New Orleans,
Grayson Group of Hotels,
Aries and his colleagues, from the chairman down to the security personnel, convened at the recently built hotel in New Orleans. Every gaze was fixed on the massive wall-mounted TV screen, and they held their breath as the announcer was on the brink of declaring the Hotel of the Year winner.
Aries watched the screen stoically, devoid of any emotion. “I am delighted to announce that the winner of the Hotel of the Year Award 2019 is Grayson Group of Hotels! Give them a huge round of applause,” the presenter announced on the stage.
Everyone clapped as Mr. Courtney, soon to be retired, walked up to the stage to accept the award for Grayson Group.
“Why did Mr. Grayson refrain from attending award ceremonies and instead send his employees?” A fresh recruit spoke in hushed tones to another staff.
“His belief in his vision is unwavering, yet it is us who manifests it into reality. Sir Aries shows great respect for all diligent employees!” The other staff remarked. “Don’t slack off, new kid!”
Aries switched off the television and swiveled around to face his staff. His piercing gray eyes darted from face to face in the hall, taking in every detail. “I see fresh faces here with us today! Welcome to the Grayson Group Of Hotels,” He smiled.
“The hospitality industry has five crucial work ethics! The values of Honesty, Integrity, Respect, Excellence, and Accountability. Every individual present here is a representative of the Grayson Group Of Hotels. My reputation is in your hands!” Aries said in his deep voice.
“You are now in charge of this hotel, manage it like it’s your own company, put forth every effort to make it the finest hotel in New Orleans, and your hard work will reap rewards.”
The new boy who inquired about Aries became instantly captivated by him, and Aries became his role model. Despite starting as a lowly server in the restaurant, he sought to demonstrate his value by adhering to Aries’s guidance.
“I hope I’ve made myself clear!” Aries said. “You may now proceed to the dinner party to commemorate our great triumph. Have a good time!” With a smile, he departed for his suite.
He stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the fortieth floor. As the elevator door opened, he found himself in his luxurious suite.
“God, I’m so tired!” Throwing his blue jacket somewhere in the suite, he muttered and rubbed his tense shoulders. He reached for his phone to turn it off before anyone could congratulate him, but the screen lit up with Mike’s name.
Taking the call, Aries let out a sigh. “Hey, Mike! If you have any bad news, call tomorrow.”
“The girl is ready to give the car!” He exclaimed, causing Aries to fall silent. “Her call to surrender the car has spurred me to re-open negotiations. I’ll get the car in one million instead of two.”
“Five million!” Aries said in his deep voice.
“Wait…. What?” Mike widened his eyes.
“You heard me! Give her five million,” Aries answered. “I am feeling generous! Let the little woman enjoy some luxury in life.”
“Are you sure, sir? It’s five million!” Mike was baffled.
“I’m certain! Bring me the car,” Aries ordered before hanging up. In his lavish suite, he strolled to the bar and poured himself a glass of scotch to toast his triumph.
“Aries always gets what he wants!”
***
Mike stepped out of the car on the desolate road and approached Cara with a courteous smile. However, as he drew near, she seemed weak, scared and manhandled.
His smile gradually faded away as he observed her. “Is everything fine with you?” His gaze drifted down to her feet as he asked her. “May I be of any help to you?”
“No, I’m fine. Here!” She handed him the car key.
“What tempted you to change your mind suddenly?” He narrowed his eyes.
“I urgently need money!” She said, and Mike nodded, taking her car keys.
“When can I expect the money?” Her voice quivered, and tears welled up in her eyes as she felt a sense of wrongdoing. Her phone buzzed in her hand, and she quickly checked it, then looked up at Mike with a shocked expression. “Five million!”
“Yes! My boss was generous today. He increased the amount to five million instead of two million.”
“Can I ask you something?” She asked. “Why is your boss interested in my car?”
“I’m clueless about his fascination with this old car,” Mike answered, and Cara nodded humbly, looking down. “Alright then, it was a pleasure meeting you!”
Cara interrupted Mike as he took a step towards the car. “Give me a moment!” She said, then glanced at her car one last time. She moved forward and hugged the car’s bonnet, tears running down her face.
“I am sorry, Dad! I couldn’t keep any memory of you with me.” She kissed the car. “I’ll bring you back soon! Goodbye until we meet again.”
“Give this to your boss, please!” She handed him an envelope, and he took it.
“Goodbye!” He drove away in her car while Cara watched until it disappeared.
“We will meet again!” She promised herself.
***
Upon arriving at Sandra’s apartment, Keith secured emergency help to transport Rob to the hospital. He attempted to engage with his inebriated visitor regarding Rob’s mishap and Cara, but no one had a clue.
Keith walked into the guest room where Cara was staying and saw bloodstains on the bed. His gaze landed on the suitcases in the corner of the room. As he rifled through them, he found important documents that included a picture of Cara.
As his phone began to ring, he continued to read her documents and took the call. “The phone is currently showing its location at the Seven Seas Hotel!”
“Roger that, I am almost at that spot!” Keith hung up and rushed out.
