Chapter Six

The whole family turned their eyes in his direction and on Lyra. She stood still, panic enveloping her completely. The one person who had ruined her life beyond measure was standing there, scrutinizing her. She hadn’t dressed up to have him gawk at her like that, and she would have rather had Slyvia split her dress instead.

“That’s very nice of you, Dorian,” Taylor said, and that made Dorian shift his glance back at him. “Welcome back home. We’d love to entertain you properly, but we are heading out at the moment…”

“With her?” Dorian asked. Lyra’s heart was beating loudly. She turned to her father, hoping endlessly that he wouldn’t change his mind about her. She couldn’t bear being under the same roof as her rapist, and she clutched her bag, gulping slowly.

“Yes, with her,” Taylor said. “How about dinner with your family later this weekend?”

“Must she go with us?” Slyvia asked suddenly, with a small smugness. Her father turned to her. “She already annoyed them last time. I think the last thing they’ll want to see is her face.”

Lyra turned to her father. She couldn’t form a word and tried desperately not to break down and cry at that moment. Taylor looked at her, then at his wife, who had an approving look on her face.

“I thought it’s been years…” Dorian started. “I want closure… I’ve forgiven her, and I want a conversation with her just to…”

“It’s fine,” Taylor interrupted immediately. Lyra gasped, her heart palpitating as she shot her eyes at her father. But he was focused on getting the Hawthorne waiting; he just wanted to be on his way. “She’s dressed already. You can just go with her. We are late for dinner. Let’s walk out together.”

“Thank you very much, Sir,” he said, smiling, then turned to Lyra, stretching his hand out. “Shall we?” he asked.

“Slyvia, hurry up. We have somewhere to be,” Taylor said, walking out. “Lyra, lock the house after you,” he instructed, his wife and Slyvia following suit. As Slyvia passed by Dorian, she flashed a quick smile at him, and he gave a polite smile back.

Lyra stood transfixed, watching them leave. But as Dorian took a step toward her, she screamed, turned, and ran out. He pursued her, chasing her. Her heels were a hindrance, but he caught up with her before she could reach the back door.

“Stay the fuck in place,” he growled, pushing her to the floor and trying to grab her hand.

“Arghhh!” She kicked him in the balls, and he growled to the side, holding his genitals. She hurriedly pulled off her heels, stood up, and ran to the front door. Her eyes scanned for his guards, but they were nowhere to be seen…apparently, he had come alone.

“Lyra, you’ll regret this,” he growled, trying to stand up. She didn’t glance back. She ran out of the house and into the estate. She had nowhere in mind, but she would rather not stay in the house…anywhere but in the house.

…

…

…

“Sir, she didn’t take the money,” he said, standing by the window as he spoke into his comms earpiece. Behind him, men moved through the suite, carefully checking every corner.

“She didn’t?” came the voice through the earpiece. “And she’s not a spy?”

“The men are still sweeping for bugs,” he replied, glancing briefly over his shoulder. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, “But she did take your new shirt.”

A faint chuckle came through the line. “Smart of her. She chose something more profitable.”

“Should we review the suite cctv?”

“No. As long as the room is clean, leave it. I don’t want to deal with that stress,” the voice said, calm as before.

“Alright, sir.”

~¥~

Cedric Huxley dropped his phone and looked at his driver.

“Another business closed,” he said, smiling. “Straight to the airport, Mark.” Cedric was 6’2ft tall and his honey blond hair only complimented his eyes. He picked up his laptop and started typing off.

“Okay, sir,” Mark said and was driving when suddenly he swerved to the other side of the road. “Holy freaking…”

“What the..” Cedric exclaimed. It was a lady who had jumped into the road, and Mark had only narrowly avoided an accident. The lady, clearly confused, just waved and crossed the road among multiple cars. Cedric sat still, watching her.

“Zora!” he suddenly exclaimed, and Mark turned to him.

“That is not Zora, sir,” Mark said.

“Zora!” Cedric called again and tried to get out of the car, but Mark locked the door from his side.

“Mark, open this door right now!” he screamed.

“I’m sorry, I can’t, sir,” Mark said, swerving back to the road.

“I said open the door right now!” he screamed. “Open the door right now, Mark!” He dropped the laptop and turned, watching the lady disappear among the cars to the other side. He hit the back glass violently, then turned to Mark while screaming, “You are fired, Mark! You are fired!”

~¥~

    “ When was the last call from the Jensons?” Remy asked standing by this window with a glass of whiskey in hand as he stared at the estate.

   “ About thirty minutes ago, Sir” Ryan said and Remy knitted his brows, he checked his wristwatch wondering what was keeping the Jenson waiting then it dawned on him.

He was awaiting their arrival.

That was ridiculous, he scoffed then turned away from the window. Ryan followed closely behind him as they walked down the stairs, Sebastian was on a phone call in the sitting room.

   “I am not dealing with that stress…” Sebastian noticed Remy's presence and waved him closer “ do just that” Sebastian said into the phone and ended the call then turned to him.

   “ Grandpa, I want to …” the butler came in at that moment interrupting Remy.

   “ Sir, your guests are here