Beyond The Lie

chapter 7: Late to the table

Eryx

Tuesday Morning

The Omnia meeting room was filled with key personnel, including me, Asher, father, and several high-ranking officials. The topic: Vector.

"Vector's involvement in human trafficking is deeper than we thought," i reported, my expression grim. "Our intel suggests he's been working with Julian Grant's organization, exploiting vulnerable teens."

Asher nodded. "Our sources confirm Vector has direct ties to Grant's inner circle. He's been using their resources to facilitate trafficking."

Kaelin's eyes narrowed. "Remind me, what's Vector's role in Grant's company?"

my jaw clenched. "Kael Vector serves as Grant's COO, overseeing strategic operations. We've linked him to several trafficking rings."

"Grant's company?" an official repeated. "That's a significant connection. We'll need concrete evidence."

i nodded. "We're working on it. Vector's interrogation has provided valuable insights."

Asher added, "And Ryker's hacking into Grant's systems as we speak."

The meeting room fell silent, the weight of their findings settling in.

father's voice broke the silence. "We'll continue to gather evidence. Dismissed."

I stood, preparing to leave with the others, when my father's firm voice stopped me.

"Eryx, stay."

Asher's gaze flicked to me, then back to our father, before he exited with the rest.

I remained still, anticipation building.

My father's eyes locked onto mine. "Son, I asked you earlier about Adeline. Will she join us for dinner?"

I recalled her refusal, a pang of unease hitting me. "Yes, Dad. She'll be there."

Kaelin's expression turned stern. "See that she is. Our image depends on it."

I nodded, feeling a surge of tension.

As I stepped out, phone in hand, Asher approached me.

"Hey, bro, what's up? Dad seemed serious," Asher asked, his brow furrowed.

I shrugged, downplaying my concern. "Just some issues."

Asher's grin hinted at amusement. "Adeline-related, I presume?"

I shot him a warning glance, but he chuckled, unfazed.

I stepped into the rooftop lounge, greeted by the warm glow of twilight. Ryker, nursing a drink, caught my eye and raised his glass.

"Eryx! Rarely see you up here."

I smiled, taking a seat beside him. "Needed some fresh air."

The bartender approached, and I ordered a whiskey.

Ryker's knowing gaze met mine. "Or a break from family dynamics?"

I chuckled, feeling a tension knot unwind. "You know me too well."

We delved into the Vector case, our conversation flowing easily. Ryker's insights helped clarify my thoughts.

As we parted ways, I slipped outside, pulling out my phone to dial Adeline's number.

It rang several times before diverting to voicemail. My jaw clenched.

I tried again, but she ignored my call.

"Damn it," I muttered, frustration simmering.

I returned to the rooftop lounge, seeking Ryker's easy camaraderie. He glanced up from his phone, eyes locking onto mine.

"Still troubled?" he asked, his tone genuine.

I dropped into the chair beside him, letting out a low sigh. "Just family stuff."

Ryker signaled the bartender for another round. "On me. You look like you need it."

As we sipped our drinks, Ryker proposed, "Dinner at that new steakhouse downtown? I've heard great things."

I checked my watch, a pang of obligation hitting me. "Can't tonight. Family dinner."

Ryker's eyebrow arched, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ah, the infamous Dharkhaven family gatherings."

I chuckled wryly, feeling a mix of emotions. "You have no idea."

Ryker's expression turned sympathetic, but he didn't pry. I appreciated that about him.

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I pulled into the driveway of our family's estate, the mansion's grandeur a familiar sight. As I stepped out of the car, the evening air enveloped me, carrying the sweet scent of blooming flowers. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the evening ahead.

Inside, Laughter and chatter filled the air, momentarily distracting me from my concerns. I scanned the room, taking in the familiar faces. Aunt Susan and Uncle James sat on the armchairs, engaged in conversation.

My gaze locked onto Liam, my favorite cousin, engrossed in a lively discussion with Asher on the couch. I dropped beside him, and he greeted me with a hearty "Hey, cuz!" and a firm clap on the back.

"What's new?" I asked, grinning.

Liam dove into an animated account of his gaming exploits, and I listened attentively, chuckling at his antics. For a moment, I forgot about Adeline and the tension looming ahead.

But as Aunt Susan approached, her warm smile faltered for a moment, and I sensed a hint of curiosity. "Eryx, dear, how was your day?"

"Good, Aunt Susan. Just busy," I replied, exchanging pleasantries. Aunt Susan has always been like a mom to us. Her love and care have made Asher and me feel right at home. As a result, Liam, Asher, and I have grown up more like siblings than cousins.

My mind, however, remained fixed on Adeline. Will she come?

"Liam, seen Dad?" I asked, scanning the room.

Liam nodded toward the study. "He was on a call last I saw."

My gut tightened.

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"Everyone, take a seat!" Dad commanded from the head of the table.

Uncle James, Aunt Susan, Liam and Asher, their conversations ceasing as they awaited the evening's discussion.

Dad's gaze locked onto me, his eyes narrowing. "Eryx, where's Adeline?"

I tensed, fighting to maintain a neutral expression. "She'll be here."

I hoped.

Dad's skepticism was palpable. "You sure about that?"

I glanced at my watch, then my phone. All my messages to Adeline remained unseen. The last message she'd read was the location I'd sent her.

Just as Dad was about to press further, a confident voice echoed through the dining hall.

"Sorry, I'm late!" Adeline announced, her entrance commanding attention.

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