The first thing Mia notices when she arrives at the Powell mansion is silence. If a pin drops, she is definitely going to hear the sound. It is like everyone in the huge mansion is holding his or her breath to wait for the lion to roar or the thunder to blast. The maids who usually busy themselves with dusting, brushing, or cleaning in the living room, corridor or garden are nowhere to be seen tonight. Maybe it is because it is late. 11 pm already. The job pays well but it also comes with frequent overtime. But it is still way better than unemployment and returning to the bleak job market. Mia sighs internally. “Miss Johnson, you are wanted in the study. They are all waiting for the young Mr. Powell now.” Mia nods her head and thanks the maid who reminds her kindly. The large study room looks smaller with a crowd in it. In addition to the Powell family that is short of Anthony, the company’s Vice Presidents Teri Lee, Hanser Limbaugh, and PR Manager Steven Hatcher are also here. Mr.

Chris: Where are you? You should have let me arrange a car to pick you up. Mia smiles at the notification showing on her cellphone. She is on the metro heading from Manhattan to their secret love nest in Brooklyn. She quickly texts back. You should have let me know who I am going to meet tonight. Chris: You have already met most of them. Nervous? They already love you. Mia shakes her head with a smile spreading on her face. How can you be so sure?Chris: Because they will love whom I love. Mia could imagine the cocky smile he is having right now. Aren’t you smug? She teases. Chris: Just stating the obvious. I’m a man of taste. You are so adorable you will win their hearts without making an effort. Mia couldn’t help grinning like a goofy high school student. You said you are not a man of sweet words. You didn’t give yourself enough credit. The subway announces the station she should get off at. Mia stands up and quickly texts back, I’m getting off the subway. See you in ten mi

“Come down in five minutes. We will pay a visit to an old friend.” Mr. Garcia ends the call abruptly, giving Mia no opportunity to ask for more details. Old friend? Mia assumes it is Mr. Scott, the chief justice of the New York Supreme Court, that Mr. Garcia refers to. She heard that Mr. Scott and Mr. Powell went back a long way—they met each other during their freshman year at Stanford and hit it off instantly. Two cars are waiting at the gate of the mansion. One is the black Rolls-Royce Mr. Powell usually takes. She steps into the other black Land Rover and sits in the passenger seat. In ten minutes, Mr. Garcia walks out of the mansion with sour-faced Mr. Powell and they get in the Rolls-Royce. Then the cars start off. With just the driver and her in the car, Mia relaxes a little bit. Everyone in the mansion is tense since the arrest of Anthony. She has witnessed lots of drama played in the study, Mr. Powell blaming his wife for spoiling and ruining their oldest son, Mrs. Powel

“I’ll be alright, Jack will be with me.” Mia squeezes Chris’ arm, trying to assure him. “I don’t understand why you must go there in person. Jack can deliver your resignation letter to him.” Chris holds her tightly, unwilling to let her go. “I do have to hand over a few confidential projects to Sussie. It is better to do that in person. Relax, I don’t think your father will do anything to me in his office building. Wouldn’t that be too blatant?” “I don’t want to risk anything when it comes to you,” Chris says firmly. “I know, but you cannot keep me in the house secluded and secured from everyone for the rest of my life, right?” “If I have to do that, I will,” Chris vows, earning a gentle slap on his back from Mia. “You will not! I don’t want to be Rapunzel. I promise I will keep Jack around me wherever I go. Okay?”“I’m going with you if you insist on doing the whole resignation thing in person.” “No, remember you have to give a speech at the annual stakeholder meeting this mo

“Anthony Powell, the heir of the multi-billionaire dollar Powell Empire, walks free from the court today after key witnesses withdraw their testimonies. The prosecutors have dropped their charges against the businessman. He was previously accused of colluding with the notorious terrorist…” The news anchor’s monotone voice stops after Chris turns off the TV. He walks to the window and runs his fingers through his hair. He hides his frustration well in front of Mia, never showing any signs or feelings and keeping tight-lipped about the matter. But when he thinks Mia is not around or he is alone, his emotion will emerge on the surface. Right now, Mia could tell how frustrated and defeated he is seeing Anthony walking free and clear of charges. Quietly descending the stairs, Mia walks toward him and hugs him from behind. His muscles visibly relax once he feels the familiar warm body pressing against him. “How are you?” Mia whispers. “I’m fine,” he answers gently, his hand covering