Chapter Five
Joseph's POV
I put down the phone and sighed in relief. It was obvious that Helen was still panicking.
"So, what did Jane say?" She inquired.
"Relax, that was not Jane. It seems like her phone was stolen in the airport by some riff raff. So, she must have boarded the plane anyhow." I don't know whether that was the truth that I wanted to believe in. It just seemed so convenient.
"Don't worry, babe. When I get to Singapore and look into Jane's eyes, I would know if she knows about us." I stood up and got in to change into my Italian suit. I picked up the documents too.
"Where are you going? We haven't been here for up to two hours." Helen protested.
"Haven't you been listening to what I have been saying since?" I was getting irritated with her. I waved the documents that I was holding in the air.
"I've got work to do. I'm sure you know where to meet me to drop Jane's keys." With that, I stormed out of the house.
I got into my car and dialed Dante's number. He is my right hand man in the gang that I formed several years ago. I had to pause that life for a moment to win the biggest jackpot of my life. I wouldn't want my wife to walk in on me with my homies and think twice of her decision. But right now, it seems like I will have to go back to get what I want.
"Dante, it's been so long." I said into the microphone.
"Well, look who it is. If it isn't the cold Joe Stone growing warm and soft in the hands of wealth." He jested.
I knew he would be offended that I left them. But now is not the time for cuddling and begging. This would further drive their point that I've become a softie.
"Cut the crap, Dante. I am doing what I'm doing to make lives better for you and the boys. Now, quit whining like little puss**s and gather the boys together. I need you in my office in the next two hours. And don't you dare come late. Do you understand me?"
There was silence for some seconds
"You got it boss." Dante grunted. I cut the call and drove off to meet Franco.
Jane's POV
When he came in, my heart started beating fast. He was as beautiful as I could remember. I have seen him many times on Instagram, but the pictures there cannot begin to justify his look. He was absolutely stunning. Instead of wearing his usual football varsity jacket, he wore a navy blue suit with Gucci shoes. His Rolex watch somehow shined in the dark room.
He smiled like a perfect gentleman as he spotted me and walked slowly towards my direction, leaving me in ecstasy. My Mr. Tall, dark and handsome who betrayed me.
"Focus, Jane. You're not here to rekindle any old flame." I said to myself. As much as I hated him for what he did to me, part of me still wanted to hold his hand and be sunk in his world. He was the only man I ever gave my heart to and he turned out to be a player.
"Hello, Jane." He tried to kiss my cheek, but I moved back to avoid contact from him. He sighed and sat on the stool next to me.
"I was a bit surprised as well as glad when you called me and hour ago. I am supposed to be on a business trip, but I knew that I had to come here to be with you."
I scoffed. "And so? Should that mean that I should kiss your shoes because you cancelled your trip to be here? If I knew you were on your way somewhere else, I would not have bothered to reach out to you." I was impressed by how rude I could be to someone I need help from.
"I knew this was a waste of time in the first place." I tried to keep the tears in as I stood up to leave. But he held me back.
"Don't go. There's something obviously bothering you and I will be too stupid to ignore it." He said softly, as he ushered me back to my seat.
"Tell me, Janie. Talk to me." He encouraged me. He still called me the way he used to call me back in school. I looked into his eyes and say nothing but pure sincerity. But I could also see the image of betrayal many years ago floating in my head.
I hesitated, before speaking to my once best friend and confidant.
"Dayne, I… I think I'm in trouble." My lips trembled when I spoke. I hated feeling that way because I had learned life the hard way even as a privileged kid. I never showed any hint of emotions so that people would not run me down. I secretly loved it when I heard whispers of my team calling me an iron lady because I knew they either respected or feared me, and I was okay with either of them. Now, I think I reached my breaking point and I had to pour it all on Dayne Waters.
He got up and hugged me. I didn't resist this time. Maybe just once, maybe just once.
"Do you want to talk about it?" He asked me after I had gathered myself back.
"A little."
"Alright, tell me what you want me to know. I won't pressure you." That was not really what I expected to hear from him though.
"I need help to leave to Singapore as soon as between now and tomorrow morning. I know you say that you have to be at a business trip and you will want to use your family's jet, but I'm in a dire situation that I can't postpone what I'm doing and…" I was shaking again because I know that what I am saying didn't make any sense at all. Why would Dayne leave everything to my rescue when I revoked whatever special privileges we had with each other many years ago.
"It's okay, Jane. I have heard you." He shushed me gently, brushing my shoulders.
"Are you by chance going for the tech conference organised by Zenith technologies?" He smiled in a way that made my heart flutter.
"Yes. Is that where you're headed too? Who am I kidding? Of course you're going there too. Everyone wants to get the business deal of a lifetime with Zenith technologies including Waters' foundation." For a moment, I smirked an he laughed.
"Well, something like that. I also wanted to attend the CEO'S function this evening, but I'm sure it's not half as important as being with you tonight."I blushed for a second while looking at my toes.
"So, what's your plan now?" I asked him.
"Well, I called the pilots and told them to reschedule till tomorrow. But now, I'm guessing we need to go early, right? I'll just send a reminder that we will be going as early as six am tomorrow. Is it fine by you?" Relief flooded my face.
"It's okay. Thank you, Dayne."
"Why don't you come with me to my hotel and you can spend the night there." He proposed. I was unsure of what to say. I obviously cannot stay in the bar tonight, and I know that Joseph has connections everywhere around the city, if I booked a hotel there, he might be alerted. The only option I have is to go with Dayne. I'm sure he will ensure my safety there. But I was a little conflicted with the was he said that we would be spending the night in the hotel.
"We would stay in different rooms, if that's what you're worried about." He said, as though he was reading my thoughts.
I really had no option. If I want to come out of this alive, I would need to accept Dayne's help.
"Fine, if you say so." I replied curtly.
"After you, then" he gestured. I walked ahead of him out of the bar. I could feel everyone's eyes feasting on me as I walked past them. It was a little sickening.
As he opened the car door for me, little did I know that a lot of things will get complicated between me and Dayne.