The city streets flashed by the tinted windows, and India found herself already planning the details of the upcoming feast. She knew it would be a delicate balancing act, appeasing both the public and her father, but the sense of purpose that filled her was exhilarating. The headquarters of the Avendano enterprises finally came to view. The driver pulled up to the main entrance, and India alighted, smoothing a hand over her crisp, tailored skirt. She strode through the revolving doors, the receptionist immediately rising to her feet and curtseying as India approached. "Good afternoon, Lady Avendano," the receptionist greeted, her voice polite and deferential. "The board of directors have been waiting in the conference room." India nodded, glancing at her wristwatch. It was a few minutes past noon. "Thank you," she replied, her tone measured. "Has anyone been looking for me?" The receptionist shook her head. "No, ma'am." India pursed her lips, a slight
India shook her head in disappointment and turned around to walk out on Alex, just as she reached for the door knob, her phone beeped. She paused, her hand frozen on the knob, and glanced down at the device in her hand. An incoming message. Curiosity piqued, she clicked on it. Her eyes dilated in shock as she scanned the words on the screen. India stood rooted to the spot, staring blankly at the phone, her expression unreadable. Alex frowned and stepped closer, reaching out a hand to touch her shoulder. "What's wrong?" he asked, concern lacing his voice. "Is there a problem, India?" India shrugged off his touch, her gaze still fixed on the phone. She stood there, unmoving, for several long seconds. The tension in the room was palpable. Finally, she moved, opening the door and striding back into the conference room where the board of directors were still waiting. Without a word, she headed straight to the far end of the long table, her heels clicking ag
The sun was slowly dipping behind the horizon, painting the sky in a breathtaking array of oranges and pinks. Alex sat in the backseat of the car, his gaze fixed on the rearview mirror as his driver navigated the bustling expressway. The thunderous bass of the music blasting through the speakers pulsed in sync with the movements of Alex's head as he munched absentmindedly on a bowl of cheese balls. The driver's eyes were fixed on the road ahead, his brow furrowed in concentration. Alex cleared his throat, shifting in his seat to get a better view of the driver through the rearview mirror. "Yooo, you looked lost. Do you even know where we're headed?" Alex asked, his voice slightly muffled by the music. The driver glanced up briefly, nodding. "Of course I do... We're going to Hiram Decks Hotel. I am not lost in thoughts," he replied, his tone calm and professional. Alex nodded, then hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Well, that's valid enough. Uhm.
As they approached the corner, a black jeep suddenly appeared, blocking their path. The driver slammed on the brakes, the car jerking to a stop just inches from the jeep. Alex frowned, his irritation evident as he and the driver alighted from the car to confront whoever was driving the car. "What the hell!" Alex cursed, waiting for whoever was driving the car to come out. He couldn't see anyone because of how tinted the glasses were. Just then, the four doors of the jeep opened, and four men in the same outfit, black suits, black hats, and black shoes emerged, their expressions stern and serious. The driver stepped forward, his voice raised. "What the hell is the meaning of this? How dare you block our way like that!" One of the men in black exchanged a glance with his companions, then turned his gaze to the driver. "Move aside, we are not here for you," he said, his tone commanding. Alex moved closer to the man, his eyes narrowed. "Who do you t
India paced back and forth alone in the courtyard, her expression serious and gloomy as she held her phone in her hand, dialing a number, the phone hanging on her ear each time she called. The phone rang several times as she kept redialing over and over but there was no response. India hadn't been able to get hold of herself since the text she got in her office that says, "Now, I have a task for you." India stomped her feet in frustration, her eyes filling with unshed tears. She walked up to the wooden bench at one side of the courtyard and sat down, dropping her phone as her face buried in her palms. The warm morning sun shone down on the lush greenery of the courtyard, the gentle breeze rustling the leaves of the towering trees that lined the perimeter. India's shoulders rose and fell with each deep, shaky breath she took, trying to compose herself. The weight of whatever was troubling her seemed to press down upon her, making it difficult to breathe. Ju
Just then, the sound of footsteps approaching drew India's attention, and she looked up to see Magnus. Magnus was a tall, handsome figure, his casual white t-shirt and jeans doing little to conceal the well-defined muscles of his physique. As he approached, he bowed slightly, his expression one of respect and concern. "You summoned me, my lady?" he said, his voice low and steady. India managed a small smile, quickly wiping away the tears that had begun to gather in her eyes. "Yes, Magnus, how was your trip to Tanzania? Father told me about the challenges y'all had to face. Please, have a seat." Magnus shook his head, his brow furrowing slightly. "I'm fine standing, my lady. It was South Africa we visited, and thanks for your concern. It's actually one of the best trip we've had this year." India's smile wavered, and she gently patted the empty space on the bench beside her. "I insist. I won't be comfortable having this conversation with you if you're s
India sat at the dining table, absentmindedly scrolling through her phone as she finished her breakfast. India's lips curled into a small smile as she read through a particularly promising email from one of their business partners. Things seemed to have been going well for the company lately, and she felt a sense of pride swell within her. Just then, India's mother approached the table, a kind smile on her face. "Good morning, dear," she said, her voice soft and gentle. India looked up, her smile widening as she greeted her mother. "Good morning, Maria," she replied, her tone cheerful. "You look stunning today? I love your outfit." Maria tilted her head slightly, her brow furrowing with curiosity. "Well, thank you... I can't remember the last time you actually genuinely compliment my outfit, thanks. You seem to be in a very good mood this morning," she observed. "May I ask what has you smiling so much? And I want to believe that's the reason you complimented me
"Malakai?" she murmured, her fingers trembling slightly as she answered the call. "Hello?" "India, dear," Malakai's smooth voice purred through the line, "how are you? I have been looking forward to your call since you left the headquarters but I got no calls from me and I was just very worried. How have you been?" India stood up from the swing she had been sitting on, her grip on the phone tightening. "I'm...I'm doing alright, thanks for your concern," she replied, her tone tinged with wariness. "Is there any reason in particular you called?" There was a brief pause, and India could practically feel the weight of Malakai's gaze even through the phone. "Well, you see, I have a business idea that I think will blow your mind," he said, his voice laced with excitement. "Oh wow, really? And what is that about?" India asked with a smirk on her face. "Well, this is not something I can talk over the phone... But this one idea is something that could take us, I