It’s been three days in North City and they hadn’t found the assassin. It seemed like the perpetrator had vanished into thin air, as well as the zeal to find the offender.
Everyone believed the assassin had left the estate and did their duties like normal. Liam however needed to be more calm. He had never lost a battle or failed at doing whatever he set his mind to
As a result, he couldn’t let it go. He refused to accept that the offender had escaped his hands after committing such a deadly sin.
Not to talk of escaping the iron-tight gates of the Fernando estate. No one had left the estate since the incident and he believed the offender was hidden somewhere inside the estate – Waiting for an opportunity to let his guard down to slip away or, worse, get his target right.
June however was not having it. Due to the situation, she was relegated to her chamber, working tirelessly until she couldn’t. June’s drive to finish the project in record time tripled upon hearing the news from South City.
She needed to get things moving to complete the project in record time. To do that, she needed to visit the site more often than not. She needed to carry out a thorough examination of the grounds to give her best work yet.
June received information that she would be dining with Liam at the end of the day. She looked forward to finally having an audience with him. Soon, she was seated at the end of the long dining table with Liam directly opposite.
The servants served the meals and left the area, standing afar off while they had dinner. “How has the search been coming along?” June asked after the meal.
A frost appeared on his face. “There’s been no progress.” He admitted, eyes focused on June. “We will not relent in our search so rest assured, this will be concluded soon. In the meantime, please carry on with your work in the safe confines of your chambers.”
“I think you have misunderstood me,” June said. “I am not scared of the situation. I think it’s time you pursued this assassin in another way.”
“Explain.”
“All these while, you have searched the estate and shut down activities to find this assassin but there’s been no results.” Liam felt salty but continued to listen. “I think this assassin would be found if we ease up on the search.”
Liam raised a suspicious brow. “You want me to end the search? That’s your big plan?”
“I want you to give the impression of ending the search. Make it seem like you’ve moved in from the situation and allow them to make a move.” June said thoughtfully.
“And if I end up losing them?” Liam asked, waiting for a response.
“Then you might as well take the loss.” A frown marred his face at her words. “Besides, I think you will have another opportunity to redeem yourself. One thing about killers is that they never stop until they achieve their goal.”
Liam scoffed. “Your big plan is to put my life at risk and tempt them into making a move?”
June suddenly felt abashed. “Of course not! I just-”
“I think that is a great idea,” Liam said thoughtfully.
June – “!!!”
This man got on her nerves with his beautiful looks. She shook her head to ward off the silly thoughts and tried again.
“You don’t need to place your life on the line. You just have to make it look like you are laid back. Allow them to make a move and catch them red-handed.”
Liam stood up with a nod. “Thank you for your contributions. I will immediately work towards them.” He made to leave but a sound left June’s throat.
“Wait!” Liam turned around with raised brows. “I mean, I am not done speaking,” June cleared her throat.
Liam returned to his seat, eyes focused on June who suddenly squirmed in her seat. His eyes were so intense! They lit a fire she struggled to quench within her.
Darn that seductive eyes!
“I need to visit the lands,” June said, gauging his reaction. It seemed like Liam had a lot to say but she continued regardless. “I know it’s not safe but I have to complete that tour to progress with my project.”
“As you know, I have a company in South City. It’s not so convenient to leave my job for an extended period. I hope you can understand, you are not the only paying client.”
“I could pay double.” He said with an aloof look. “Or I could buy your service for an entire year. How much would it cost?”
June felt anger build up in her. Did he think she was poor? What was this reckless display of wealth?
“I am afraid that’s not possible. JL Constructions is booked and busy with deals for the remainder of this year. You should treat my presence as a rare privilege.” She spoke snottily.
“This goddess of Architecture is sought after by clients within and outside the country.” She said haughtily. “Join the line!”
Liam wore a gliding smirk. “I could buy over their spots and make your company an exclusive partner.” He remarked, “This world is ruled by money and power. Two things I am not lacking.”
He bit his lower lip and the action sent spirals down her spine. “Besides, I never lose. I always get what I want.” He got up and sent a devastatingly gorgeous wink her way. “Do not tempt me, Little Rivera.”
June took a second to recover from his antics. “Wait!”
Liam stopped by the door. “I will arrange for some men to escort you to the land tomorrow. Have a good night.”
True to his words, June was escorted to the lands for inspection and supervision the next day. She spent the whole day travelling the large sparse land with the ATV.
By the end of the day, she was happy with her work and ready to continue with the project. Liam also took June’s advice to play and resumed normal activities in the Fernando estate.
The people were confused at the sudden ease of activities experienced in the estate and some believed the assassin had been caught. Liam’s step-brother and aide sought him out in his office in light of the situation.
“What is going on? Why have you ordered the men to ease on the search?” Arnold asked with a frown. “The assassin might seize this opportunity and leave.”
Liam tutted. “Oh, brother. Always the pessimist.” He smiled. “If the assassin was still in the estate, I guess they managed to escape.”
“Why are you giving up? The gates have been locked for a long time now. They would be hiding somewhere! Ordering for the gates to be opened is a wrong decision!”
Liam didn’t appreciate his brother’s tone. “Fix your tone, brother.” He gritted and his brother bit his tongue.
“I apologise.” He said with head bowed. “I was only looking after our interest. Someone tried to kill you.”
“I understand your anger,” Liam said with a smirk. “Rest assured, I can’t be killed.”
Arnold scoffed at his brother’s words. He always thought his brother to be too conceited and arrogant! He can’t be killed? Humph! You just wait! He thought darkly.
However, his words were in direct contrast to his dark heart. “You shouldn’t be too sure.” He opined, “These people were able to snuggle in someone to attack you and as the case may be, it seems like they have been able to take them out of the estate.”
“You should be more careful,” Arnold said, his hands wrapped tightly in a fist.
Liam smiled. “You are wrong. They should be careful. They might have escaped this time around but they won’t be lucky the next time.”
Arnold wore a tight smile. “Of course.”
Weeks passed and the news of Liam Fernando’s birthday event was the talk of North City. The event was open to high-profile men and women from various countries and states.
Fernando’s group of companies could be found in every state of the world. The company helped the economy. As a result, politicians, presidents and businessmen tried to curry favour from the enigmatic Liam Fernando, hoping to build valuable friendships that would yield profits in the long run.
Other than the colourful individuals invited to the event, the party was also open to members of the Fernando estate. The workers who worked closely in the estate participated in the preparations and were tasked with the responsibility of making everything work perfectly on that day.
June was not left out. One night, while she worked in her quarters after a delicious dinner, Liam sought her out. She opened her door and failed to hide the surprise of seeing him.
“Can I come in?”