Whispers of love and lies

IDIRS

After a speeding drive of 15 minutes, we pulled back into the mansion. As the car slowed, I saw Jay already standing near the entrance, his stance firm and waiting. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little surprised. He had an uncanny ability to show up exactly when I needed him, but still-it was a good hour's drive for him on a normal day, and here he was in just 15 minutes.

Stepping out of the car, I raised an eyebrow, giving him a glance that held more curiosity than irritation. "You must've traveled here by air."

Jay coughed lightly, a hint of amusement in his eyes, and gave a small, knowing smile. "You could say so," he replied smoothly, before adding, "Always there for you."

I smirked, though my mind was already elsewhere. Jay's loyalty was never in question

I nodded, but my eyes were already scanning the mansion's exterior. Something was off, a nagging sensation in my gut that wouldn't settle. It was the reason I had turned the car back, the reason I was pacing mentally as soon as I saw Jay.

"Come," I said, motioning for Jay to follow. He fell into step beside me, silent but watchful, knowing better than to ask questions when I was in this mood.

As we walked toward the entrance, I lowered my voice, keeping the conversation between us. "There's been a breach," I muttered. "Someone tried to make a move on Esmery."

Jay's face darkened. And maybe, with Esmery, even he had noticed my...obsession. "Who?" he asked, his tone sharp.

"That's what I'm about to find out," I replied, eyes narrowing. "Someone inside this mansion, someone close. No one else could've done it."

We moved quickly, and as we entered the mansion, my pulse quickened. The air felt thick, charged with tension. Every step I took reverberated with fury, the anger building with each passing second. The closer I got to Esmery's room, the harder it was to control my rage. I was already picturing the person who dared touch what was mine, envisioning the punishment they were about to receive.

Jay walked beside me silently, his eyes flickering towards mine. "If it's an inside job-"

"I know," I cut him off, jaw clenched. "I've already set the trap. We'll see who steps into it."

End of flashback

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At the bustling airport, the figure of Idris's most trusted associate, Kim, stood like a sentinel. His presence was as steadfast and reliable as Idris himself, though their bond was one forged more in friendship than business. Beside him was Ken, another close ally, whose sharp eyes scanned the crowd with the same keen precision Idris was known for.

Kim stepped forward, his expression softening slightly as he embraced Ken tightly. "Welcome back," Kim said, his voice warm but laced with an undercurrent of tension. It was a reunion steeped in trust, though the shadow of Idris loomed large in their silence.

Valeria, standing a little apart from them, smiled faintly, though her gaze flickered impatiently across the sea of unfamiliar faces. Something was off, and she knew it. Idris was nowhere to be found. She crossed her arms, a hint of disappointment curling her lips. "So... he didn't come?" she asked, her voice sharp, though a trace of vulnerability slipped through the cracks.

Kim hesitated, but only for a heartbeat. "Ah, about Idris... He got caught up in something important." His words were careful, calculated even, as if trying to deflect the growing suspicion in her eyes.

"Important work?" she repeated, her tone icy. "Like what?"

Kim's smile didn't quite reach his eyes. "I don't know," he lied smoothly, turning his gaze towards the crowded exit as if Idris might materialize from the shadows at any moment. "He called me just before you landed. Told me to pick you both up-something urgent came up."