The sky was bright as the streets bustled with activities. Ashton Hills still looked the same, but the hearts of people became darker and even more cruel. Lyra sauntered into the Brooks Empire—now Harlow Empire, her head held high. Rather than looking weak and defeated, Lyra straightened her hair and wore one of the most expensive dresses in her closet. On her wrists was a blue carat bracelet, worth about thirty million dollars. Brian, her lovely supporter, had purchased it for her as a gift. The Brooks empire had changed a lot; from the employees, to the interior designs and other minor things around. A small smile appeared on Lyra's face, “My sister really means business.” At the receptionist desk, Lyra flashed a smile, showing her white and pearly teeth, “I’m here to see Tyla.” she said, placing her hands on the slab, “Tyla Brooks.” The receptionist’s eyes widened in terror at Lyra's brazen words, “You're really a bold guest.” she sneered, glaring daggers at Lyra, “You can't see
“Br..Br..Brian Duke?” The receptionist repeated, her eyes wide with terror, “The one who signed the contract?” she gasped, her legs buckling beneath her. Yes, Tyla had given her instructions, but Brian was the owner of the Duke Empire. First ranked in the world, the biggest empire in the whole of Ashton Hills! Fear clawed at her heart and her hands trembled. She forced a smile and lowered her gaze, “P..please, go in.” she whispered, her voice barely audible as her mind was still reeling from the shock. Brian gave a smug smile before going in with his wife. As they walked through the hallways, Lyra pulled his sleeves, “How did you know I was here?” she asked, lowering her voice not to draw attention, “I thought you left early for work.” Brian gave a small smile, “We're married, remember? I know your thoughts.” he grinned, patting her head with his hands, “I know you were still bothered by the phone call and the trending news. I placed myself in your shoes and figured out what you wou
As they walked out of the company, Lyra fumed in anger, while Brian's face was cold and emotionless. He didn't need a soothsayer to tell him Tyla was up to something. It was like she went through a huge transformation, no longer afraid and coward. She became strong all of a sudden. He turned to face Lyra, “I'll help you with this, I promise. I just need you to trust me.” He said, his eyes fixed on her and Lyra nodded. First when she saw the news, she badly wanted to believe it was a joke. She wanted to confront Tyla and check if they were all lying against her, but it was true. Tyla had indeed changed. When Lyra recalled the murderous look in her eyes, a shudder went down her spine. She pressed her lips in a thin line, “I'm still quite shocked.” she whispered, her voice low and soft. Lyra laughed. It was soft but filled with pain, and Brian's heart clenched. “My biological sister said something like that to me. She literally killed me with her words.” she continued, her heart fill
“Yes, Mrs Duke isn't aware.” Albert said, his voice firm and strong. Brian stroked his chin, wondering why Tyla would want to claim what's not hers. The Brooks family had helped her, changed her life and gave her a name, but this was what she could reward them with? He sat down and leaned back in his chair, “Is there anything else?” Albert nodded his head, “She's in a secret group—one I've never heard of. I tried doing research on it but I found nothing.” “She's in a group too?” Brian gasped, surprise written all over his face, “Wow, just wow. She really means business.” He chuckled, placing his hands on the table. He inhaled a deep breath, “What's the name of the group?” “Dance of the 9” “Dance of the 9?” Brian asked again, wondering why someone would name a group such. The name was weird, occultic and creepy. What was the motive of the group? Just like Albert had said, it was a secret group, but what were they into? Albert watched as his master was focused on his thoughts and h
Brian's lips stretched into a lopsided grin. He wrapped his fingers around hers and pulled her towards the restaurant. The entrance was decorated with roses and daisies, giving it some cozy feeling. As soon as Lyra walked in, her jaw dropped in surprise. “This is beautiful.” she gasped, mesmerized by the beauty of the whole place. It looked like a place different from reality, filled with flowers and the scent of earth mixed with rain. And the best part, a solemn and soothing song is being played in the background. Tears pricked at the corner of her eyes as Brian walked further, “I'm glad you like it.” He pulled out a wooden chair for her, “My lady, please sit.” He said and Lyra couldn't stop the smile that threatened to tear her face. She raised her dress a little and sat down. Brian pulled a chair for himself and sat next to her, “I'll call the waiter now.” A few minutes later, a young man walked towards them with a tray in his hands. He bowed slightly and flashed them a smile,
Moments later, the owner of the restaurant walked in. He was surprised to find the formidable business Tycoon, Brian Duke, in his new place. Just when he was about to give his respect, Britney walked towards him, “Chase that man out of the restaurant! He's going to bring you bad luck.” she said. The owner of the restaurant furrowed his brows, taken aback by the lady's words, “What are you saying?” He yelled, wondering why she would talk in that manner to Brian Duke. He ignored Britney and walked towards Brian, “I'm glad you graced this restaurant with your presence, Mr Duke.” “Mr Duke?” Britney gasped, dumbfounded by the owner's words. Brian nodded his head, “Take her out of here.” He ordered as he walked back to his seat, “She's becoming a disturbance.” Britney's eyes widened in terror, “No..no, you can't chase me out.” she whispered, still finding it hard to accept the fact that Lyra's husband was the owner of the Duke Empire. She was frightened for her life and business as a who
Albert nodded his head, “Yes, the president.” “But why? What does Tyla have to do with the president?” Brian asked, baffled by Albert's words. Tyla was working with them, they were targeting the president, but why? Brian placed his hands over his face as a sigh escaped his lips, “This is even more complicated than i thought. If they're targeting the president, then they're definitely up to no good.” “Yes, you're right, Master.” Albert said, “I'm sure they're up to no good. They have to be stopped.” ****Meanwhile, In North Ashton Hills, Tyla clutched her purse so hard that her knuckles turned white. As she walked into the huge building, she looked left and right to check if anyone was following her. After confirming she wasn't being followed, she inhaled a sharp breath and walked further. As soon as she pushed the door open, she ascended the stairs and walked straight into the meeting room. Tyla took her time, admiring the large paintings that decorated the hallways. She had to wa
A shill scream escaped Tyla's lips as she pinched the middle of her brows, “What are you telling me, Stephany?!” she yelled, her hands trembling from anger, “The third time and I'm just finding out?”“I thought..thought it had to do with you.” Stephanie said in a hushed tone, not wanting to upset Tyla further. The first time, a ridiculous amount was withdrawn from the company's account, and the second time, the figures were extremely large. While she thought Tyla was behind them all, she was shocked to realize that she wasn't. Her grip on the phone became tight, “Ma'am, I've checked the records and it was sent to a foreign account.” “A foreign account?” Tyla asked, her voice laced with curiosity. She inhaled a shaky breath and leaned on her car, “I’ll take care of it.” “Ma'am, you need to be fast with it. The company can't go on this way.” Stephany voiced and Tyla sighed, her fists tightly clenched by her sides, “I said I'll take care of it. If you notice something suspicious next