chapter 7

After deliberating till almost midnight, Dalia had decided that she was going to go to Lauren Group just to see Cathryn. It had been so long since she felt hope but she really hoped it would work out.

It felt weird to lower herself just to gain support but pride was outside the window when surviving was the main objective.

she decided to take a bath and that helped her wash away most of the stress and anxiety she felt. She got ready for bed and slept off as soon as her head hit the pillow.

Morning arrived sooner than Dalia would have wanted. She had a dreamless night. She felt a bit better after that. As Dalia she never slept more than 3 hours because she slept light for her job.

She got to thinking about the money and the deadline, she couldn't afford to waste anymore time.

Standing before the small wardrobe in Avery bedroom, she searched through her folded clothes. She had nothing expensive, just practical and useful. At the settled on a white blouse and a pair of blue trousers.

It was just professional and respectable enough. She put her white hair in a neat bun before giving herself one final look in the mirror.

The face that stared at her was still unfamiliar but she was slowly getting used to it.

"You can do this". These words were mainly for herself.

She gathered the little cash Avery hid in the box under the bed, and slipped it into her purse.

That was when she realized that she didn't know where Lauren group was and she also said to have a phone. It must have gotten lost when those men chased her down.

Hmm maybe if she just told the taxi where she was going they would know where the place was. Yeah everyone should know where the Lauren group is.

With one more glance around the apartment, she walked out the door. Finding a taxi wasn't as hard as she thought.

If Cathryn Lauren still remembers the code she gave her, this would not be a problem.

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The headquarters towered above the surrounding buildings, the glass reflected the morning light, turning the building into something that seemed almost untouchable.

Avery stepped across the street, even she had to admit, it was intimidating. People in tailored suits walked back and forth on the sidewalks.... lawyers, business men and women. They looked expensive.

she looked down at her clothes, modest and simple. She looked like she didn't fit into this world.

Avery didn't but Dalia had the confidence for this.

She raised her chin, she wasn't here to impress anyone, she had a purpose. With no hesitation she crossed the street and walked into the building.

The lobby was just as she expected, marbled floors, towering pillars, luxury chandeliers and quiet conversations. Employees moved with efficiency, knowing exactly where they needed to be. No one cared enough to glance at her, they seemed busy enough.

Avery walked directly to the reception desk, The receptionist continued typing without sparing her a single glance. Then still not looking up she spoke

"Good morning, what can I do for you today"

Her voice sounded so polished and professional

"Do you have an appointment " she added

Yes Avery answered

only then did the receptionist raise her head, she eyed her up and down before a flicker of something like...... surprise flicked through her eyes.

Maybe surprise that someone like her had an appointment here.

"With whom" she asked

"Cathryn Lauren"

This answer earned her a raised brow from the girl.

can I have your name , the girl asked again

"I think she will understand another message better, Let her know that I am here to discuss the unfinished symphony" Avery replied

The receptionist picked the desk phone in front of her and made a call

"Good morning, I have a lady here who says she has an apple with miss Lauren. She says she is here to discuss the unfinished symphony"

The person on the other line hung up so fast it shocked the girl.

After what seemed like a minute, the elevator doors suddenly opened. A sharply dressed woman hurried across the lobby. Her pace was enough to turn heads as she passed by. She stopped right In front of Dalia.

She looked at Dalia for a minute before she smiled

"Miss Lauren has been expecting you" she said earning another shocked expression for the receptionist.

Expecting her.....

I am Miss Lauren's personal assistant, this way please" The assistant added before gesturing for the elevator.

Dalia followed without a word. The elevator climbed higher and higher until they arrived at the last floor.

The door opened revealing a luxurious private floor. It was quiet. The assistant led Dalia down the corridor lined with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city.

At the end of the floor, a pair of dark wooden doors.

The assistant opened one

Please go inside " she said gesturing into the office.

Dalia stepped inside and the door was closed quietly behind her.

The office was spacious but elegant rather than extravagant Bookshelves lined one wall and a seating area occupied another.

Beyond it, enormous windows overlook the skyline. Behind a polished desk sat a woman, golden hair shimmered beneath the morning sunlight streaming through the glass. Her hazel eyes moved across a stack of documents in her hands.

Her red lips were pressed together in concentration as she signed a final page and put her pen aside. Then she looked up, their eyes met and a warm smile spread across her face.

Good morning her voice was smooth and welcoming. That caught Avery of guard.

I am glad that you decided to come

Avery stood there still studying her.. Cathryn looked exactly as she imagined. Graceful,

confident, reeked of wealth. The kind of woman who belongs in a magazine covers. Yet beneath it all she sensed something more..... calculation under all that polished exterior.

Please have a seat

Avery obeyed

She still hadn't said anything since she walked in. For a while none of them spoke then Cathryn broke the silence

I'll admit , I wasn't sure you would accept my invitation "

Avery's expression remained neutral

"I almost didn't" she answered with a stoic expression

Cathryn laughed softly

"I know. You ignored every message I sent so imagine my surprise when my PA told me that CARMA had come to see me."

She leaned back in her chair

But still I am glad you are here." she added

"Welcome....Dalia" she said with a wide smile

It felt like time stopped..... Avery's heartbeat skipped a beat. She hadn't introduced herself, in fact she came here as Avery Carter.

Cathryn smiled wider when she noticed the crack in her composure. Then she tilt

ed her head

"Or would you prefer I call you by your code name" she added

The room fell dead silent

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