Chapter 24: UNEXPECTED REUNIONS.

      After leaving Alan's room, I went straight to Blake's. I hesitated for a moment outside the large double doors before knocking.

"Come in," his deep voice called out.

I stepped inside, finding him at his desk, his sleeves rolled up, fingers gliding over the keyboard. He barely looked up—it was obvious he already knew it was me.

"I don't mean to disturb you," I said, shifting on my feet. "I just wanted to check if there's anything you need me to do."

Blake finally looked up, his piercing eyes locking onto mine. "No work for now. You have time to yourself, but be available in the evening. There will be work then."

I nodded. "Alright. Thanks."

He gave a slight nod before returning to his work, and I turned to leave, closing the door behind me.

————

On my way to the kitchen, I noticed two new faces—a man and a woman. The man, wearing a chef's uniform, was organizing ingredients, while the woman, dressed neatly, stood beside Nadia, chatting quietly. I assumed that was the new cook and caretaker.

I smiled as I approached. "You must be the new staff. Welcome."

The woman, probably in her late forties, gave me a warm smile. "Thank you. I'm Margaret, the new caretaker."

"And I'm Daniel, the chef," the man added, giving me a polite nod.

Nadia turned to me, her expression softening. "You're up early today."

"Yeah. Work. But Mr blake said there's none for now," I explained, leaning against the counter. "I figured I'd get a snack before heading back to my room."

We chatted for a bit—nothing deep, just casual conversation. Nadia had always been kind to me, like a mother figure in this massive house. After a while, I grabbed a small snack and headed back to my room.

————

By noon, I was deep into my writing when my phone rang.

An unknown number.

Frowning, I hesitated for a second before answering. "Hello?"

A familiar voice came through the line, soft yet excited.

"Samantha? It's me, Lisa."

I froze, my heart skipping a beat. "Lisa?"

"Yes! Oh my God, Sam, I can't believe I finally got through to you!"

A rush of emotions hit me all at once—shock, excitement, disbelief. I hadn't spoken to Lisa in years. We had been inseparable back at the orphanage, but after she got adopted, we lost touch. And now, she was here, calling me.

"Lisa, I-" I let out a shaky laugh. "I can't believe this! How did you even get my number?"

"I got it from the orphanage," she admitted. "I asked around and finally tracked you down. I've missed you so much."

"I've missed you too," I said, my voice softer now. "It's been forever. How have you been?"

"Great, actually. I'm living on my own now, working, doing well. Life's been good."

I smiled, relief washing over me. Lisa had always been strong, and it was good to hear she was thriving. "That's amazing, Lisa. I'm really happy for you."

"What about you?" she asked. "Where are you now?"

I hesitated. "It's...a long story."

She laughed. "Then tell me in person! Let's meet up tomorrow. We have so much to catch up on."

I thought about it. Tomorrow was a day before the ball, and aside from my work with Blake, I had no real plans. "Yeah, that sounds perfect. Let's do it. But wait—does that mean you’re in Italy?"

“Yes, Sam. I really, really do miss you. Plus, that's where I relocated to when I left the orphanage.”

I was stunned. What a coincidence—Lisa was in the same country as me. Maybe fate?

I pushed the thought aside as we agreed on a time and place before ending the call. I stared at my phone for a moment, still in disbelief. Lisa. After all these years.

Then I turned back to what I was doing, trying to shake off the surreal feeling..

A knock on my door pulled me from my thoughts.

It was evening now, and Blake was calling.

————

That night, I worked as Blake had instructed—handling schedules, emails, and anything else he needed. He didn't speak much as we worked, only offering short commands or nods of approval. I could tell he was in one of his more serious moods, but that wasn't unusual.

Once we wrapped up, he shut his laptop and leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as if he had a headache. Now was probably the best time to bring it up.

"Mr Blake," I started, keeping my tone careful.

His eyes flicked up to mine. "Yeah?"

I hesitated for half a second before continuing. "I wanted to let you know I'll be going out tomorrow. Just for a little while."

His brows lowered slightly. "Out where?"

"A coffee shop downtown," I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm meeting an old friend."

His expression barely changed, but something in the air shifted. He leaned back even more, arms crossing over his chest. "Who?"

