly and came out. He had seen Ben’s state when Dana was kidnapped. This time, he was

Amber rang Bryan as soon as Irene left.“Hello”“Big brother, its Amber.” Amber spoke sweetly with a slightly nasal voice. She had followed Irene and kept calling Bryan big brother to establish the relationship.Bryan frowned ‘How did she get his number?’ The frown only lasted for few seconds ‘It must be his brainless sister!’“Big Brother…” Amber called again.“Um”“Is it convenient for me to meet you?” Amber asked sweetly.“No. I am in the hospital.” Bryan’s tone was stiff.Amber’s heart shook ‘Why was his tone stiff? Does he know something?’“Big brother, I wouldn’t trouble you if it wasn’t important.” Amber spoke in a polite respectful tone.“I can come there and meet you.” Amber spoke hurriedly.“Okay. I will wait at cafeteria in 10 min

Ben finished the last of his work and got up. He took his car keys and went downstairs. Shadow was waiting; he stood up as he heard the door open.Ben looked at the time, 3 am. He frowned “Why are you here? What are you doing?”“Boss, I will drive.” Shadow closed the door once Ben got in “Peach apartment?”“No. She will have moved back to Pete’s drive.” Ben leaned back and closed his eyes.Shadow wanted to remind Ben that today Sunday and Dana always stayed with Lara on Saturday and Sunday but somehow, he didn’t want to disturb Ben’s tranquility. He could always drive Ben back to Peach apartments once they confirmed she was not here.“You stay here.”“Boss…”“No arguments.”Shadow lowered his head.Ben jumped into the backyard and stealthily entered the house. He found Dana’s bedroom and walked in; she was s

Days went by, Dana’s world reduced to the hospital room, she turned off her phone cutting all her contacts to the outside world. She stopped talking to everyone other than Ben. Shadow would come everyday at noon to clean Ben. She would assist happily getting everything ready but wouldn’t say anything. Shadow didn’t say anything either.Scar tried to talk a few times, only to have hit a dead wall. The last time Dana spoke to him was the third day after Ben’s accident when she asked him to watch over Ben while she went to get herself a change of clothes. Scar agreed even though he had Shadow screaming in his ears to refuse. He would cope the punishment for disobedience later.Days passed into weeks and soon Dana’s 2 weeks holiday was up. Dana turned on her phone and called Tael.“Hello” Tael’s amiable voice came from the other side.“Hi Director, it’s Dana.” Dana’s voice was hoarse.