Two

Our gazes met. It had been so long since I last saw the face that once filled my thoughts and my heart. Age had only made him more handsome. I looked away to break the contact. That was not the real issue. I needed my tranquilizer now; my body was trembling even harder after Hugo’s question.

“You are overly confident. Do you think you are that famous?” My words made Hugo smile, his eyes widening in surprise.

“I mean, if you are this close to Cecil, you should know me.”

I lifted one eyebrow while he spoke.

“Forgive me, I must leave,” I said, ignoring his comment.

“At least allow me to repay your kindness for caring for my sister another time.”

He held out his hand. I stared coldly at the palm and refused to take it.

“Hugo Maximiliano Cassilas. You may call me Hugo,” he said, withdrawing his hand. He studied me, one eyebrow raised, waiting for my name.

“Ana,” I said as he began to turn away. The smile that had once intoxicated me curved on his lips again. I felt a slight relief. The man before me clearly did not recognize me.

“I will remember your name,” he said.

I spent the ride home in silence, haunted by bitter memories. Watching him live so easily rekindled the anger I had buried for years.

“All the dossiers are ready,” Holly said, handing me several brown envelopes. I opened them one by one. The photos showed their ruin.

“How could they collapse before I even touched them?” I muttered, disappointed. I had wanted to teach them a lesson, not observe their rubble. I sank into the sofa.

“Next, find out everything about Cecil’s family. I just learned she is Hugo’s cousin. One more thing. Has the thief who took my diary been identified?”

“Not yet, Miss. I am sorry,” she replied softly.

“Two months. If there is still no result, I will replace you.”

Silence settled. I drew a long breath, then looked at her firmly.

“Find a way for my company to work with Hugo Cassilas’s firm. I want to be at the center of his world and control it from there.”

****

“Miss, the private jet is ready. Shall we leave now?” Holly asked.

I did not respond at once. She stepped closer and gently clasped my fingers.

“I will always stay by your side. Do not be afraid.”

This was my first trip back to my homeland. My father had even opened a branch office so I would not need to return, yet this time I chose to come myself.

“Mr Horrison has also secured your safety,” Holly added.

I nodded. “Let us go. It is time to face him.”

The flight felt endless. At last I took the tranquilizer I had avoided for years.

At the airport my parents awaited me. My mother embraced me warmly. My father followed.

“You are brave. Face your fear,” he whispered.

“I am your daughter. Of course I can,” I answered.

A voice broke the quiet. “Am I just decoration here?”

“Nicky?” I asked, astonished, and hugged my brother.

“I was threatened with losing my inheritance if I kept living like a street musician,” he said, and we laughed.

The next day I visited a designer to choose the gown for dinner with Hugo. Afterwards I had a skin treatment and summoned a professional stylist to the mansion. I wanted Hugo to hesitate before blinking when he saw me. Evening came. My heels clicked inside the lift toward the venue Hugo had chosen, an exclusive restaurant atop the building.

I swept my gaze across the space. Not a single guest was present.

“Mr. Cassilas has been expecting you. Allow me to escort you,” said the restaurant manager. I noted his name badge.

It was impressive that Hugo had rented such an exclusive place merely for business with a new associate.

This time I was calmer, thanks to the tranquilizer. A smile touched my lips as I watched the man standing by the wide window, the city lights shimmering beyond. He held a glass of wine.

“Forgive me for keeping you waiting, Mr. Cassilas,” I began.