Sinful Paths

Chapter Two

The man stepped closer, his voice low and persuasive. “Work for me. Become my accountant.”
Andrew stood frozen, surprise etched across his face as he processed the unexpected offer.
He continued, “All you have to do in return is remain silent about what you saw last night.”
Gradually, Andrew’s initial shock began to fade, replaced by a calm defiance. “You’re insane.”
With a predatory gaze, the man closed the distance between them. “I know I am Andrew Lilac.”
Instinctively, Andrew took a step back, his heart racing. “So, what do you say?”
“I don’t even know who you are.”
The man’s lips curled into a sly smile. “The name’s Ian Ryder. I’m the second richest businessman in New York–and the third most wanted criminal in New York also.”
Andrew’s eyes widened in disbelief. “Second?! Third?! What?!”
“I’m a smart man, Andrew Lilac. A wealthy one, too. So, what do you say? Will you become my accountant?”
“No.” The word slipped from Andrew’s lips as he turned on his heel, leaving Ian momentarily stunned by his refusal.
Ian watched him walk away, a flicker of admiration sparking in his mind. He seems stubborn. I like that.
With a smirk, Ian followed Andrew, the game just beginning.

Andrew stepped into the kitchen, the aroma of something savory lingering in the air. His gaze fell upon an elderly woman sweeping the floor.
“Excuse me, please may you show me the way to the front door? I’m kinda lost,” he asked, his voice laced with uncertainty.
The old lady paused, a warm smile spreading across her face. “Oh my.. you’re a very handsome young man!”
She continued sweeping, her cheerful demeanor infectious. “Sorry, that was strange. I’m Nancy, Ian’s maid.” She gave a small bow, as if to emphasize her role. “Are you a friend of Ian’s?”
Just then, Ian appeared behind Andrew, his presence suddenly looming. “Nancy, don’t get too attached. He was just leaving.”
Startled, Andrew turned around to face Ian.
“Although, Andrew Lilac,” Ian added, a glint of mischief in his eyes, “consider my offer.”
Andrew shook his head firmly. “I won’t need to. I don’t want it.”
Turning back to Nancy, he offered a polite smile. “It was nice meeting you, Nancy. Goodbye.”
As Andrew began to walk out, Nancy sighed dramatically. “Dear god, Ian.”
Ian looked offended, crossing his arms. “What did I do?”
“You always scare off the good ones,” she replied, glancing in the direction Andrew had just gone.
“But I didn’t scare you off–you’re like a mother to me, Nancy.”
She turned back to him, her expression serious. “If so, as your mother figure, I demand you go after him.”
With a reluctant sigh, Ian began to walk away, but not before shooting her a playful smirk. “Fine, but only for you.” Nancy smiled, her eyes twinkling with satisfaction.

Ian stepped outside, his eyes scanning the area until they landed on Andrew, who was standing at the corner, looking a mix of frustrated and lost.
He approached quietly, a playful smirk on his face. “Listen, shortcake.”
Startled, Andrew shipped around, anger flashing in his eyes. “DON’T call me that!” he snapped, turning his back to Ian in a huff.
“I know you probably don’t want to take my proposition into consideration,” Ian continued, unfazed by Andrew’s irritation.
Andrew pivoted back, curiosity piqued despite himself. “But take my business card, at least,” Ian insisted, extending a sleek card toward him.
“Fine, whatever,” Andrew muttered, reluctantly accepting the card.
“Call me if you change your mind,” Ian said, his tone shifting to something more serious. “Now do you need to be anywhere as of right now?”
“Yes. Crossington Academy,” Andrew replied, his voice steady.
Ian turned, waving down a luxurious car that gleamed in the sunlight. He walked over to the driver’s window, greeting the man inside. “Good morning, Charles. Please may you take my friend here to Crossington Academy.”
“Sure thing, boss,” Charles replied with a nod.
Ian turned back to Andrew, who looked surprised by the sudden turn of events. “Andrew Lilac, meet my personal driver, Charles. He’ll take you to your destination.”
Andrew stepped closer, a hint of gratitude in his voice. “Thank you..”
Ian began to walk back inside, glancing over his shoulder. “I’ll speak to you very soon.”
With that, Andrew climbed into the car, the door closing softly behind him as he settled in for the ride.