Collins Slaves fumed, his fists clenching as he paced the dimly lit room. "This was not as planned! How dare they!!!" His voice thundered, vibrating with fury.
Tears welled up in Isla's eyes as she gripped the edges of the worn-out table. "They will torture my sister because she would never tell them about us!" Her voice trembled, her anguish raw and unfiltered.
The masked man ground his teeth, his gloved fingers curling into fists. "I used to think I was dealing with artificially intelligent people. Sadly, it was all camouflage!" His voice dripped with disappointment.
A sudden knock on the door seized their attention. Their gazes snapped towards the entrance, tension crackling in the air like a live wire.
The door creaked open.
A figure stepped inside, casting an elongated shadow against the candle-lit walls.
Jessica Jones.
Their old-time worker. The woman who was supposed to be bound to a wheelchair.
Their eyes widened in collective shock.
"Are you not supposed to be on a wheelchair, Jessica Jones?" Isla whispered, her voice laced with disbelief.
Jessica sighed and stepped forward, her gaze sweeping across the room with quiet authority. "Hi, everyone. My name is Jessica Jones, the mother of Sophia Jones. I came to make a deal with you all."
A heavy silence followed.
Collins and the masked man exchanged wary glances before nodding for her to proceed.
Jessica folded her arms across her chest, her stance firm, unyielding. "I don't need three months to kill the Smith sons. I only need eight weeks. I will wipe them all out, but on one condition—" Her eyes glinted with an ominous promise. "My children will never be threatened, or I will do to you all what you would never expect."
The masked man gasped. "How do you intend to kill the four sons of the Smith Household in just eight weeks?" His skepticism was evident, but there was also intrigue in his voice.
Jessica's lips curled into a dangerous grin. "Leave that to me."
The masked man narrowed his eyes. "Jessica, how do I know if you are still strong enough?"
Jessica smirked. "Perhaps a demonstration is in order."
Before anyone could react, she moved.
With the speed of a striking viper, she lunged at Collins. He barely had time to raise his arms before her fist drove into his stomach. Air whooshed out of his lungs as he stumbled backward, gasping.
Isla, reacting on instinct, swung at her.
Jessica ducked effortlessly, twisted her body, and delivered a sharp kick to Isla's ribs. Isla let out a choked gasp and crumpled to the floor.
The masked man attempted to intervene, but Jessica was faster. She spun around him, grabbed his wrist, and twisted it sharply, forcing him to his knees. Her grip was ironclad, her precision ruthless.
Collins groaned, Isla panted on the floor, and the masked man, still trapped in her hold, struggled to breathe.
Jessica leaned in close. "Now, do you believe I am fit for the job?"
The masked man jumped to his feet, still in shock. "I am one hundred percent sure that you are fit for the job."
***
Sophia stepped on something as she opened her room door to step out. She frowned and glanced down. A small note lay beneath her foot. Heart pounding, she bent to pick it up and unfolded the paper.
Her stomach twisted as she read the words.
'I will show everyone everything today after the family gathering.'
Thomas.
Her breath hitched. A wave of nausea hit her as panic surged through her veins. He was going to expose them.
No. She couldn't let this happen.
She needed time.
Mind racing, she turned on her heels and stepped back into her room, closing the door behind her. She slipped under the covers and pulled the bedspread over her trembling body.
She would pretend to be ill. That was the only way to postpone Thomas from revealing the truth.
She remained in bed, her fingers clenching the sheets, her pulse erratic.
A knock on the door made her freeze.
To her greatest shock, it was Raymond.
What on earth was he doing in her room?
His dark eyes studied her, filled with concern. "What is happening, Sophia?"
She swallowed hard and forced a weak smile. "I just have a little bit of cold. I'm sorry, but I won't be able to attend the family gathering."
Raymond's expression darkened. "Thank God Sammie is here." Without waiting for her response, he rushed out.
Seconds later, he returned.
With Doctor Sammie.
Sophia's breath hitched.
Her first love.
Sammie's eyes met hers, and something flickered in his gaze. Raymond looked between them, oblivious. "Do everything to make sure she's fine."
Sammie hesitated, then smirked. "Ray, do you like her?"
Raymond stiffened. His gaze turned icy. "How does that concern what I asked you to do here?"
Sammie shrugged. "I was just curious."
Raymond's glare deepened. "Be curious about her health. That is the only business we have together."
Sammie grinned. "Does that mean I still have a chance with her?"
Raymond froze. His eyes snapped to Sophia.
"What did you just say?"
Sammie chuckled and took out his stethoscope. "Never mind, Raymond."
Without another word, Raymond stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
Sophia sat up, fury burning in her veins. "You really have some guts, Sammie."
He smiled lazily. "Why? Because I want us back together?"
Her palm met his cheek in a sharp slap.
"How dare you say that to my face?!"
Sammie didn't flinch. Instead, he studied her, amused. "You don't look like someone who's sick, though."
"Get out of my room." Her voice was low, dangerous.
Sammie smirked. "Alright then. Talk to you later." He turned and strolled out, whistling.
Sophia clenched her fists. How dare he? After everything, after the humiliation, he still had the audacity to claim her as if nothing had happened?
***
The family gathering had concluded.
The maids bustled about, gathering the decorations and leftover dishes. The family strolled into the garden, enjoying the summer scenery.
Raymond, noticing the full attendance, decided it was time.
Clearing his throat, he stepped forward. "For more than thirty years of my life, I have worked my ass off for this organization. I have dedicated my time, my effort, and watched my father blend business with family life. It was admirable, something I wanted for myself. So, please, you all do me the honour of accepting what I want for myself."
Will Smith sighed. "Can you just stop beating around the bush?"
Raymond turned to Amelia. "As much as I admire your resilience and independence, I love myself more. I have tried to love you for five years, but the more I tried, the more I deceived myself. I refuse to deceive myself any longer, Amelia."
Tears streaked Amelia's face. "I can't believe what you're doing."
"I don't love you, Amelia. And I never will. You deserve better."
The sound of her slap echoed through the garden.
"How dare you!!!"