AUTHOR'S POV
Scott searched for some available homes in his computer as soon as he arrived in his office. It's been two days since he has been speaking with different real estate brokers for the house of his visions for Diana, and yet none suited his preference. Scott got ten more minutes to spare before he could start his day at work. He knows Diana wouldn't move in with him, so he decided to search for secured homes Diana can move into.. preferably close to where he lives.
Last night at the Woodsworth residence, he was lost for words after uncovering that Alva drugs his Luna without Diana's consent. With all the dark thoughts of only-the-heavens-know-what-Alva-does-to-her-daughter circling in his head, he strongly agreed with Diana taking her out of that house. As soon as possible.
"Are you moving?", Sebastian wondered, as he lean forward at Scott's computer screen. His brother was so invested looking up for homes in the internet, that Scott never removed his deep scrutiny on the different dwellings on sale.
"No", smacking his lips, Scott continued to check on a few designs, inspect their structures, and verify home locations. None really fit his taste.
"I heard you were looking for houses. If you're interested, there's a space available in my building", Sebastian suggested, walking off to the cozy white couch at lounge adjacent to Scott's table, crossing his legs.
Scott glanced at Sebastian. Of all the Devlins, Sebastian is a man with a discerning eye for elegance who is very private, sensible, hates loud noises and very impeccable in terms of his liking. He enjoys his personal space and has smart ways of thinking. So, if there's whom Scott would trust among the Devlins, that's Sebastian's good judgment. "Tell me more", Scott said, as he rest his arms on the table, with eyes now fixed on the younger sibling.
"Loft type. Contemporary. Just in front of your penthouse. And a space just above me.", Sebastian lifted his fingers one by one, as he enumerate insightful points on the property on sale.
"Why didn't I ever heard of that?", Scott squinted his eyes in wonder. He should've known if there's a residential listing nearby his place.
"It's not off the market for public acquisition. The seller is a friend", Sebastian shrugged his shoulders.
"Alright, then get it.", Scott turned off the computer and as he nod at Sebastian. A home close to Scott's and Sebastian's is such a good deal.
Sebastian nodded in silence as he take his phone out, sending out a message to his friend to buy the space underneath his home. "If you aren't moving, then... for whom is this place?".
"Let's just say, you saved the day, brother. I owe you one", Scott deeply sighed, as he lit a cigarette. Sebastian knew that his brother wouldn't say much. He let it slide like always. "What brings you here anyway?", puffing the smoke out.
"Roman Brooke. He's here to sign the contract.", Sebastian stood up and went over Scott getting his pack of cigarette. Sebastian hates it when his brother smokes. "I thought you already quit?", much irritation has written all over his face, fanning the smoke drifting in trails.
"I'll meet him then, I suppose he can replace the Rivers", he retrieved the cigarette pack from Sebastian and lifted his brows at him. "Don't take my stuff".
"I heard the Rivers are getting a hard time to supply steel anyway. Roman can surely deliver with all of his supplies and connections", Sebastian sat on the table resting his hand on his lap.
"I'm sure he can", Scott picked up the phone after two rings. He answered, "Send him in".
In a few minutes, Jim, Scott's assistant, opened the door together with a few documents followed by a dashing tall man in black shirt, jeans and brown leather shoes. He give off a cool, casual vibe as he enter a room of men in suit and tie. "Good morning Mr. Devlin, this is Mr. Roman Brooke, CEO of RB STEEL AND ALUMINUM. He's here to sign a contract with us", Jim placed the contract on Scott's table as he stand by on the side.
"Scott Devlin", Scott stubbed the tip of his cigarette on the ash tray, stood up and shook hands with Roman who's equally as tall as him. "This is my brother, Sebastian Devlin", introducing him as he move his hand towards his younger brother.
"We've met earlier", Roman nodded at Sebastian as he brush his auburn hair back. He scratched his jaw which seemed like he shaved weeks ago.
"Please have a seat", Scott sat down, and gestured for Roman to sit down on the seat right in front of his table. "I hope you've read the contract", he added, as Jim hands Roman a pen. Reviewing Roman's company profile, Scott instantly admired how a small company is so efficient and progressive. With all the good recommendations from other related companies, Scott have decided to be partners with the Brookes.
"I'm surprised that you have to do this personally", Sebastian said, as he situated himself on a chair in front of Roman.
"I like moving around, meeting new people. And yes, I mean, no objections. I believe you have already read everything about my company, Mr. Devlin", Roman took the pen and signed the contract.
"Yes I do, we choose our partners carefully. Please, call me Scott", Scott steepled his hands on the table, as he watch Roman sign the contract.
