Chapter 28Morning at Jackson’s QuartersThe next day, Theo stood outside Jackson’s room, his knuckles rapping firmly on the wooden door. The hallway was quiet, with the faint hum of morning activity echoing from the kitchen below. After a moment, the door creaked open, revealing Jackson in sweatpants and a loose hoodie, his hair slightly disheveled.“Theo? You’re up early,” Jackson said, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “What’s going on?”“We need to talk,” Theo said, stepping inside without waiting for an invitation. His face was stern, his tone clipped. Jackson frowned, shutting the door behind him.“What’s the urgency?” Jackson asked, gesturing to a chair for Theo to sit.Theo ignored the offer and remained standing, crossing his arms. “It’s about Sophia,” he began. “You’ve heard the story she’s spinning, right? That she ‘escaped’ from Diego Morales?”Jackson snorted, walking over to the mini-fridge to grab a bottle of water. “Yeah, cock and bull if you ask me. No way Diego just l
Chapter 29Nathan and Jackson left Jackson's room with purposeful strides, their conversation still buzzing in their minds. The tension was palpable as they navigated the winding corridors of Alejandro’s mansion.“Where could he be right now?” Nathan said, his tone edged with frustration.Jackson, clutching his laptop, shrugged. “Theo’s always moving around. Let’s check his room.”They turned down the hall and knocked on Theo’s door. After a few moments of silence, Nathan tried the handle, but the room was empty.“Not here,” Jackson muttered, glancing around.Nathan sighed. “Let’s try the gym. He’s been in there a lot lately.”The two made their way downstairs to the gym. The faint sound of weights clinking and rhythmic grunts echoed down the hall as they approached. Inside, they found Jake Turner, shirtless and dripping with sweat, in the middle of a vigorous set of pull-ups.Jake noticed them in the mirror and smirked. “What’s up, nerds?” he said, dropping down from the bar and grab
Chapter 30The next day was a Sunday. It was a bright morning, and the mansion grounds were bustling with activity. The new gardener was trimming hedges, while a few maids hurried about their chores. At the gate, Martin, the elderly gateman, was performing his usual duties, meticulously inspecting everyone entering and leaving.A sleek, black car pulled up at the gate, and Oscar stepped out. Dressed in an expensive tracksuit and sunglasses, he looked around with a smug expression. He gestured impatiently at Martin, his tone sharp.“Hurry up, old man! Do you want me to stand here all day?” Oscar snapped, leaning against the car. “Open the gate already!”Martin, used to dealing with difficult people, remained calm but couldn’t hide the slight frown forming on his face. “I’m just doing my job, sir. Could you please confirm your identity?”Oscar scoffed, pulling off his sunglasses. “I’m Sophia’s gym instructor. She’s expecting me. Now stop wasting my time and open the gate!”Martin nodded
Chapter 31He left the gym and headed straight for Theo’s office. Pushing open the door, he found Theo reviewing the updated security plans.“Got a minute?” Miguel asked, shutting the door behind him.“Sure,” Theo said, leaning back in his chair. “What’s up?”Miguel crossed his arms, pacing slightly. “It’s about Sophia and that so-called gym instructor of hers, Oscar.”Theo raised an eyebrow. “What about them?”“I just saw them in the gym. The way they were interacting—too close, too familiar. He told her he missed her after the ‘kidnapping.’ It’s odd, Theo. He’s supposed to be her trainer, not her confidant.”Theo frowned. “You think there’s something going on between them?”Miguel stopped pacing, his expression serious. “I don’t just think it—I know it. And we need to keep a closer eye on them. There’s something about Oscar that doesn’t add up. He’s disrespectful to staff, acts entitled, and now he’s cozying up to Sophia.”Theo nodded thoughtfully. “Do you want me to escalate this?
Chapter 32Later That AfternoonThe golden rays of the afternoon sun streamed through the large windows of Alejandro’s mansion as the doorbell echoed throughout the luxurious halls. James, the butler, shuffled to the entrance, opening the door to reveal two women—Amy Johnson and Judy Miller.Amy wore a simple floral dress that flattered her petite frame, while Judy was dressed in bold designer clothing, her oversized sunglasses perched arrogantly on her head.“Welcome, ladies,” Mr. James said with a polite nod, stepping aside to let them in.Amy gasped, her eyes widening as she took in the grandeur of the mansion's new interior that Sophia had had made. “Oh my gosh, Judy, look at this place! It’s like something out of a movie!” she whispered excitedly.Judy rolled her eyes, stepping inside with a smirk. “Calm down, Amy. It’s not like you’re moving in. You’ll embarrass yourself, as usual.”Amy flushed but ignored the jab, too enamored by the sparkling chandeliers and marble floors to c
"Sophia, wait!" Alejandro called out to his wife.She stopped her car and rolled down the window, looking at her husband with angry eyes. Despite his good looks, Alejandro felt worthless to her because he was broke. “What do you want?”"Sophie, I thought you said you'd give me a ride today," he said, trying to catch his breath, but Sophia's reaction was harsh."Why would I bother with someone like you? You can't even afford a car. Take the bus, that's what poor people do," she spat before driving off, leaving Alejandro feeling hurt and rejected.He proceeded to walk to work, dressed neatly in uniform. He was handsome and attracted attention, but he only had eyes for his wife, Sophia, despite her disrespect."Hey there!" Someone called out, and Alejandro looked up to see a fancy car parked nearby. It was bright colored, and the driver, a woman wearing expensive diamond jewelry, smiled at him.She is Charlotte Roosevelt, the daughter of Mr. Roosevelt, a very wealthy businessman.She has
"This can't be happening," Alejandro whispered more to himself.His eyes welled up with tears as he thought about his wife. What would he tell her? What would he tell his family? They would mock him, as they always did.Alejandro made his way to his workstation, packing up his belongings. He had been loyal to his boss for years, ever since he graduated from school, and now he was being cast aside. He felt a surge of anger, not just at losing his job, but at his boss's lack of trust in him. He hadn't been given a chance to prove himself. But in the end, he was just another insignificant employee.Stuffing his designs into his bag, including the ones he had hoped to present to his boss, Alejandro felt a surge of bitterness. He glanced at the jewelry, especially the piece he had intended for Sophia, before angrily shoving them into his bag."Oh, leaving already? I can talk to your boss for you. You know what I want," Charlotte interjected, her voice cutting through his thoughts. Alejandr
The next day, Alejandro was ready for his interview. He was dressed neatly in one of Miguel's clothes. He arrived on time at the big company building, feeling excited about the opportunity.When he approached the receptionist, she gave him a sensual look.But he overlooked her. "I'm here for my interview," he said politely, offering a small smile.The receptionist hesitated but eventually allowed him inside. He waited for a while before being called in by another employee.“Good morning, sir.” Alejandro greeted the interviewer as he entered the room."Good morning. Please take a seat," the interviewer said and Alejandro sat down.Just then, Charlotte walked into the office, "Charles, is this your choice for the job? Big mistake," she said, addressing the interviewer."Do you know each other, Charlotte?" Charles asked."Yes, he's not suitable for the interview," Charlotte declared."But I..." Alejandro attempted to speak."Shut up. Get out now," Charlotte snapped at him."Please, sir.