Chapter 2: Difficult decisions

Louis and Agnes meet at a coffee shop. She was not far from the meeting place, so she arrived before him and chose a table near the window. A few minutes later Louis also appeared. His appearance is polished by expensive designer clothes. Wherever he goes, he easily attracts all eyes. Just because of the ostentatious wealth that radiated from him, his face was quite ordinary. That's not to mention the obnoxious bossy he always showed on his face.

Doesn't have the same aura as his brother.

Agnes silently assessed. That's right, Ryan and Louis are half-brothers. In her youth, Mary was William Gonzalez's stealthy mistress. He is a rich and powerful billionaire. They have a child named Louis. But then William's wife found out, so Mary had to end this relationship. She raised Louis herself and then adopted Agnes. Mary once confided to Agnes that Louis was a child with many ambitions. She worries that he won't be as docile as she expected. Indeed Mary's comment is correct. After she died, Louis immediately went to his biological father's house. It was a noble and powerful family in New York. Louis is now preoccupied with his position in the Gonzalez family. He turns into a man who is ready to use tricks to achieve his goals. For example, today he asked her for help.

“Agnes, can you help me overthrow my brother? Approach him and let his guard down.”

Louis said with a smile. His usual overbearing face was replaced by a fake pitiful expression. He suddenly raised his hand to straighten the tangled strands of hair in front of her. Agnes frowned but didn't dodge. She was still surprised by his words:

“What do you mean?”

“You know, even though I was allowed to return to the Gonzalez family, my father only cared about my older brother. I had no voice, or even love from my father. I just wanted to get back what my mother should have, I also wanted my father to see me as his real son. It was also my mother's wish.”

Louis didn't look at Agnes anymore. He looked out the window. Eyes closed, voice full of sadness. Agnes heard him say such words and felt a little sad. She remembers before, after being discovered by his wife, William immediately denied Louis. This man didn't even want to accept his son. William once said that he had only one child, the son of his official wife. This caused Mary to live in pain and hatred for many years. Louis is no different.

“Have you thought about it? I don't think mom would ever want you to do bad things."

After a moment of silence, Agnes spoke weakly. But still enough for Louis to hear. In her head, she thought of Ryan again. Want her to hurt him? Maybe not? She doesn't know anymore.

Louis listened to Agnes's words, narrowed his eyes containing danger, then softly said:

"Bad things? Agnes, rest assured. No matter what I do, I will think of my kind mother… Of both of us.” Louis intentionally emphasized the last words. He paused for a few seconds and then continued:

“I hope to hear from you soon. I hope you will not disappoint us mother. Our mother had many misfortunes all her life. Do you want her son to live the same way?”

—————

That sentence of Louis kept ringing in Agnes' head all day. She found it extremely difficult to choose. Since childhood, Agnes has never done a bad thing. She wants to live well in this society. But Louis' words made her think. Although she didn't want to do bad things, she didn't also want Mary to be sad. Louis is all of Mary's life and hope. And Mary is all her respect and love. She always wanted to do something to repay Mary. But thinking about Ryan, she was also worried he would recognize her. Surely he will make her pay for the mistake that night at the Bar. Even if she was in trouble herself, how could she help Louis? Many thoughts popped into her head, causing Agnes to sigh. While dazed, she recalled a scene from the past. It was in cold winter, she had a high fever and difficulty breathing, Mary took her to the hospital but couldn't get a taxi. Mary immediately did not mind the heavy snow and carried her to the hospital. All the way, Agnes felt the rapid breathing of her adoptive mother. It made her very emotional. Her little life was protected from time to time by her adoptive mother.

And it seems Agnes has the answer. Anyway, Mary is the most important. Agnes owes her so much. She must help Louis be recognized by the Gonzalez family, which is also Mary's wish. As for Ryan, he certainly didn't remember her face clearly. He was always surrounded by many women, and Agnes like her was just a passerby.

———————

Two months later.

Agnes, with Louis' help, successfully applied for the position of Ryan's secretary. As far as she knows, now he is the CEO of HOU, a financial company ranked in the top 10 in the world. From perfect looks to a huge fortune, anyone aspires to be a small part like him. Not to mention his skills in bed. Every time she recalls that day, Agnes blushes. Agnes's mission is to make Ryan let his guard down and fall in love with her. Then she would use his loophole to help Louis. Agnes doesn't know if she can afford Ryan's love anymore. Based on beauty? He must have met many more beautiful people than her.

On the first day of work, Agnes was brought to the company by Louis. As she stood in the elevator going up to the general manager's office, Agnes' heartbeat accelerated. She began to stress and worry. Hands clutching the bag. She is about to see him again. Will he recognize her?

"Agnes."

"What's wrong?" A cry from Louis startled Agnes.

"What's wrong with you? Remember to not reveal any openings in front of him. Ryan is a very doubtful person.”

Agnes nodded at Louis's advice. She looked up at the red numbers jumping in the elevator. Louis stood beside her, glancing at her with satisfaction. The reason he asked her for help was for a reason. Agnes owns attractive blue eyes. Her chestnut brown hair and baby white skin were as smooth as a baby's, but her beauty was seductive. And most importantly, she is the emotional type, so he will easily control her. Everything is too perfect to turn into a helping tool for him.

Ting!

Elevator to the place. Louis and Agnes came out to meet a woman waiting. Through her introduction, Agnes knew she was Emily, Ryan's secretary. It turns out that next to the CEO there will be a secretariat. Each person will be in charge of a different area. Arriving in front of the office door, Emily raised her hand and knocked rhythmically.

"Come in."

The man's powerful voice resounded. Emily opened the door for the two of them. Agnes seemed to hold her breath as she entered the office.