“Were you around the Upper West Side recently?” Timothy asked Connor as they waited for Jason and Reuben to join them in the car.Since Timothy was sitting in the backseat and Connor was in the front seat, Timothy didn’t see Connor tense up at his question.“So he did see me the day I was in front of his house,” Connor thought to himself. “Upper West Side? No, I hardly ever have any reason to be in an area like that." Connor lied effortlessly, his voice lower than usual."Hmm, okay then,” Timothy said, but Connor knew that response well, and he knew that it meant that Timothy wasn’t convinced.Being alone in the car with Timothy was almost a suffocating experience for Connor. He felt like he was just one wrong answer or wrong movement away from being found out.He had spent so many years around him, so his fears of Timothy finding him out and ruining his plans were not irrational.After all, he had done it once before.The thing he was most afraid of was Timothy recognising his voic
“With immense pleasure, I present to you the new President of the Elysian Syndicate, the man who has risen to the top against all odds, Mr. Jason Grey.”The reaction to the presidential announcement was nothing short of a mix of emotions.There were the people who erupted into cheers and claps, the loudest among them coming from Reuben and Timothy.There were others who were slightly confused. They were sure that the new president would be a well-known billionaire or the well-known child of a billionaire, but the name Jason Grey was new to them. Nevertheless, they clapped and anticipated his arrival on stage.Then there was the final category of people—the Sinclairs. Nothing could have prepared them for the announcement. Annette, Noah, and David all let out audible gasps, not seeming to care that they were in public.Annette looked at Diana as if she would have all the answers. “Diana, tell me she isn't talking about what we’re all thinking.”“Mom… I don't-”“There’s no way,” Andrew
“Hello Everyone, Sorry, I was late. Last-minute wardrobe change,” Jason said, then he removed his cap, revealing his face to the crowd.The room fell silent. The guests exchanged puzzled glances, trying to determine if this was a joke or if the man in drab clothing was truly the president of the Elysian Syndicate.“No, there’s no way,” someone muttered.“They need to stop wasting time and bring the real president out,” another whispered.Members of the crowd whispered their doubts amongst themselves. But the loudest reaction wasn't one of words, and it came from none other than Stefan.Stefan’s grip on his glass tightened, and his face paled. The realisation hit him like a thunderbolt—Jason Grey, the man he had despised and plotted against, was the president of the continent’s largest company. The shock was so overwhelming that he lost his grip, and the glass slipped from his hand, shattering on the floor.The sound of breaking glass drew a few curious glances, but Stefan was too stun
Once Stefan read the last sentence of the text message, all he could see was red. He gave one last glare towards Jason, who was still speaking, the sight of him only amplifying Stefan’s rage.“You can’t let anyone see you lose control,” Stefan whispered to himself.Determined not to let his emotions show, Stefan took a deep breath and walked out of the crowded hall, concentrating on each step. Every muscle seemed to be under tight control, fighting against the urge to rush or falter. “Where are you going, dear?" Annette stuttered as Stefan walked out, but he didn’t turn back, and soon he was out of the main hall.The Grand Lumière was like a labyrinth, with its myriad rooms and hidden corners. However, Stefan was able to easily locate one of the libraries.As he walked inside the empty, quiet room, he could feel the tension in his body subside. Now that he could think somewhat clearly, he needed to come up with a plan to get rid of William for good. And he needed to do it before Jaso
Officer William paced nervously in the moonlit garden of the Grand Lumiere. The night was calm; the soft rustling of leaves was the only sound breaking the silence. He clutched his phone tightly, waiting for Stefan. He heard footsteps approaching on the gravel path, and his heart leapt. The silhouette of a man appeared, and William let out a sigh of relief, thinking his payday had finally arrived."Stefan, you had me thinking you wouldn’t show up. I’m glad you made the right choice," William muttered to himself, straightening his posture.The figure stepped closer, and William squinted to make out the face in the dim light of the garden lanterns."Stefan?" he called out."No," a cold voice responded.William's eyes widened in shock as Nicolas emerged from the shadows, dressed in a gardener’s attire, his expression devoid of any emotion."Who are you? What do you want?" William stammered, his voice trembling. He could tell from the man’s demeanour that he wasn’t there to water the pla
The garden buzzed with chaotic energy. The serenity of the area was lost and now the air was full of the fear, confusion, and reproach from various guests.“Do you really think he killed him?” Noah said.“Who knows what he’s capable of? How awful to think we could’ve been living with a murderer all those years.”Annette said. She wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to talk down on Jason, especially now that they had just found out a few minutes ago that he held such a high position.“There’s no way. Jason would never” Diana whispered as she took in the sight in front of her. She didn’t know when the words slipped out of her, she meant to keep them as just thoughts but she wasn’t able to.Her words made all the heads of her family members turn to her and look at her in confusion but she didn’t care, her eyes were still fixed on her ex-husband.Jason stood at the centre of the, his hands raised in a futile attempt to placate the crowd. “I found him like this,” he repeated, his voice wa
The police arrived swiftly, the flashing lights of their cars casting eerie shadows across the garden. Officers spilled out, moving with practised efficiency. They immediately began to secure the area, setting up additional barriers. Detectives approached the body, taking photographs and collecting evidence. They meticulously examined the area, marking spots of interest and gathering samples. Meanwhile, other officers conducted brief interviews with witnesses, including the guests and the guards, taking notes on their statements. Jason, Amelia, and Rieben looked on anxiously as the police conducted their investigations. “Jason, things aren't looking good for you buddy” Reuben sighed. “You think I don't know that,” Jason said, the words came out harsher than he intended. Amelia and Reuben exchanged knowing glances, understanding how Jason was cracking under the pressure. “It's okay Jason, You’re innocent and we’re going to make sure that you get out of this,” Amelia said.
Reuben rushed back into the main hall and quickly moved through the room, scanning the worried faces of the guests who had gathered for the party. He found Timothy near the buffet table, his eyes wide with confusion and concern. Reuben gently grabbed his arm, leading him away from the crowd.“Timothy, we need to talk,” Reuben said, his voice steady but urgent.Timothy looked at him, searching for answers. “What’s happening, Reuben? I was in the bathroom, and when I came out, I started hearing strange things. Something about Jason and a murder”Reuben took a deep breath, knowing he needed to keep calm for both their sakes. “Jason went to the garden and found the lifeless body of an officer there. It’s a long story, and I still don’t know all the details of why he went there, but apparently, the officer had texted him asking him to meet him there, and they also spoke on the phone yesterday. But when he got to the garden, the officer died. Now Jason is on his way to the station for quest