CHAPTER 7: BACK IN OAK CITY

“So, what is your business proposal?” I asked, impatient with him.

"We need to meet my boss,” he simply stated.

“You have a boss?”

“Yes, he sent me to you.”

“Why didn't you bother telling me that beforehand?”

“Because I didn't think it mattered."

He didn't think telling me about his boss mattered. Is he kidding me right now?

"Well, everything matters to me. I just quit my job, and I no longer have a home because of you."

“Why is that my fault?” he asked, lifting his cup of coffee to take a sip.

“You don't know what I have put on the line because of your offer, so please don't leave out any details again,” I said, not knowing I was sounding like a boss scolding his employee.

"Yes, ma'am, copy that,” he replied. I didn't mean to sound that way, but I couldn't help it.

“So, where can I meet your boss, and who is he?”

“I think you know him already; he is the world-famous lawyer in Oak City.”

“The world-famous lawyer, as in Eric Sarton?"

“Yes.”

“Is your boss?” I asked, my mouth dropping wide open.

"Yeah."

I laughed, thinking he was joking, but he wasn't since he wasn't laughing with me. What can I possibly offer Mr. Sarton? He has everything—the best law firm in the whole of England.

“So apparently, we are going back to Oak City,” I said, sighing in frustration.

“Yes. So, if you are willing to meet my boss, I will make a call and have him clear his schedule for tomorrow.”

“Yes, let's meet your boss.”

I can't believe I will be meeting Eric Sarton in person, but at the same time, I can't believe I will be heading back to Oak City. It's been eleven years since I jumped off the cliff and ended up on the other side of the country, and now I am going back.

I thought we would be traveling by land, but Alex booked us an evening flight. He took me to a hotel and paid for a room for me.

“You can rest in the meantime; our flight is at five.”

“Wait, how can I reach you? I don't know if you noticed, but I don't have a mobile phone.”

“Don't worry about that; I will have the receptionist call you once it is time to go.”

With that being said, he left. Looking around the room, I figured out I had nothing to do. I was so hungry since it was almost noon.

Just when I thought I wasn't going to survive, I heard the doorbell. On opening the door, I saw a guy with a food cart filled with food and a bottle of wine.

“How may I help you?” I asked the guy, even though I just wanted to take the food from him.

“I was instructed to deliver this to your room,” he said with a smile.

“Are you sure you are in the right room because I don't remember requesting room service?”

“Someone ordered it for you; he said I should tell you to eat and rest before your flight.”

Immediately, he said that I knew it was Alex's doing. I thanked the guy after he pushed the food inside before he left.

I didn't waste much time before I devoured the food. I ate so much that I couldn't move for twenty minutes.

I had no idea I was going to pass out after eating almost the whole cart of food. The sound of the doorbell woke me up from my slumber.

Checking the time, it had been close to three hours since I passed out. I had no idea I was this tired until now.

When I opened the door, I saw the guy from earlier; he was here to pick up the now-empty food cart.

I thanked him and watched him leave before heading back to take a bath and prepare for our flight.

---

**Alex's POV**

Why is he not picking up his calls? I really need to let him know so he can schedule his time and meet Lilly.

“Why weren't you picking up your calls?”

“I was in a meeting with a client. So, were you able to convince her so far?”

“Yes, and we are flying in tonight. I need you to make time tomorrow for a meeting.”

“That can be arranged.”

“That’s cool. See you tomorrow morning, then.”

“Alex, thank you.”

“There is no reason to thank me, Eric; I am just doing what I have to do.”

“I still want to thank you.”

“That’s okay, I will be hanging up; our flight leaves in a few minutes.”

“Okay.”

Once I ended the call, I went into the bathroom for a bath. I got ready and went down to wait for Lilly. I had the receptionist call her room to inform her that it was time to leave.

It didn't take long before I saw her getting off the elevator with her bags. Having called a taxi, we went outside to meet the driver.

Thirty minutes later, our plane took off. This is going to be a short but long flight. I sighed as I looked out the window, thinking about what awaited us back in Oak City.

---

**Lilly’s POV**

I slept immediately after the plane took off. These are the times I am very grateful to Michael for everything he left me in the backpack. They all have been useful except for the black card he left me. I couldn't use it because I was afraid that it might lead the wrong people to me.

A few years later, it was blocked, but I still kept it with me because I knew Michael wanted me to keep everything safe.

When our plane landed, it was around 3:45 AM.

The Oak City I knew was totally different from the one I'm staring at right now. I am guessing a lot has changed in eleven years.

Alex booked us another room to stay in, and he said we would be meeting Eric Sarton by ten this morning. I hope whatever we are going to discuss and whatever business proposal they have will favor me.

I knew it wasn't going to come for free, which is why I have been so nervous about everything.

I am scared of the price I have to pay just to set things right, but I am willing to do anything as long as it doesn't involve illegal activity.

For the rest of the hours, I couldn't sleep. I will be meeting Eric Sarton. He is the best lawyer in Oak City.

I have never really taken the time to study what he looks like on TV, but meeting him in person is becoming too much for me to handle.

I was already waiting for the receptionist's call; that was Alex’s signal that we were ready to go. He called around 9:20.

I must confess, that dude is great at keeping track of time. Grabbing my handbag, I went down to meet him.

Our drive was a twenty-minute drive, leaving us with ten minutes to get to Mr. Sarton’s home. I thought we were meeting at his office, but I guess not.

I really don't have much say in this. When the driver drove into this beautiful compound, I gasped in awe.

This place was awesome; I mean, the whole compound was decorated with flowers. The beautiful mansion stood in the middle, with the flowers bringing out its beauty.

Wow, how can a man live here all alone? Then it crossed my mind that I didn't know whether Mr. Sarton was married or not.

The surrounding area was filled with security, each at their duty post.

“I would love to show you around, but we don't have much time with us,” Alex said with a straight face.

I knew he only said that because of the way I was staring at the house and its environment.

“Well, lead the way,” I said, following him inside. Just when I thought I had seen it all, the inside was like another world.

I had to get a hold of myself to avoid drawing attention. A man in a suit that looked like he was in his late sixties accompanied us to the sitting room.

Afterwards, tea was served. I was still trying to help myself with the tea when a man walked in. I didn't need anyone to tell me that the man standing right in front of me was Eric Sarton.

He was so elegant, handsome, and all muscled up. Wow, he is even more intimidating now that I have him standing in front of me.

Looking into his crystal-green eyes, I couldn't read him; there was no expression on his face or eyes.

“Welcome back to Oak City, Miss Anthony."