Celestial Ties

CHAPTER 18

Graham POV

"Any information on Evelyn?" I asked Andy, trying to keep my impatience in check.

"Yes, sir. Nothing much. She was a volunteer at the healthcare center Mr. West stayed at, and she was assigned to him," he replied, his tone cautious.

"Interesting. No background information?" I pressed.

"I checked around, but there's nothing about her—no social media accounts, and a few people say she's just a volunteer," Andy said, his voice growing more uncertain.

"So, in conclusion, you got no information," I snapped, irritation flaring up inside me.

"Sir, I tried—"

"Then try harder," I cut him off, my frustration evident. "Now go get me some helpful information. She isn't a ghost, and even if she is one, get me the death certificate." The words came out sharper than I intended, but I couldn't help it.

Andy quickly nodded and left my office, closing the door behind him with a hurried click. I leaned back in my chair, rubbing my temples. Today was supposed to be a day off, a Saturday to unwind, but here I was, stuck in the office. All because I made the mistake of staying home yesterday. My mother turned me into her personal messenger, asking me to fetch a book from the library. I could count on one hand the number of times I'd run an errand like that, but staying in the estate had its consequences—especially when Grandpa was around to guilt-trip me into sticking close.

The office felt strangely dull, almost suffocating. Maybe it was because I hadn't been here in a while, or perhaps it was the monotony that came with being back. I had given Amber a break today, but even that didn't seem to liven up the day. As I sat at my desk, scrolling through my phone, trying to ignore the paperwork piling up, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," I said, not bothering to look up. It was Andy, his expression a mix of frustration and hesitation.

"Sir, the meeting for the new promotional video is about to start," he informed me, his voice laced with a sense of urgency.

"I won't be attending," I replied, still focused on my phone. I wasn't in the office today to sit through a string of dull meetings or endure yet another uninspired pitch.

"But sir, the head of the promotional project, the representative from Everbright Advertising, will be here soon," Andy pressed, clearly trying to gauge my interest—or lack thereof.

I could sense his frustration, but I was unbothered. "Andy, that's why I have you. And that's why I pay you so well," I responded, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

He exhaled deeply, probably holding back a retort. "Okay, sir," he said, resignation clear in his voice.

"Good. Now leave me in peace," I added, waving him off. As he turned to leave, I called out, "And please put up the 'Do Not Disturb' sign."

I heard him take another deep breath, whispering something under his breath as he exited the room. A few minutes passed, and I felt restless, the boredom gnawing at me. I needed to move, to get out of this stuffy office.

I walked through the hallway, and as usual, whispers trailed behind me like an ever-present shadow. "Is that really him, the Graham west?" I caught snippets of conversations from small groups of employees. "That's the CEO," another voice chimed in, reverent yet cautious.

"Good afternoon, sir," a few greeted, their voices tinged with awe.

"Oh my," I overheard someone gasp as I passed by.

I had a love-hate relationship with this kind of attention. On one hand, it fed my ego; on the other, it made me feel like I was under a microscope.

Finally, I reached the elevator. My driver, who usually stays in the lobby, noticed me approaching. "Sir, are you going somewhere?" he asked, his tone curious.