A week later.
Raymond was busy sorting out files in his office. He had been so busy since he came back from Country Y. As he was organizing some documents, his mind wandered to Lina. It had been a week since she left, and he couldn’t shake the feeling of emptiness.
A soft knock was heard as his office door opened, showing Lucas. “Sir, this is the information about Lina’s mother’s death . All you need to know is in there. Lucas walked in with a folder.
Raymond’s eyes locked onto the folder, his mind snapping back to the reason Lina had agreed to marry him in the first place.
“Lucas, this information… Does it shed light on Lina’s mother’s death?” Raymond asked, his voice tinged with urgency. Anything concerning Lina is urgent.
Lucas nodded solemnly. “Yes, sir. The reports suggest Laura’s death was not an accident, just as madam Lina suggested.
Raymond’s grip on the folder tightened. “What do you mean?” he pressed, his mind racing with possibilities.
Lucas hesitated before speaking. “The investigation at the time concluded it was a heart failure but… there are inconsistencies. Whispers of foul play.”
Raymond’s thoughts flashed back to Lina’s words: “I want to find out what really happened to my mother. I don’t think her death was natural.”
He remembered the determination in her eyes, the drive to uncover the truth.
“Lucas, what about her stepmother’s involvement?” Raymond asked, his eyes scanning the folder.
Lucas’s expression turned grave. “Sir, the evidence suggests her stepmother may have had a hand in Madam mother’s death. Motive, means, and opportunity all point to her.”
Raymond’s jaw clenched. He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.
“I have to inform Lina about this.” He stood up. “No, I can’t tell her about this now, she is still writing her exams, I don’t want her attention to be divided. He sat down back.
Lucas nodded. “Agreed, sir. But we must tread carefully. Her stepmother is a very cunning woman, and if she’s involved…”
Raymond’s eyes locked onto Lucas’s.
“I’ll protect Lina, no matter what. Get me everything you can on her stepmother’s dealings.”
As Lucas left, Raymond’s thoughts turned to Lina. He knew he had to tell her the truth, but how would she react? No matter what , he would shield her from all evils.
*********
Glamour clothing and textile.
Rihanna’s company.
Rihanna walked through the bustling corridors of Glamour Clothing and Textile, her sharp eyes scanning every detail. She inspected the design department, where creative teams worked tirelessly to bring her vision to life. She did this twice a month.
“Rihanna, we’ve finalized the new collection’s prototypes,” her lead designer, Sophia, said, holding up a stunning evening gown. Sophia was one of the oldest staff in the company. After her parents death, she helped her a lot in the supervision of the company.
Rihanna’s eyes widened. “Sophia, this is exquisite. The embroidery, the cut… it’s perfect.”
Next, Rihanna visited the production floor, where rows of skilled seamstresses and tailors worked on bringing the designs to life.
“Rihanna, we’re on track to meet the deadline,” the production manager, Mark, assured her.
Rihanna nodded, her mind already reeling in expectations.
As she continued her inspections, Rihanna’s assistant, Emily, approached her.
“Ma’am, you have a call from the receptionist. Someone wants to see you.” “Did I have an appointment with the person?” Rihanna asked. Shaking her head, her assistant replied. “No ma, that’s why I’m informing you.”
Rihanna raised an eyebrow. “Who is it?” “It’s one Mr. Jayden ma’am.”
Rihanna’s heart raised at Jayden’s name. “Send him in.” She said before making her way to the elevator, sending her to the top floor of her office.
As Rihanna entered her office. She went into her break room standing in front of the mirror. She checked herself out if anything was not out of place. She rearranged her brown silky hair. Looking at the elegant woman reflecting in the mirror, she felt satisfied as she shifted the hem of her pants.
As she walked out, she heard a soft knock on her door. She sat down on her executive chair, eradicating the aura of a C. E. O.
“Come in.” Her soft voice sounded.
The door opened as Jayden walked in with a bouquet of roses.
“Wow, is that for me?” She stood up as she walked up to him. Looking at the confident aura she walked in, Jayden’s heart melted.
She wore a navy pantsuit with a crisp white blouse, fitted jacket, and black pumps. Her brown hair was styled in a sleek bob, framing her bright brown eyes.
“Yes, this is for a beautiful woman whose beauty takes my breath away.” He passed the bouquet of roses to her. Ria collected it with a flush cheek as she whispered a thank you.
Since that day he had helped her with her shopping bags. They have become close friends. Ria always bumped into him, either when going to take her mail from the mailbox, or when she went for her morning run.
“Why are you here? You didn’t tell me you were coming.”
“I was passing by, and it’s almost lunch time, so I came to ask if I may have the honor to eat with a beautiful woman today.” He teased her.
Ria’s cheeks flushed at his teasing. “Is that a date? Her brown eyes stared into his green ones, sending ripples down his throat. “Sure, who wouldn’t date a beauty.” He smirked.
“I will be honored to join you.” She giggled. Since she wasn’t busy, why not go on a lunch date with a handsome man.
Give me a second. She walked back to her desk, placing the roses into a flower vase, before taking her purse. “Shall we.” She smiled.
Jayden nodded, before taking her arm as they walked out of her office.
As they walked out of the elevator, her employees were stealing a glance of their boss and her partner from different angles.
As they stepped out of the elevator, Rihanna’s employees couldn’t help but stare. Whispers and murmurs filled the air.
“Wow, who is that handsome guy? Oh my gosh, I might faint.”
“Looks like the boss has a new beau.”
“Wow, they make a stunning couple.”
Rihanna and Jayden walked through the lobby, oblivious to the attention. They stepped into the bright sunlight, and Jayden led her to his sleek black car.
“Where are we going?” Rihanna asked, her curiosity piqued.
“I know a great Italian place nearby,” Jayden replied, opening the door for her.
As they drove, Rihanna couldn’t help but feel a spark of excitement. She hadn’t been on a date in ages, and Jayden’s charming smile put her at ease.
Upon arriving at the restaurant, they were greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread and the sound of soft Italian music. Jayden guided her to a cozy table by the window.
Over lunch, they laughed and talked, sharing stories and getting to know more about each other. Rihanna found herself opening up to Jayden in ways she never thought possible.
As they finished their meal, Jayden reached across the table and took her hand.
“I’m so glad you accepted my invite,” he said, his eyes locking onto hers.
Rihanna’s heart skipped a beat. “Nothing to worry about.” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
The air was charged with tension as they sat there, hands entwined.
Suddenly, Jayden’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and frowned.
“I’m sorry, Rihanna. I need to take this.”
Rihanna nodded, releasing his hand.
As Jayden stepped outside to take the call, Rihanna couldn’t shake off the feeling that something was off, but she brushed it off.
Using the opportunity of Jayden’s absence, she went to the bathroom. She didn’t expect she would bump into a conniving bitch here.
“Well, if this isn’t my stupid sister lapdog.” Mira mocked as she stared at Rihanna reflection through the bathroom mirror.