I blinked at the sudden edge in his tone. "Just... an old friend," I repeated.

Blake's gaze sharpened, assessing me. "What kind of friend?"

I frowned. "What does that even mean?"

His jaw tensed slightly. "Is it a guy?"

I stared at him for a moment, taken aback by the question. "Why does that matter?"

His silence was louder than any answer. He just looked at me, still and waiting.

A strange warmth crawled up my neck. Why was he acting... Curious?

"Her name is Lisa," I finally said, watching his reaction closely. "My childhood friend. We grew up together."

Something in his expression flickered. His shoulders relaxed, just slightly, but he covered it quickly by rolling his neck like he hadn't just jumped to the wrong conclusion.

"You'll take a bodyguard," he said, his voice returning to that cool, commanding tone.

I frowned. "Sir, that's not necessary."

"It is," he replied firmly. "For your safety."

I exhaled, shaking my head. "It's just Lisa. I'll be fine."

"You'll take a bodyguard," he repeated, his voice low and slightly raspy. "You're the assistant to one of the most powerful families in Europe. You hardly go out—so when you do, security is non-negotiable. We can’t risk any ugly scenarios."

I studied him, noticing the way he was suddenly focused on his laptop again, as if this conversation was already over. The man refused to admit he'd assumed the worst but I saw it. I felt it.

A slow smirk pulled at my lips.

"Fine," I sighed dramatically. "Whatever you say."

His eyes lifted just briefly, and for a moment, I swore I saw something almost amused behind them. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared, replaced once again by that strong mask.

"Good," he muttered. "You're dismissed."

I turned to leave, but I couldn't help but let a small, knowing smile linger on my lips.

————

The next day, I arrived at the café first. The moment Lisa walked in, she spotted me and ran over, pulling me into a tight hug.

"Oh my God, Sam!" she squealed. "Look at you!"

I hugged her back just as tightly, my chest tightening with emotion. "Lisa..." I breathed, feeling the years melt away. "I missed you."

We pulled back, taking in each other's appearances. She hadn't changed much—same bright blue eyes, same lively energy.

"You look amazing," she said, nudging me playfully. "It's really you. I can't believe this, you've hardly changed."

“You too” I replied calmly.

We sat down and ordered drinks, slipping into an easy conversation, laughing, catching up.

Then, her eyes flicked to the side, and her expression shifted. "Um... Samantha?"

I followed her gaze-to the bodyguard standing 6 feet behind me.

She gave me a confused look. "Is that a bodyguard? Why the hell do you have a bodyguard?" She asked all at once.

I let out a small laugh, feeling a little awkward. "Yeah...about that..."

Lisa's jaw dropped as realization hit. "Wait a minute. Sam, who exactly do you work for?"

I sipped my coffee, hesitating just a second too long.

Then I cleared my throat. “I don’t think you’re familiar with the name… Blake Hawthorne,” I said casually, almost too casually.

Lisa gasped. "No way. Samantha White. Don't tell me we are talking about THE BLAKE HAWTHORNE are we?

I smirked. “Depends. Which Blake Hawthorne are we talking about?”

"Blake freaking Hawthorne," she said, nearly yelling. "You're working for him?"

I laughed, setting my cup down. “That’s the one. I’m his personal assistant.”

Lisa let out a squeal, half in disbelief, half in excitement. “Girl, how is this not the first thing you're telling me?! This is insane! You’ve been holding out on me!”

She gaped at me, completely stunned. "Sam baby do you even realize how crazy that is? Blake Hawthorne isn't just any billionaire—he's Blake Hawthorne! He's famous. Powerful. He could literally buy the entire city if he wanted and he is also fucking private."

"He's also my boss," I reminded her.

“And let’s not even talk about his over-sexy twin, Alan.”

Lisa exhaled, almost like the name alone carried weight. “That man… he has this presence. You know? The kind that turns heads the second he walks in—not because he’s trying, but because he can’t help it.”

I couldn’t help but chuckle. “You sound like you’ve studied him.”

