Poison Rose

Ch-10 Game of poker

Caspian retreated to his particular room after his crucial discussion with his grandfather. His mind was stuck in a complex web of his desires and the commitments he had to fulfil. 

Pushing the door open, he took a moment to take in the whole of that room. Just a few minutes ago, the place felt lively with Liora's presence and now, it was the same- beautiful but cold. Sighing, he closed the door behind him and went to sit on the same spot on the bed where Liora sat. Rooting his elbows on his knees, he dropped his head in both of his hands, spending hours in silent contemplation while staring at dolls.

Meanwhile, Robert entered George's office. He stood before him, clearly wanting to discuss something important.

Robert, a longtime confidant and best friend since college, had devoted his life to George ever since he had generously paid for his mother's cancer treatment during a time of financial struggle.

This act of kindness had forged an unbreakable bond between them, leading Robert to remain by George's side without hesitation and through thick and thin.

"Go ahead, Robert, ask what you want to ask," George was feeling a bit exhausted after his deep discussion with his grandson.

"Why, out of all these years, did you choose to reveal her existence to Caspian? You could have waited until his return."

George couldn't help but laugh at Robert's question. "In a game of poker, one must know when to reveal their cards," He explained calmly. "Timing is everything, Robert. The stakes are high, and sometimes, a strategic move must be made to gain the upper hand."

"Sir, would you be kind and explain to me in a normal human understanding." Robert couldn't understand the game his employer was playing.

"Sure thing, Robert!" George replied with a chuckle, getting up from his chair.

He walked to stand near the large window to his left that overlooked the green garden around the villa, where a team of gardeners were busy in their daily task of accentuating the beauty of the landscape.

Slipping his hands inside his pants pocket, George began, "Think of it like this: I revealed that information to Caspian to motivate him. Caspian has the intelligence and skill to achieve what others might struggle at his age." 

His expression softened as a small smile played on his lips. "Mark my word, Robert. Caspian will return sooner than expected, and he'll bring back the results I'm counting on." George's belief in both his strategy and Caspian's capabilities was worth noticing.

Now understanding what George was trying to do, Robert smiled. "I am sure too, Sir."

This whole conversation took George into the alleys of the past, the places he liked to visit whenever he felt so. He recalled the time when he met Amara when she was the same age as Liora. 

Amara's mother, Suzi San, was his lover and a renowned pole dancer at one of his high-end bars. Her beauty was legendary among high society, and wealthy men would spend millions to watch Suzi San's graceful movements as she wrapped herself around the pole like a snake. Amara inherited her mother's beauty, as did her daughter Liora.

George cherished Suzi as much as he did his wife. After Suzi's untimely death, he freed Amara from all illegal activities as a gift to his late lover's daughter. But he kept a watch over her.

When Liora was born, he visited Amara to congratulate her and noticed Liora's striking resemblance to her grandmother, Suzi. Every year, he sent Liora a doll on her birthday. On her fourth birthday, George decided to order a special doll with Liora's face and features. When the doll arrived at the mansion on 1st September, Caspian, who was five years old at the time, opened the package and was immediately captivated by the doll. He liked it so much that he hid it in his room.