Chapter two

Sara’s POV

As I entered the interview room, my heart was still pounding from the encounter with Zack in the lobby. I took a seat opposite him, trying to maintain my composure despite the nerves that threatened to consume me. Zack wasted no time, immediately requesting for my documents.

With trembling hands, I handed over my resume and references, my eyes fixed on him as he scrutinized each page. The silence stretched between us, tension thick in the air as I waited for his verdict.

To my surprise, Zack looked up from the documents with a nod of approval. "Impressive credentials, Ms. Miles," he remarked, his tone surprisingly neutral.

"You seem to have the qualifications we're looking for."

Relief flooded through me at his words, a weight lifting from my shoulders. "Thank you, Mr. Samuels," I replied earnestly, gratitude coloring my tone. "I assure you, I won't disappoint."

Zack's lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes remained unreadable. "I hope not," he replied cryptically, before adding, "You can start tomorrow. Be here by 9 AM sharp."

I nodded eagerly, a surge of excitement coursing through me. "Thank you, sir. I'll be here bright and early," I assured him, eager to make a good impression.

But as I turned to leave, Zack's next words stopped me in my tracks. "And Ms. Miles, I suggest you learn to watch where you're going. In a professional setting, clumsiness is not an attribute we admire."

His words cut through me like a knife, the venom in his tone unmistakable. My cheeks burned with humiliation as I fought to keep my composure, nodding mutely before making a hasty exit.

As I left the building and boarded the bus home, my mind buzzed with the events of the day. The encounter with Zack, the job offer—it all felt surreal. I couldn't wait to start this new chapter of my life, even if it meant facing the enigmatic CEO on a daily basis.

But as I stepped into my apartment and reached for my buzzing phone, a sense of foreboding settled over me. The caller ID displayed an unknown number, causing a ripple of unease to prick at my senses. Nevertheless, I answered the call, hoping it was Zack Enterprise with further instructions for my first day.

"Sara Miles?" a voice on the other end inquired, its tone grave and serious.

"Yes, speaking," I replied tentatively, my heart hammering in my chest.

"I used to be the family lawyer when your parents were still alive,” the voice continued, sending a chill down my spine. "I've been trying to reach you regarding some important matters."

My breath caught in my throat as the gravity of the situation sank in. What could the family lawyer want with me? And why now?

He wasted no time in getting to the point, revealing that my late father had left behind a considerable estate in the care of my uncle, all of which was intended for me. My head spun with disbelief as he explained the contents of my father's will, outlining the properties and assets that now belonged to me.

I thanked him numbly before ending the call, my mind reeling with the implications of this newfound inheritance. But amidst the whirlwind of emotions, one thought burned bright in my mind—my uncle, Jude.

I had always harbored suspicions about him, believing him to be responsible for the accident that claimed my parents' lives. Now, with this revelation about my inheritance, those suspicions were only reinforced.

Gathering my resolve, I made my way to my uncle's mansion, the memories of my parents flooding my mind as I walked. I remembered their laughter, their love, their unwavering support. Memories of happier times with my parents flickered through my mind like a bittersweet montage, serving as both a source of strength and a reminder of the gaping hole their absence had left in my life.

As I rang the doorbell, I squared my shoulders, steeling myself for the confrontation that lay ahead. The door swung open, revealing Jude's imposing figure framed against the opulent backdrop of his mansion. His eyes narrowed slightly as he took in my presence, a hint of surprise flickering across his features before he masked it with a polite smile.

"Sara, my dear, what a pleasant surprise," Jude greeted me, his tone dripping with false warmth as he ushered me inside.

"Uncle Jude," I replied tersely, my gaze cold as I followed him into the lavish foyer. "We need to talk."

Jude's smile faltered for a brief moment, his brow furrowing in confusion. "Of course, my dear. Is everything alright?"

I wasted no time in getting to the point, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning within me. "I want to talk about the properties my parents left behind," I stated firmly, my eyes locking with his in a silent challenge.

Jude's expression shifted imperceptibly, a flicker of apprehension crossing his features before he regained his composure. "Ah, yes, the properties," he replied smoothly, though there was a slight edge to his tone. "Your parents entrusted me with their care, and I've been managing them quite efficiently, if I do say so myself."

I bristled at his words, the condescension in his tone not lost on me. "That's not what I asked, Uncle," I countered, my voice tinged with frustration. "I want access to those properties, now."

Jude's facade of politeness slipped for a moment, his gaze hardening as he regarded me with thinly veiled irritation. "Sara, you must understand, these matters are not as simple as you make them out to be," he replied, his tone clipped.

But I refused to back down, my determination fueling my resolve. "I'm not asking, Uncle," I stated firmly, my voice unwavering. "I'm demanding what is rightfully mine."

Jude's lips tightened into a thin line, his jaw clenched in frustration. "You're being unreasonable, Sara," he retorted, his tone tinged with exasperation. "There are certain conditions that must be met before I can consider relinquishing control of the assets."

The audacity of his demand left me speechless, my fists clenched at my sides as I struggled to contain my anger. "Conditions?" I echoed incredulously, my voice trembling with suppressed rage. "What kind of conditions?"

Jude's expression hardened, his gaze boring into mine with unwavering intensity. "You must be married, Sara," he stated matter-of-factly, as if it were the most reasonable request in the world.

My blood ran cold at his words, disbelief mingling with outrage. "Married?" I sputtered, struggling to comprehend the absurdity of his demand. "You expect me to marry just to access what rightfully belongs to me?"

Jude's facade remained unchanged, his tone calm and composed despite the rising tension between us. "It's a simple requirement, Sara," he replied smoothly. "Marriage brings stability, responsibility. It's what your parents would have wanted for you."

His words stung like a slap in the face, the implication clear. My parents' wishes had always been paramount, and Jude knew it. But to use their memory as leverage in his twisted game of control was unforgivable.

"I won't do it, Uncle," I stated firmly, my voice trembling with resolve. "I won't be manipulated into a loveless marriage for the sake of your greed."

Jude's facade cracked for a fleeting moment, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. "Think carefully, Sara," he warned, his tone taking on a dangerous edge. "You have much to gain from this arrangement."

But as I stormed out of his mansion, vowing to never set foot in that house again, I knew that this was only the beginning of my battle for justice. With newfound determination, I resolved to uncover the truth about my parents' death and reclaim what was rightfully mine.