Seven Seas Hotel,
“Yes, boss, she is here! I am closely monitoring her, and will not let her slip away as she did previously.” As Cara headed towards the reception to reserve a room, a man donning a black suit kept his eyes on her from afar.
Cara's complexion was ghostly, and her eyes were swollen. She was experiencing a spontaneous headache and was desperate for some rest. “May I offer any help to you?” The receptionist smiled politely.
“I’d like to book a room, please,” Cara said in a slurry voice. The pain in her head was making it impossible for her to move her face, and she felt like she might faint.
The receptionist sized her up, and the woman appeared broke. Her feet were a mess of cuts and scrapes as if she had walked through a thicket barefoot. “This hotel is quite pricey! I think the cost will be beyond your means.”
Shaking her head, Cara expressed her disagreement. “I have money! Please provide me with a room,” she said, her eyes shut involuntarily.
“If that’s the case, you must settle the payment first before getting the room.”
“Okay,” Cara forwarded her card in her direction. “Cara Silencio,” the receptionist entered her details and swiped the card. She swiped the card once more and glanced at Cara.
“Transaction declined!” She said and Cara parted her lips. “I think your bank account is seized!”
“That’s not possible! I have five million in my account. Please try again!” Cara’s heart raced as panic set in.
“Please stop wasting my time and show yourself out!” The receptionist returned the card to Cara, who was on the brink of tears once more. As she opened her mouth to plead once more, the receptionist cut her off, catching sight of the elite guest grimacing at Cara. “Kindly refrain from coercing me to contact the guard. Leave!”
Cara retrieved her card and pivoted to depart, casting a final imploring look towards the receptionist.
“Where shall I go now? What am I supposed to do? How will I pull through?” As Cara wandered out of the hotel with shaky legs, lost in her thoughts, Sebastian’s aide in the black suit pulled out his gun.
“Game over, Cara!” He set his aim at her from a distance.
Cara dragged herself out on the road, feeling the intense pain shoot like a bolt of lightning into the back of her head, causing her to momentarily lose sight. The last thing that registered in her mind was a car speeding towards her before she fell unconscious on the road.
With a sudden jolt, the car came to a stop, and Keith immediately got out of the driver’s seat to rush over to her. He tried to wake her up, but she didn’t respond to him. Gently lifting her frail body, he carried her to the car and laid her in the backseat.
Sebastian’s aide observed the car speeding away and banged his fist on the nearby wall. “Fuck!”
***
New Orleans,
Aries was deeply immersed in the soothing melodies of soft music and had reclined back on a chair with eyes shut when the peaceful atmosphere was disrupted by the sound of shattering glass from the window falling to the floor.
With a sudden jolt, he shot his eyes open, and then quickly made his way to the window to watch out for any sudden change in the weather.
The rain was pouring heavily outside and the refreshing wind brushed against his face, causing him to grin as he remembered his father’s advice.
“Rain is a sign of new beginnings, betterment, and hope!”
“We have Rob’s statement on record. He caught Cara stealing money, she hit him in the head and fled from the apartment.” The officer told Keith and the chief. “I don’t buy this story,” Janet said. “I bet she is innocent.” Keith ignored her and turned to the officer. “How is Rob related to Cara?” “Cara is his girlfriend’s friend. She was temporarily staying with them.” “And I checked her phone. Her contact list has ten people, all work-related. No family.” Janet said. “Okay, I’ve decided. Keith, she is your responsibility till the trial.” The chief said. “She is the only witness against Sebastian!” “Why me?” Keith lifted an eyebrow. “I can’t stand that girl! And who knows if she is actually a thief? We must detain her!” “No!” Janet raised her voice. “Not before we hear her side of the story.” As she spoke, an idea suddenly came to her. “Why don’t you take her home?” “What! Are you crazy?” Keith shrieked. “She is right. Your place is the safest!” The chief said. “Are you all be
Janet put on some music and headed to the kitchen to whip up a quick meal, but the sight of her pristine kitchen made her reconsider and she decided to order takeout instead. She slouched down on the couch, ordered pizza for herself, and played a romantic movie to pass the time when she heard the doorbell. Upon opening the door, she was surprised to find Sebastian holding her pizza. Janet parted her lips. She glanced around quickly before returning her attention to him. “What the fuck are you doing here?” Her question elicited a smirk from him. “I decided to have dinner with you.” He walked past inside and Janet banged the door close. “You can’t be serious!” Janet held his wrist while he grabbed wine glasses in the kitchen. “Leave or I’ll call the cops!” Sebastian scoffed. “Can you stop giving me warnings? Threatening me is a waste of your time.” He poured wine into the glasses and walked into her living room. “Fine! I’m calling the cops!” “At least have dinner with me! I know y
