CHARLOTTEWalking around the vicinity had proven more productive than I anticipated when I realized I had devised a plan. Sitting under a tree, watching the sunset, I knew exactly what I wanted to do. My first order of business was to start the process of suing the people who had taken over the property, and I knew I had to do some research about law firms in the city. Given the odds surrounding it, I needed to ensure I picked the most suitable one that would guarantee the case’s success.I stood up, wiped the bits of soil and grass that clung to my sweatpants, and started walking back to the penthouse. The distance seemed shorter than when I had stepped out, but I figured it was because of a spring in my step. It felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and things had taken a different turn. I wasn’t sure how to explain my feelings, but it felt nothing like the last few days. I had spent the last hour thinking about everything that had happened and coming to a definite co
CHARLOTTE“You look worried. What’s the problem?” I asked, closing the door behind me. She sighed, placed the phone on the bed, and gestured for me to sit. “You’re acting weird. Did anything happen while I was gone?”“Around here? Yeah, the elevator stopped working for a while, but I think it’s fixed now,” she replied absentmindedly.“Yes, I saw the light come back on, but you know that’s not what I’m referring to. Tell me what’s happening,” I insisted, and she smiled sadly.“I wasn’t going to bother you with it, especially now that you’re still recuperating and you have a lot to handle, but there’s no way I could leave without telling you why,” she began.“I know I said you couldn’t stay here for long, but if you left without telling me, that would be very…” I paused, trying to think of the perfect word. “Hurtful,” I added a few seconds later.“Yes, but you see, the problem at hand is going to make you worry, and you don’t need to get yourself involved with all of that right now,” sh
CHARLOTTEWe left the penthouse at dawn the next day. The night before, I had spoken with Sonia about Maria’s departure, and she immediately sprang into action when she heard we’d need the plane. I could tell she had questions, but held back. I knew what she wanted to ask, but I stayed silent until we exited the penthouse. As we got into the car, I noticed some guards entering the SUVs parked behind ours.“Do they really need to come with us? It’s just a trip to the airport,” I said as we settled in and Sonia gently closed the door. She opened the passenger door and got in beside the driver.“Well, using the plane came with a condition—security trailing behind us,” she replied, reaching for her seatbelt. Maria and I watched as she struggled with it for a moment before it clicked into place.“Wait, does...” I started to ask, but the sound of the driver’s door opening interrupted me. We all turned as he got in and started the ignition.A few seconds later, we were driving through the ga
Charlotte“Reginald & Berkley,” I muttered as the car pulled in front of the building, the firm’s name emblazoned on a large signpost. Sonia peered out of the window for a moment before turning to face me.“Are you sure you don’t want me to tag along? I don’t want...” she started, but I cut her off with a shake of my head.“I’ll be alright,” I said, though my voice lacked conviction.Sonia raised an eyebrow. “That doesn’t sound convincing enough,” she noted, glancing again at the firm’s imposing façade.“I don’t think anything I say would convince you,” I replied with a slight smile, and she chuckled.“You’re right. After everything we’ve been through in the last few hours, there’s nothing you could say to make me take my eyes off you,” she responded, pouting slightly.“Well, I need some time alone with the lawyer. You can’t follow me into their office,” I insisted.“You’re right,” she conceded, reaching into her pocket for her phone. After a quick glance at the screen, she took note
CHARLOTTE“What do you mean?” I asked, my voice laced with confusion. He smiled, continuing to fiddle with the pen in his hand. His words had struck a nerve deep within me, leaving me uneasy.“First, you need to tell me why you’re here, Ms. Edwards. Then, I’ll see how I can help. My opinions can wait,” he said, maintaining eye contact as I recounted my experience at the house.“I want my house back,” I said firmly. He sighed. “It belongs to my family, and I can’t let anyone take it away.”He set the pen down and leaned forward to pick up a file. “This is all the information we have on the Narhzy family,” he began, handing the file to me.I opened it and couldn’t help but chuckle as I skimmed through the single sheet of paper inside. “This is it? There’s barely anything here,” I said, looking up at him.“Exactly. The Narhzy family has been holding the corporate world hostage in these parts for years. Their influence even crosses international borders. No one can dig up any dirt on them
CHARLOTTEI let out a relieved sigh as we passed through the gates. Once the car stopped in front of the door, I quickly got out and hurried towards the elevator. I didn’t want to wait for Sonia to finish debriefing the guards—I needed to call Maria back and sort through everything that had transpired at the firm before she had the chance to ask more questions.As the elevator doors closed and it began moving upward, I took out my phone and dialed Maria’s number. She answered on the first ring.“Hi Maria, I’m sorry I missed your calls. I was with the lawyer. How are you?” I said.“Hello, Signora. I’ve been worried since I arrived in Milan. Are you alright? How did the meeting go?” she replied, her tone filled with concern.“I’m alright, Maria—just a little shaken, but I’ll get over it. The meeting…” I paused for a moment, considering my next words. “...It showed me that I’m about to step into a world where people are ready to fight dirty.”“I’m guessing that means the lawyer is willin
CHARLOTTE“Hi, Ms. Edwards,” Mr. Berkley muttered, as I stepped out of the vehicle. He was dressed entirely in black, and I realized I hadn’t paid enough attention to notice his outfit when we met at the office. He was waiting in the parking lot, and he started to take off his coat when he noticed my sleeveless top.It was warm when we left, so I didn’t think about bringing a jacket. But now, the weather seemed to mirror the turbulence in my mind as the winds picked up. I rubbed my palms together and stood beside him, resisting the urge to turn around and look at the car. I could feel Sonia’s gaze burning a hole in my back through the passenger window, and I chuckled lightly.“I see you ditched the convoy,” he said, wrapping the coat around me.“Thank you,” I uttered, nodding. “Getting her to leave the other guards was easier than I expected, but she’s not thrilled about being here again,” I added as we started walking off the premises.“You don’t seem thrilled to be here either,” he
CHARLOTTE"Are you alright?" Sonia asked as soon as I stepped into the car. I closed the door and chuckled, running my hands through my hair."I don't know. I don't think I'll be alright for a long time. Everything keeps taking one drastic turn after another," I replied. She arched an eyebrow and turned to the driver."Drive," she said. He nodded slightly and started the ignition. "Still don't think there's anything I can do to help?""You're getting me away from here before it starts crawling with cops. That's the best thing you can do right now," I answered as the car sped through the streets. I glanced at the night sky and sighed. "I need a bottle of wine.""You mean a glass," Sonia corrected from her seat. She kept her eyes on the road, but I knew exactly what her reaction to my desire for alcohol would be. "Right?" she added, and I rolled my eyes."No, I meant what you heard. I'm going home to drink an entire bottle of wine. Will I wake up feeling terrible the next day? Probably.