Chapter 8

Caspian stood before the full-length mirror in his opulent bedroom, meticulously adjusting his tie. He focused intently, ensuring each knot was perfectly aligned.

The tie was a deep shade of navy, contrasting sharply with his light green designer suit; a colour chosen to both impress and convey his refined taste.

He checked his reflection, smoothing down the lapels of his suit and ensuring that every detail, from the precision of his cufflinks to the sharpness of his dress shoes, was impeccable.

As he adjusted his collar, a self-assured smile slowly formed on his lips. The anticipation of meeting with the company’s investors was mixed with a personal excitement; he knew Julia would be there as well.

The thought of seeing her, and the opportunity to make an impression, filled him with a sense of purpose and eagerness.

Satisfied with his appearance, Caspian straightened his suit one last time. He turned towards the door, ready to make his way out.

Just then, the door swung open with a smooth, controlled motion, and Dominic stepped in with his usual calm demeanour.

"The cars are ready, Mr. Caspian. It’s time to leave," Dominic announced, his tone professional but carrying a subtle note of urgency.

Caspian nodded in acknowledgment, his expression shifting to one of focused determination. "Thank you, Dominic," he replied, giving a final, approving glance at his reflection.

He knew he shouldn’t keep the investors waiting. Caspian stepped out of his room and walked briskly toward the entrance where his car was parked.

The morning air was cool against his face as he approached the sleek black vehicle, its polished surface gleaming under the fading sunlight.

Without hesitation, he slid into the plush leather seat of the car. Dominic, already seated in the front, was absorbed in the task of adjusting the vehicle’s controls, his attention firmly fixed on the highway beyond.

As Dominic turned the key and the engine roared to life, ready to take them to their destination, Caspian suddenly recalled an important detail.

"Dominic?" Caspian called out, his voice cutting through the hum of the engine and the low rumble of the car’s idling.

Dominic’s head turned slightly, his eyes catching Caspian’s reflection in the rearview mirror.

"Are you forgetting something?" Dominic asked, his tone laced with curiosity and a touch of concern, as he paused before pulling the car out of the driveway.

"I'm not," Caspian replied sharply, his gaze steady.

"I’m just recalling that you couldn’t complete a simple assignment I gave you." His words were precise and carried a hint of irritation, causing Dominic to frown in confusion.

The momentary lapse in Dominic’s composure was clear in his eyes as he tried to understand what Caspian was referring to.

Dominic’s confusion was evident, his brow furrowing as he attempted to recall the specific task Caspian mentioned.

"Amelia and Logan... I asked you to look into their profiles, didn’t I?" Caspian reminded Dominic, his voice tinged with frustration.

It was clear that Dominic had neglected to update him on the details he needed.

"I forgot to inform you last night, Mr. Caspian. I’m sorry," Dominic apologised, his tone sincere but failing to ease Caspian’s impatience.

Caspian was not interested in excuses; he needed every information about Amelia and Logan’s connection to Julia.

"Just tell me already. We need to leave soon," Caspian urged, his voice edged with urgency.

His concern and curiosity were evident, his focus narrowing on the details Dominic was about to reveal.

"From the information gathered, Amelia is Julia's step sister who would do anything; anything at all; to see Julia crumble," Dominic began, his tone serious.

"She’s also the reason Logan Steele divorced Julia. And..."

Caspian’s eyes widened as Dominic spoke, the details falling into place. "Wait, did you just say Logan Steele? Logan from the Steele Group?" Caspian interjected, wanting to make sure he had heard correctly.

"Yes, Mr. Caspian. Logan Steele from the Steele Group, Global Tech’s business rival," Dominic confirmed.

"He was married to Julia for a brief period before he left Silver City. Rumours say he returned with Amelia and promptly divorced Julia the moment he was back. It seems Amelia had a role in their separation."

The words brought everything into sharp focus for Caspian. The pieces of the puzzle began to align, linking Julia’s past to his current interests and plans.

He turned fully to look at Caspian in the back seat. "I heard that the son Julia had before Logan left the city was never his. She had an affair with..." Dominic continued, but Caspian’s patience ran thin, and he cut him off sharply.

"That's enough. Drive. We need to meet the investors soon," Caspian commanded, his voice firm and resolute.

He had no interest in hearing any further speculation or gossip about Julia, especially when it came from Dominic.

Dominic, sensing Caspian’s irritation and understanding the directive, pursed his lips and focused on the road.

The car began to move, heading smoothly out of the mansion’s driveway. As they drove toward the company, Dominic's unsettling comments about Julia’s rumoured affair echoed in Caspian’s mind.

The idea that there might be more to Julia's past, and the possibility of confronting her about it, gnawed at him.

But what if it wasn’t true? Dominic had mentioned it was merely a rumour; nothing concrete.

Caspian tried to push the doubts aside, concentrating on the pressing meeting ahead.

The drive seemed interminable, each minute stretching into what felt like an eternity. The hum of the engine was a backdrop to Caspian's swirling thoughts, each passing moment intensifying his anxiety and curiosity about Julia’s past.

Finally, the car came to a sudden stop, the tires screeching against the pavement as they arrived at the company.

The abrupt halt jolted Caspian out of his thoughts.

"We're here, Mr. Caspian," Dominic announced, his tone respectful but neutral.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Caspian exited the car, his mind shifting to the important matters at hand.

As he walked into the company’s building, he could feel the weight of numerous eyes on him.

The employees' gazes followed him with a mixture of fear and respect.

As Caspian walked through the company’s grand hallway, he noticed the palpable tension in the air. Employees greeted him with strained smiles and wary eyes, clearly intimidated by his presence.

No one dared to make eye contact or step into his path; an atmosphere Caspian found reassuring and conducive to his power.

He scanned the crowd, hoping to spot Julia among the workers, but the throng of people made it difficult to identify her. Each face blended into the next, covering her presence.

Entering the elevator, Caspian exhaled deeply, his sigh heavy with a mix of frustration and anticipation.

Dominic, standing beside him, noticed the sigh and seemed on the verge of speaking up but thought better of it, sensing Caspian’s mood.

The elevator’s loud chime signalled their arrival at the desired floor, and Caspian’s attention was immediately drawn to the opening doors.

Dominic, ever the efficient assistant, gestured toward the hall. "This way, Mr. Caspian," he directed, leading him toward the conference hall where the investors awaited.

As Caspian followed Dominic, his gaze remained restless, scanning the area for any sign of Julia.

His mind was consumed with worry, and he couldn't shake the fear that something might have happened to her last night.

"Where could she be?" Caspian wondered to himself, his thoughts racing with concern.

He tried to reassure himself, whispering under his breath, "No... she has to be fine.”