6. She wasn't a ghost after all 

6. She wasn't a ghost after all 

"What a party that was" Kimberly heaved as she threw herself into the closest couch. Dahlia only smiled faintly already heading for the stairs. 

"But" Kimberly said sitting up slightly, "Did you see her?"

Dahlia halted in her steps, knowing where this was going. She turned her head, just enough. "Who?" 

Kimberly chuckled. "You're quite sly aren't you?"

Dahlia shrugged and took a step. "I haven't even rested a day, and the past seems so eager" 

"It's a relief they didn't see you. It would have been a brawl"

"I don't care" Dahlia cut, voice crisp. "I'm not afraid". She began walking up the stairs. "Gaux should get everything ready. I want to meet that investor tomorrow" she said, disappearing into her room. 

Kimberly heaved a low sigh, sinking back into the couch. "I just hope you don't get hurt again Lia" she murmured, as the warm hands of sleep claimed her senses. 

Dawn arrived, clothing the sky with warm streaks of gold. Gaux was already waiting at the living room for her boss, Miss Winters. 

As soon as her alarm rang, Dahlia got up and readied herself for the day's work, more like a battle. Soon, she descended the stairs, sharp and composed. She wore a fitted black corset top tucked neatly into a tailored high-waisted shorts, a suit jacket was draped over her shoulder with casual precision. Sleek stiletto heels finished the look— simple yet refined, carrying an air that warned against standing in her way. 

"Good morning Miss Winters" Guax greeted with a bow. 

Dahlia nodded, glancing over at Kimberly who was sprawled on the sofa. She shook her head slightly. "She's really out of it" she chuckled softly, an action broke the icy demeanor she carried. 

"I already told the butler to make hangover soup. Also" Gaux said, handing a bottle of something to Dahlia, "your hangover drink Miss Winters".

"No need. I'm okay" she declined. "Let's go". 

"Yes Miss Winters" Gaux said and followed. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the Voss Manor. 

Lucien was already suited up for work. He sat at the dining, waiting for the his morning coffee. Few minutes later, Ma'am Camille arrived with his coffee, balancing it calmly on the table. 

"Here's your coffee sir" she said with her head slightly dipped. She immediately stepped to the side, a form of respect she had cultivated over the years. 

Without a word, he brought the cuppa to his lips and sipped. His brows tightened. He lowered the cup back onto the saucer. 

"Camille" he called her, voice slicing.

"Yes sir?" Ma'am Camille answered, her voice a bit shaky. 

"How come your coffee making skills is as dull as ever?" he berated in a low tone. 

Ma'am Camille pressed her lips in a thin line. "Sir, no matter how much I follow the recipe I learnt from Miss Winters, I still can't make it like her. I'm sorry for my incompetence" she apologized.

Lucien's jaw locked. "A year should have been enough for you" he said and left.

Ma'am Camille looked at his departing back, a motherly sadness filling her eyes. "I'm sorry sir, but perhaps for you to enjoy your coffee, Miss Winters will have to return". She heaved a deep sigh and left for her quarters.

Jace held the car door open as soon as he saw Lucien's shadow, his head bowed. "Good morning Boss" he greeted. 

"Mm" came the curt reply. Lucien slipped into the backseat. Jace closed the door calmly and hurried to the driver's seat. He turned on the ignition, bringing the car to life. 

"We're leaving now Boss" he said and padded the car with unhurried ease out of the Voss Manor. 

"Boss" Jace began while they were on the way. 

"Mm?"

"Our competitor, they will also be meeting with the Investor today" he said.

Lucien couldn't help but smirk. "Then let them. I want you see what little playground dares to challenge my empire" he said. 

Jace gripped the steering wheel tighter than normal in the wake of his Boss's temper which seemed to have been stirred. 

They soon arrived at the venue the investor had requested to meet— the Nine lives hotel. Jace pulled the car door open and Lucien stepped out, greeted by the warm air of the morning. His dark suit caught the morning light, his presence drawing quick attention from the valet and staff who rushed to his side to welcome him. 

"Stand close" Lucien's voice came, low. 

"Yes Boss" Jace replied and immediately shadowed him. 

Once he was inside the lobby, eyes turned in his direction, conversations dimmed to silence as the air shifted around him, bending to the weight of his presence. 

"We'll take the private elevator Boss" Jace said and led him into the elevator. While they were there, something seemed to come to Lucien's mind.

"Jace?"

"Yes Boss?" 

"Are ghosts real?" he asked. "Do you believe in them rather?"

Jace gave a start. What's with the question? But he still answered. "Well, I don't do superstitions Boss. I don't believe in them".

Lucien nodded slightly. "Then, they don't exist" 

"Some people believe so" Jace said.

"Get me the list of attendees of the party at Loops club last night" Lucien ordered. 

"Yes Boss!" 

Perhaps, this will quench the doubt stirring in his chest.

They arrived at the private conference room where the investor— Mr Fisher, was waiting. 

As soon as Mr Fisher saw them, he stood from his seat, his lips stretching into a smile. "You're here Mr Voss" he said, extending his hand for a handshake.

"Yes" Lucien said receiving it.

"Quite early I must say" Mr Fisher said as he sat down. 

"That way, I can catch the bird while it's still young" Lucien said, his face unreadable. 

Silence for a heartbeat.

"Mr Fisher, why aren't we starting yet?" Lucien asked.

"We're waiting for someone else. The second party" he replied. 

Lucien clenched his jaw slightly. "How good is this person that we have to wait all day? They don't even know simple punctuality" Lucien berated. 

Mr Fisher smiled faintly. "It's not fun having just one candy is it? Perhaps two, and then you could take your best flavor?"

"You're right" Lucien conceded, "Then, we wait". 

Few minutes later, the door to the conference room was pushed open. Lucien's gaze flicked up...and froze. Jace couldn't also hide his surprise and lowered his gaze to his Boss's but the latter was flustered just like him. 

Dahlia stepped in, all black, precise and unyielding. Gaux followed at her shoulder with a slim folder. Gaux had already informed her on their way here about who her competitor was. She didn't even glance at Lucien as she crossed the room, her heels clicking the marble floor like a clock, marking the start of war. 

"Miss Winters" Mr Fisher rose from his seat, his tone filled with absolute respect for her. "You're finally here".

'Miss Winters' Lucien repeated it in his mind as if that would make him believe what he was seeing. His gaze never left her movements.

Dahlia smiled as she received the extended hand that Mr Fisher offered her. "Good morning Mr Fisher. Sorry for the wait".

"It's alright" he said. "I'm glad you could make it".

Once she sat down, she crossed her legs, allowing her gaze to shift from Mr Fisher's to Lucien's, who was yet to comprehend. "Now, shall we begin?" Lucien's jaw tightened around the one single thought blazing through him— so, it wasn't a

ghost. It was really her. And now... she's stepped into his war.