Lisa gave a dramatic shrug. “Who hasn’t? I mean, come on—he’s got that lazy confidence,” she went on, her voice a little lower, more thoughtful now. “Always looks like he just rolled out of something expensive, with his most times half-buttoned shirt and that devil-may-care smirk. And his eyes? Cold one minute, then suddenly warm enough to melt steel.”

I shook my head, laughing now. “You’re too much.”

She leaned in, grinning. “I’m just saying—you’re living at the Hawthorne mansion, and one of them is Alan. Girl, behave yourself.”

She shook her head, still in shock. “This is insane, baby. Do you work for him too? Alan, I mean.”

I shrugged lightly. “I did… kind of. But now I’m fully with Blake.”

Lisa raised a brow, intrigued. “Oh really? Okay, now you really have to tell me everything.”

I laughed, leaning back in my seat. “Where do I even start?”

Lisa leaned in, her grin mischievous. “Start with what it’s like working for a man like Blake Hawthorne. Is he as cold and terrifying as they say? Or is that just billionaire branding?”

I gave a small smile, remembering a dozen moments—his commanding tone, sharp glances, the way he always seemed to be five steps ahead. “He’s... intense. Very particular. Not the easiest person to work for.”

Lisa smirked. “But you’re still there.”

“I know,” I said, half to myself. “He’s demanding, but not in a bad way. He pushes you, like he expects you to rise to his level. It’s exhausting, but it kind of makes you want to prove him wrong… or right. I don’t even know.”

Lisa let out a low whistle. “Sounds like a man who plays chess while the rest of the world’s playing checkers.”

“Exactly. But he is a good man.”

She tilted her head. “And Alan?”

I paused.

Lisa’s eyes narrowed, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “Ah. That pause tells me something.”

I shook my head quickly. “No, it doesn’t. Alan’s… different.”

“How different?”

I hesitated. “He’s more relaxed. Witty. Disarming, even. Like he walks into a room and somehow makes it feel like you’ve always known him. And there’s always something under that charm—something sharp, and he is never afraid to say what's on his mind.”

Lisa stared at me for a second, then laughed. “Wow. Blake sounds like the storm, and Alan the calm that lures you in.”

I didn’t say anything. She wasn’t exactly wrong.

She took a slow sip of her coffee, watching me carefully. “And you're living with them. Under the same roof” she said—a statement not a question.

I nodded. “Yeah. The house is massive though. It doesn’t feel crowded.”

She gave me a long look. “Still… it’s them. The Hawthornes. That’s like living in a palace with two unpredictable kings.”

I laughed softly. “Trust me, it feels like that sometimes.”

Lisa leaned forward. “And nothing’s happened? No weird tension? No late-night run-ins in silk pajamas?”

I rolled my eyes. “You watch too many dramas.”

She grinned. “I’m just saying… the world sees them as untouchable. Ice and fire. And here you are, living in the middle of both, you can't blame me for wanting details.”

I opened my mouth to reply, but my phone buzzed on the table, cutting me off.

Blake.

Lisa raised an eyebrow.

I picked it up, stepping a bit aside as I answered, “Hello?”

His voice was smooth, calm—but firm. “It’s getting late.”

I glanced at the dimming sky. “Yeah, I know. I was just about to wrap up.”

There was a pause. “Head back now. The car will be waiting.”

I looked over at the bodyguard stationed discreetly behind my seat. “I know, the bodyguard hardly takes his eye off me, he's been watching me like a hawk.”

“Good. It's his job. Tell him to bring you back immediately.”

I hesitated. “Mr Blake, I’m safe. You don't have to be worried.”

“I know and that’s fine. But I said what I said.” His tone softened just slightly. “You can call her later—your friend.”

I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me. “Alright. I’m on my way.”

“Good.”

The line went dead.

I slipped the phone into my bag and turned back to Lisa, who was watching me with a knowing smirk.

“He wants you back?” she asked.

“Yeah,” I said, grabbing my things. “Says it’s getting late.”

Lisa grinned. “So he’s bossy even off-duty.”

“You have no idea,” I muttered, standing.

She pulled me i

nto a hug. “Call me when you get in. We have so much more to cover.”

“I will,” I promised.

And with one last smile, I followed my silent shadow of a bodyguard toward the waiting car—already feeling the shift in atmosphere as I left the café behind.

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