“Give him whatever he wants!” Cynthia, who was ignorant about the business, gave in to Aries’s demand, and Isla couldn’t help but feel amused as she looked at her uncle. “Cynthia, are you crazy?” Alfred raised his voice. “He is demanding a majority stake of 51% along with decision-making authority. Do you understand the meaning?” He berated her. “Alfred, we need Aries on our side!” Cynthia argued. “At this cost? This will ruin us!” He exclaimed in disapproval and turned to Mr. Johnson. “What is your opinion? You’re the head of the financial department. Don’t you think it’s a risky collaboration?” “Aries Grayson is the leading name in the business world right now! Intelligent and extremely unpredictable. It is a risky collaboration, Mrs. Glaziers!” He glanced at Cynthia, and her smile vanished. “But this collaboration could be remarkable in history. With a whopping investment of seventy million, Mr. Grayson offers his expertise and experience, which surpasses our investment threefo
“Don’t you dare come close to Cara!” Janet’s voice was filled with anger as she threatened Sebastian over the phone, but he only laughed in response. “You’re a riot! That waitress wants to send your sweetheart behind bars and you want to save her?” He said. “I believe you would be the one to send her to heaven even if she thinks about it!” “Oh, shut up!” Janet rebuked. “I’m waiting for her testimony against you!” “You know that if she testified against me, my family won’t let her see another sunlight. Still wanna try, babe?” His mood lightened as he bantered with Janet. “Whatever! Let’s wait and see.” Janet’s nostrils flared in anger at Sebastian’s disregard as he chuckled. “Fuck off!” She ended the call. Sebastian was laughing, throwing his head back on the recliner when a man walked in. “The informer is here to see you, boss!” “Send him in.” Sebastian’s face turned serious as the informer held Cara’s fate and their plan of action. He lit his cigarette while the informer in a bl
“Always speak the truth!” Little Cara listened to the wise words of her father. “No matter what, you should always choose honesty, even if it means facing the consequences.” His smile reflected on Cara’s face. “If you lie, Jesus will throw you into a difficult situation and nobody will help you!” “Not even, Daddy?” Cara asked. Her father chuckled. “Not even, Daddy!” “Ms. Cara Silencio!” Startled, she heard the judge call her name. “Are you all right, Miss Silencio? You appear pale.” Adjusting her position in the chair, Cara licked her chapped lips and grasped the microphone to speak. “I’m all right, thank you!” “So, Miss Silencio, it seems that you were the key witness to the crossfire incident that took place on March 29, 2019, at Park Street.” The judge looked at Cara. “Is that correct?” “Yes, that’s correct!” Cara said. “Would you please recall and tell us what you saw that fateful night” The prosecutor questioned and Cara nervously swallowed, stealing a sidelong glance at K
[Mature Content] Cara gradually opened her eyes, only to be met with Sebastian's smirk. “Get lost!” Alfred gave him a sharp look, but it only widened Sebastian's grin. “Aye… Aye… it has been a long time since someone has used this tone with me!” Sebastian let out a lazy stretch, while Cara fought against Alfred's firm grasp on her wrist. Sebastian's gaze rested on Cara's face, which was contorted with panic and streaked with tears. “Come on, let the girl breathe!” He made an attempt to free Cara from Alfred's hold, but the latter became highly agitated and endeavored to forcefully drag Cara to his side. His action only intensified the rage of the mafia king of the country. Sebastian firmly held his throat. Cara stood aghast as Alfred gasped for air while Sebastian lifted him off the ground. “I have an aversion to repeating myself!” Alfred gently tapped the back of his hand to signal him to stop. “Will you behave now?” Sebastian arched an eyebrow and hurled him onto the road. “Are
Keith dined at Cara’s café for breakfast and dinner over three days. He tried breaking the thin wall Cara created around her but failed. On the fourth night, he stood leaning against his car door. “Why is she taking so long?” He pondered over when a bike halted at the entrance. Keith frowned at the man in the black helmet and leather jacket who was waiting for someone until Cara showed up in a white crop top and high-waisted blue jeans. Her hair was up in a ponytail and she had light makeup on. “Let’s hit the club!” She sat behind the man on the bike, feeling the wind rush past her face as they sped away, and Keith made the split-second decision to follow them. At the club, Cara forgot all her worries while enjoying shots with Jasper and Lydia. “Woah!” Jasper watched Cara take another shot of vodka. “You’ve had enough!” He took her tumbler and led her to the dance floor. Cara smiled and hugged Jasper closely as they danced, unaware of Keith’s disapproving glares. “I’ll be back i
Cara followed Keith into the kitchen. “Why did you say no? The broker offered me a $100 discount for the first three months.” She watched him whistle while chopping the vegetables. “Answer me!” She couldn’t help but smile back as Keith flashed her a cheeky grin and a wink. “Are you all right?” “Yes?” He lifted an eyebrow. “Do you find something wrong with me?” “I’ve never seen this side of you. Cheerful. Happy. Enjoying! What’s up with you?” She asked. Keith shifted his attention from the vegetables to Cara. “So, you want to see me tired, snooty, and rude?” “That side is detestable to me!” Keith chuckled and resumed his tasks. “But why aren’t you letting me shift to a new apartment? I have a job. I can provide for myself.” She took a stance by the kitchen island and confronted him. “Spare me your pity.” ~ KEITH~ As soon as I heard the word ‘pity,’ I let out a deep breath and released my grip on the knife. Cara’s beautiful eyes went wide as I trapped her to the kitchen counter.