MR. Redford stood at the window of his expansive study, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows across the room. He took a deep breath, gripping the polished mahogany sill as if drawing strength from the sturdy wood. The situation had become more precarious than he had anticipated. Time was slipping through his fingers like sand, and he needed a plan to secure his daughter Amelia’s future.
He had done everything he could but none just seemed to be working, none. Jeremy still proved difficult.
A knock on the door drew his attention. It was Amelia, she entered without waiting for a response, her eyes bright with curiosity and a touch of apprehension. For a moment, Mr Redford admired his daughter as she gracefully walked in.
She had inherited her mother’s grace and his own determination, a combination that made her both resilient and perceptive.
“You wanted to see me, Father?” She asked, closing the door behind her.
“Yes, Amelia. Please, have a seat,” Mr. Redford said, motioning to the chair opposite his desk.
He walked away from the window, his expression serious.
“I need to discuss something important with you.”
She sat down, smoothing the folds of her newly gotten Versace dress.
“What is it?”
Mr. Redford walked over to his desk and sat down, steepling his fingers as he collected his thoughts.
“I need you to take a trip, my dear. A few weeks, perhaps a month.”
Her brows furrowed.
“A trip? Where to?” She inquired.
“Anywhere you like. A vacation, a retreat, somewhere relaxing,” he replied, choosing his words carefully. “It’s important,” he added.
“Important? Why?” Amelia leaned forward, her eyes searching his face for answers.
Mr. Redford sighed.
“You know about the situation with Jeremy, his engagement to you is not just a personal matter, but a strategic alliance for our family and business.”
Emily nodded.
“Yes, I know all that. But what does my traveling have to do with it? We are actually supposed to be tackling and dealing with it, not going on vacation.”
Mr. Redford sighed again.
“Jeremy… he has developed feelings for someone else I suppose,” Mr. Redford admitted, his voice low and strained.
She swallowed hard.
“It is causing complications. If you are away, it might give me the time I need to persuade him to honor his commitment to you. Out of sight, out of mind, as they say.”
Amelia’s eyes widened with a mix of surprise and hurt.
“You think sending me away will make him forget about her, or whoever?”
Mr. Redford reached across the desk, taking her hand in his.
“I need to protect our family’s interests, Amelia. This alliance is crucial. If I can have a bit more time, I believe I can convince him to see reason. To understand the benefits of marrying you.”
Amelia pulled her hand back, folding her arms defensively.
“And what about me, Father? How do you think I feel about all of this?”
Mr. Redford’s expression softened.
“I know it is difficult, my dear. But sometimes sacrifices are necessary for the greater good. Think of the future, the stability it will bring to our family and to you.”
Amelia looked away, her mind racing. She had grown up understanding the weight of her family’s expectations, the intricate web of alliances and obligations. But the reality of it, the cold manipulation of her own life, was a bitter pill to swallow, what if this doesn’t work? What if… what if?
“I will go,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper, “but promise me, Father, that you will consider my happiness too. Not just the family’s future.”
Mr. Redford nodded, relief washing over him.
“I promise, Amelia. Your happiness means everything to me, you have always wanted to be with Jeremy, I know. Trust that I am doing this for us all.”
She stood, feeling the weight of the decision settle on her shoulders. She gave her father a strained smile before turning to leave the room.
As the door closed behind her, Mr. Redford exhaled deeply. He knew he was walking a fine line, balancing ambition and family, hope and deception. He just prayed that the gamble he was taking would pay off before it was too late.
***
To say she was shocked was an understatement as to what Jasira felt on sighting Zach, her world most dreaded enemy, she was more than shocked. Zach? Where the hell did he emanate from? And what was he doing there? With Lord Lucario? She was so puzzled.
Zach on his own world wasn’t any bit surprised, he knew his little niece belonged to the organization, hence he maintained composure.
“Z… Zach?” She managed to call.
Lucario raised his eyebrows.
“You know him?” He asked.
She finally turned her gaze away from him to Lucario.
“He is my uncle,” she softly said, “the shit uncle I told you about,” she concluded and Zach scoffed.
Lucario nodded knowingly.
“Nice to meet you again little motherfucker niece,” he said, baring his brown set of teeth and she recoiled her face in disgust.
“What the hell is he doing here Lucario?” She inquired, ignoring him.
“Well, you are here for something else, so, in due course you would get to know,” he said.
She sighed, turning to cast Zach a glare again.
“Sit,” Lucario motioned, pointing to a seat adjacent to Zach, and she sat, still glaring wickedly at Zach.
“I have finally accepted your decision Jasira -.”
“Oh!” She exclaimed, her heart pounding. She knew this moment was coming, but the uncertainty gnawed at her. What would he ask of her? What task could possibly earn her freedom from this gilded cage?
Lucario leaned forward, his fingers steepled under his chin.
“You want your freedom,” he began, his tone measured, “you want to escape this life and live on your own terms. I understand that, but freedom comes at a price, I have said this before.”
Her eyes narrowed.
“What do you want from me?”
He smirked, a predator’s smile.
“The CEO, the CEO with the most clean records, Jeremy Petersons-.”
Her heart pounded, what the heck!
“He has been elusive, ignoring my client’s requests for a partnership. I need you to get his attention.”
For a moment she was dazed, and befuddled, her stomach dropped. What the hell!
“You want me to manipulate Jeremy?” She asked, her voice so low.
Lucario’s smile widened.
“I want you to convince him. Use whatever influence you can. Make him see the benefits of my client’s alliance. If you can secure this partnership for me, you will have your freedom.”
Her mind raced as never before. Jeremy, her man, was her escape, her sanctuary. Agreeing to do this felt like a betrayal, but the promise of freedom was intoxicating. She was so speechless to talk.
Lucario smiled, he knew it.
“If the young man refuses to comply, you pull the trigger,” he said, his voice as cold as the marble floor beneath them.
“What!” She gasped.