Claire's eyes scanned the photos, her expression growing increasingly outraged. "These are pictures of Arnold with one of the servants," she announced, her voice dripping with disdain. "They were taken on different days, but they're always discussing something in the hidden archway in the garden."The room erupted into a chorus of gasps and murmurs, with all eyes fixed on Arnold. His face turned pale, his eyes wide with shock and fear. "How...how did you get these?" he stuttered, his mind racing.Maryam's eyes blazed with anger, her voice snapping, " How about you tell us who the liar is now, what did you do to Jake? Did you try to shut him up?" she demanded, her tone accusatory. The room fell silent once more as if everyone were awaiting Arnold's response. But he seemed unable to speak, his eyes darting wildly around the room, wishing he had a chance to escape.The evidence was damning, how could he beat that? “I…she is framing me, this is just a harmless picture, it doesn't prove a
Bryan woke up to the gentle rustle of sheets and the very familiar lavender smell of Claire's shampoo. He squinted at the light peeking through the windows. Bryan rubbed his eyes, feeling the fatigue of the long night still lingering. But as he turned to his side, he was greeted by the lovely sight of Claire, sitting beside him with a tray of freshly baked muffins and a bottle of red wine."Good morning," she said, her voice husky but still melodious. "I thought you might need a little something nice after last night."Bryan leaned back against the headboard, taking the tray from her. "Thanks, Claire, breakfast is a good idea," he replied and poured himself a glass of wine, but as he raised it to his lips, he hesitated. Wine would be a good idea but that wasn't what he needed that morning. He needed a clear head, a sharp mind to meet his brother that morning. "You've been working all night," Claire observed, her eyes filled with concern. "You must be exhausted."Bryan set the glass d
Claire's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're really going to bait him with a fake contract? That's risky, Bryan. What if Josiah figures it out?"Bryan's jaw was set in determination. "I have to take that chance, Claire. I need to know what Josiah knows about my past. Something tells me that he's an important factor on what happened to me after the army,” he replied. Claire's expression softened, her eyes filled with concern. "But what if this is all just a wild goose chase? What if Josiah doesn't know anything?"Bryan's eyes locked on hers, his gaze intense. "I have to try, Claire. And um sure that it isn't a wild goose chase. I can bet good money on that. Josiah just wouldn't go into hiding if he had nothing to hide. I also know that uncle Williams wouldn't be hiding him also," he stated. Claire nodded, her arms wrapping around him. "Okay, Bryan. I'll support you. But be careful, please. We don't know what we're dealing with here.” “Thank you, Claire. Josiah knows something, I'm su
Claire extended her hand, and Josiah took it, his grip firm as they shook hands. She was taken aback by the intensity of his gaze, his dark eyes seeming to bore into her soul. He held onto her hand a fraction of a second longer than necessary, and Claire felt a shiver run down her spine as she pulled away. He had a lustful glint in his eyes that almost made her groan. “What was it and men leering at her?" She thought inwardly and for a second regretted wearing the low neck blouse which seemed to catch Josiah's attention. “It's a huge pleasure to finally meet you, we've planned this meeting for so long," he said with a welcoming smile. "The pleasure is all mine," Claire replied and mustered a right smile of her own. Josiah spoke, his voice low and smooth, his smile charming. "You're even more beautiful than I imagined."Claire smiled politely, trying to hide her discomfort. "Thank you, Josiah. I get that compliment a lot," she replied and shrugged. She looked at the man closely. S
Josiah's expression darkened, his lips compressing into a thin line. He seemed to be struggling to maintain his composure, his eyes flashing with irritation. "I see," he said finally, his voice tight. "Well, I suppose that's understandable.""Of course it is, or would you want it any other way?” She asked, her tone almost challenging. He leaned back in his chair, his movements stiff. "Very well, we'll wait for your lawyer to arrive. But in the meantime..." He signaled to the waiter, who was just walking by with a bottle of some whiskey. "Bring us some wine. The best you have."Claire's gaze never left Josiah's face, her expression stiff. "I don't drink," she said flatly, her eyes half closed as she spoke, like she was already bored of his presence. Josiah's eyes narrowed, his face reddening slightly. "Come now, Claire. Just one glass," he coaxed, his tone trying hard to remain sweet. But Claire remained unmoved, her eyes cold and unyielding. "I said no, Josiah. And I mean it."The
Josiah's head shook back and forth, a cynical and sarcastic laugh escaping his lips. The sound was bitter and strange, like a mixture of anger and disappointment. "I knew this little thing was too good to be true," he spat angrily, his eyes flashing with rage. He turned his gaze to Bryan, his expression twisted in a snarl. "What a welcome back home, little brother!" he snapped fiercely, his voice dripping with venom. “You really went all the way to give me a grand welcome, didn't you?" He asked sarcastically. Claire shook her head, inwardly wondering how such a vile man could possibly be related to Bryan. They looked nothing alike, and neither did they talk alike. Josiah's words were laced with malice and anger. He had a permanent sneer on his face and apart from when he'd thought that they had a chance at signing the contract, he'd not seen him crack a smile. While Bryan's were calm and collected, his brother was bugging but. It was like they came from different worlds.Bryan's exp
“Why are you sounding so shocked? I'm sure you've been well aware that I got back into the city for a few months now. Did you really think I wouldn't pay a jolly visit home? And did you think when I found out you weren't ‘around’ that I wouldn't be curious?" He asked. "What did you do with Uncle Williams, huh? Try to turn him against me? Try to make him believe your lies?" Josiah asked. Bryan shrugged, his smile never wavering. "He's my uncle too, Josiah . And last time I checked, it's my home too, Josiah, I have the right to be anywhere,” he replied heatedly. And I must say, it really is beneath you to think of going to such lengths just to hide yourself. I'm sure Uncle didn't tell you because he's always been so eager to protect you. But don't worry, I decided not to bother him. I knew I would discover the truth myself, and I did, didn't I?"He said this with a cocky smile, grabbing Claire's hand and placing a soft kiss on her knuckles. Josiah's eyes flashed with anger, his face r
They had arrived home, and Bryan could see the shock on his uncle's face at the sight of him and Josiah. The old man's mouth was literally agape, and he held the arms of his chair as he got to his feet."Bryan," he said in a breathy voice as he stood up, his eyes fixed on his nephew with a mixture of surprise and concern.Josiah stepped into the room, and as if it just dawned on him that Bryan had been bullying him, he began to rant. "Uncle, how could you tell Bryan where I was?!" he snapped, his voice venomous.The old man's eyes widened in shock, and he took a step back, his hands raised in defense. "What? I would never do that," he said honestly, his voice firm. He was even shocked to find out that Bryan had found Josiah.Bryan's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed on Josiah with a mixture of anger and frustration. "I didn't need Uncle's help to find you, Josiah," he said, his voice cold. "I have my ways."Uncle Williams' eyes flickered to Bryan, his voice cold and almost accusing. "How