"I am honored, Scott. Call me Roman. The full moon is fast approaching, gentlemen. Have your clan prepared for it?", shifting the gaze of his blue eyes from the contract to Scott.
"Of course, would the wolves of Black Creek like to join us?", Scott leaned back and signaled Jim to take the contract as soon as Roman was done.
"That's a privilege I can't say no to", Roman smiled.
"We'll be expecting you, then", Sebastian shook hands with Roman, as they stood up. "We'll have Jim send a copy of the contract. It's good having business with you".
Roman shook hands with Scott too before Jim walked him out. Sebastian followed in a while, leaving Scott in the office. Starting the long day of more documents for his approval, Scott began to scan each folder as he twiddle with a pen. Swamped in his office, he lit a couple for cigarettes as time flew. Hours later, Reina comes in the office furious, looking extremely disappointed. With lines on her forehead, she dragged her feet towards Scott and slammed a folder on his table. "Such an interesting morning", Scott said as he can't paint the annoyance on Reina's face.
"Explain this, my dear brother", Reina opened the folder, then crossed her arms as she scoff at her big brother. "Five medical grade drug producing prototypes for Alva Woodsworth, are you insane!?", Reina gritted her teeth looking at Scott like she will pounce on him anytime.
"That has been approved", Scott timidly replied, as he push the folder towards his enraged sister. It's a generous gift that he promised to Alva for Diana, and it's definitely settled.
"This is not acceptable!! Do you have any idea what Alva is up to? She's a not a good person and I hate what she did to Dad", Reina rolled her eyes as she throw herself on the chair.
"What do you mean?", Scott sat at the edge of his seat, squinting his eyes at Reina.
"What? You don't know?", she lifted a brow, as she meet his gaze. "One time, I heard them talking. Dad wanted some of his medications from Alva. She refused at first then suddenly in the middle of them negotiating, they agreed to set a deal of a marriage along with the exchange of their personal interests. That includes Dad's medicines. Before she left that day, Dad begged to have the initial supply of his pills, that he said would make him feel good. This Alva, spilled a bottle of blue pills on the floor, that made Dad gather them like a desperate fool", Reina narrated and exhaled sharply not breaking her eye contact at Scott. "Those pills are not just any pill, Scott. At first, he just takes one everyday. It's true that the pills made the tremors stop. His vigor returned, his color anew. But then, he gradually started to act differently. More like an addiction. It was then that I noticed so much change in him. Especially the wolf in our father that has been tightly shackled because of that pill. That's the reason why I wanted to stop the wedding. We cannot have a deal with the Woodsworths for her to make those kinds of shits!", Reina detailed in a very serious tone.
Scott was surprised hearing all these rage talk from his sister. He knew that Stanley have exhausted all treatments to manage his condition for several years now, and only those blue pills ever worked for him. Unmindful of what exactly happens after each intake, or whatever side effects it brings about, Scott only cared for Stanley getting happier and steadier with those pills at hand. Now, he wonders what are the secrets behind those pills made by Alva Woodsworth... And who exactly are they made for? "Alright", deeply sighed, massaging his temples. Reina waited with bated breath at his brother's reconsideration about the deal with Alva. "Proceed with the production. Update me when it's for release", Scott said with his eyes closed.
"Did you hear everything I said?!", Reina shouted, as she stood in disbelief. "This is a mistake, Scott!", she furiously yelled.
"Reina, I've made my decision! I have all the reasons to proceed.", Scott stared at her blankly. He darkened his eyes at his upset sister, and sent a tiny bit of his controlling aura to calm her down. Reina trembled with the aura his brother sent her, as she yield to his brother's power.
Reina's knees folded as she collapse on the seat. "I hope you have a plan, Scott.. Also, this needs a lot of money", Reina wet her dry lips as she catch her breath. Then, she gathered the strength left in her as soon his brother released her from such strong power. Then, she took the folder that she tossed on his table, and went out with a very heavy heart.
Scott took his phone, stood up and sauntered towards the window. His mornings are never better. "Luc, I need to go the island" Scott said as he put a cigarette in his mouth and lit it.
Lucas: Perfect timing. I'll be there this afternoon.
"Partying? I won't stay long", Scott puffed his cigarette as he walk to the couch.
Lucas: No. An island staff was murdered. Found dead on the fence.
"What? Is it not Emilia?", Scott was stunned and swallowed hard lump hoping he's wrong, leaving the cigarette in his mouth.
Lucas: How did you know?
"Pick me up as soon as possible", Scott hang up and has never been afraid for his Luna.