Meanwhile.....
LUKE FAMILY MANSION -
Inside the dinning hall, the luke family and a few board members were sited around a long table stuffed with food. The sound of people laughing, knife and forks clattering and the movement of the staffs coming out of the kitchen with various dishes made the scenerio lively. The smell of gravy and roasted chicken,tteokbokki, and soft tofu stew wafted past them
Ashton Luke was sited between his stepsister Sonia and the empty seat next to him represented someone who was supposed to be there
His eyes constantly glance at his phone screen severally impatiently waiting for a call from Julie. He had try to reach her out today but this fool didn't even budge to pick up, today was a family dinner not just that most of his client were there as well
His father, Nicholas was in expectations of his soon to be daughter in law
Ashton gritted his teeth, for more than fifteen times he had call but her phone was switched
"Getting problems, again uh? " His stepsister Sonia, chuckled slightly, her knife cutting through the meatballs on the table
She faced with a short smile "you're just as reckless as a kid, that the reason most of the board members protested against you being the CEO... , this's why I never mendle with our family business,where's your fiancee? "
Ashton face was reddened with anger. His so called sister never stopped hitting his nerves,he shot her a glare with his fist clenched tightly. He was quite aware of the humiliation he would face with his fiancee not showing up at such an important day
"Mind your business..." He snapped at her
Sonia , only glanced at him, a scoff escaped her lips and her fingers traced the rim of her glass of wine " o ,dear, brother. You can't even handle your own personal affairs..., talk of a company....,I never was wrong when I told father, you were pathetic.."
Though they were siblings, the rivalry among them was incomparable
"Don't get involved with my personal issues, Sonia," Ashton growled, his eyes glistening with pure irritation" You keep forgetting that I 'm the right ful owner of our family business.. ,.. you wouldn't stand a chance when you get kicked out of this house..."
"Ooh,am so scared " Sonia gasped dramatically and then her hard gaze slowly got colder " you are aware,once I get on this race, you wouldn't stand a chance..."
At the end of the table. Nicholas sharp gaze landed on the empty seat next to Ashton,a frown clouded his face
"Ashton...." He called out making Ashton who eyes were still on his phone - raised his head facing his father
"Where's Julie Cortez.... , Why isn't she present on such occasion.."
Ashton lips pressed, with the way every one attention suddenly landed on him. " She couldn't make it today, she seems ill this morning...."
His explanation was cut short when his phone buzzed with a new message
"Excuse me...." He bowed respectfully before taking his leave
Whispers echoed from the hall as he existed the room
Ashton stopped at the corridor, making sure he wasn't followed,he tapped on the message from May
His face was completely drained off colours, shocked as his eyes met with the words flashing on his phone
Cortez Family was at brink of downfall with the latest headlines
"Bankrupt "
Just when he was still digesting this news. His eyes travelled to a photo May also sent
Ashton Luke face expression changed at that moment seeing the picture of Julie carried on the arms of some guy whose only backside was captured
He fumed with anger
That damn...
She even had the guts to meet some guy when he's being skinned alive here with embarrassment, cooking up lies for his father was just an excuse
He knew how his father wouldn't let this slide
And now not only that but his aim of power - The Cortez business was on the cliff
His phone rang interrupting his vent of anger as he nearly smashed a vase of flowers on the ground
Ashton, without hesitation picked up
"Babe, after dinner,can we meet up at a hotel. I'm really heart broken right now... Sister Julie 's with another man... and our family 's reputation just got smashed publicly..., "
May Cortez sobbing voice was heard from the other line
"Hold on a little bit longer. I'll be right there..." His voice changed with concern
Turning to his secretary who had just stepped out of the hall. He said" inform my father... something came up "
****************************
Getting to his mansion. Nathan packed his car and safely carried his wife out of the car and her phone
Julie had fallen asleep on their ride home
Dorian was standing close to the door. He 'd been there pacing around after his Boss left in such a haste
A sigh escaped his lips seeing that Miss Julie was alright
"Keep the car at the garage" Nathan ordered walking passed him
"Yes Mr President" Dorian bowed shortly
Nathan gently placed her on the bed and she unconsciously wrap her arms on his neck pulling him a little close to her face
His lips inches away from hers
Damn,did she know how tempting she looks while sleeping
His wife was putting him in a tight spot
He took off her arm gently, taking off her shoes and covered her with the duvet
Before he finally left
.....
"Come in...."
A voice echoed from the closed door
Dorian entered
His eyes moving towards Nathan who was sited looking through some documents with an unreasonable expression on his face
His slender finger tapped on the polished mahogany desk Infront of him
Dorian heaved a sigh, hesitating on whether or not he should speak,he walked towards the shelves bringing out two boxes and finally he broke the silence "Boss, you should at least, take Dr. Zane prescription.. he has been worried and often called since you missed your last check up.."
He dropped the boxes on the desk , his eyes full of worries
Nathan barely glanced at him, his eyes remain fixed on the documents and after a while he placed them on the desk
He finally spoke " Cancel the treatments..."
Dorian swallowed a lump, wanting to object but the look he received next made lips sealed instantly
Nathan tuk the boxes , he brought a safe out of the boxes. And slowly opened the safe where different pills, bottles of liquid drugs and syringe were stocked
He took out a white small can and uncapped it, Nathan slowly poured a few pills on his palm and he selected two pills out keeping the rest back into the can
"Go get some sleep..." Nathan dismissed Dorian who still hesitated before leaving
Now alone in his study, the room light suddenly turn off with a snap of his fingers
The moonlight was the only source of his lights
Nathan relaxed his back on the chair, his eyes momentarily closed and his brows joined a disturbing look flashed across his face
"I may have lost but you can't. Sacrifices are made to protect those you love.. ,a risk must be taken, this's the true meaning of.....
"He must die" A whisper followed by the gust of the wind
Faint whimpering and pleas echoed from the background
The familiar sounds voice that had become his every start of nightmare rang in his head
He found himself sunk in an unusual environment
A bloody pool
A loud growl
And then the splash of blood like waterfall gushed out
His whole body was covered in blood and his hands shaking,fear was written all over his face. His eyes threatening to spill tears
Heavy breathing filled the room , Nathan head stirred sideways as he saw what was left remaining
Only blood
He saw his father body dropped dead
Nathan snapped his eyes open . His chest falling and rising,sweat dripped from his forehead and his hands trembled
His breath colliding with beating of his heart
His hands gripped the documents on the desk
It wasn't just a document but a medical reports
His vision went blurry and he could feel his head spin
A faint whisper left his paled lips
"Vera....