Liam's presence interrupted the charged atmosphere between Francisco and Hazel, shifting the focus to the immediate matter at hand. He stepped ahead with a respectful smile, addressing Francisco.
"Yes, Master," Liam affirmed, his gaze briefly connecting with Hazel's as he acknowledged her presence.
Liam tilted his head and asked, "Master, is this your new PA?"
Francisco, casting a quick glance at Hazel, affirmed Liam's question about her role as his new PA.
"Yes," he replied succinctly.
Liam's smile broadened as he offered a courteous comment, "I hope she is useful, Master."
However, Francisco, seemingly uninterested in the pleasantries, placed his palm in his pocket and redirected the conversation, "Let's go."
As they began to move, Hazel's expression remained stern, her keen eyes observing the dynamics between Francisco and Liam. In that brief interaction, she sensed the significance of Liam's role in Francisco's world. His status was more than that of a mere employee; he held importance.
Francisco, sensing Hazel's watchful gaze, approached her and spoke, breaking the silence that hung in the air.
"I am going. I might be late," he informed her.
Hazel nodded, her response carrying a hint of hesitation.
'Thank God, I have some time alone.'
The prospect of having some time alone was a relief, an opportunity to explore the depths of Francisco's mansion unobserved.
Hazel thought to herself, a spark of determination igniting within her.
'Now I could search his mansion alone.'
Francisco, offering a light smile, addressed her once more, "I will wait for your cook."
Hazel attempted to reciprocate with a smile, but it came out awkward, a testament to the lingering tension between them.
Francisco, seemingly amused by her hesitancy, didn't press further. Instead, he turned and walked away with Liam, engrossed in conversation. Hazel, trailing behind them, observed their interaction with a contemplative gaze.
'What should I do now?'
She wondered, a sense of purpose guiding her steps.
'But I have a feeling that he was planning his new deals.'
'I need to know more about those areas.'
'Where is he going to do the deals?'
As Hazel pondered her next move, she stepped ahead with a determination to unravel the mysteries surrounding Francisco's black business endeavors.
She moved with purpose, her thoughts a calculated map of exploration.
Inside the confines of the car, the hum of the engine provided a backdrop to the exchange between Francisco and Liam. As they settled into the seats, Liam delved into the details of the arms deal.
"Master, our weapons have landed safely. I think it has already reached our old factory," Liam reported, a sense of accomplishment in his voice.
"I am glad that you managed it smoothly. That bastard James did not meddle in our business."
While Francisco acknowledged the success of the arms deal, his mind lingered on the other task he had assigned to Liam.
"What about her?" he inquired, a note of urgency in his voice.
"Master, what you gave wasn't fake. Even Ms. Hazel and that sheriff have no connection," Liam reassured, his loyalty evident in his tone.
Francisco, seemingly satisfied with the preliminary information, pressed further.
"So, her details are clear?" he asked, his gaze unwavering.
"Yes, Master," Liam replied affirmatively, but a sudden pause hung in the air, signaling that there was more to be revealed.
Francisco's expression remained stern, a mask concealing any emotions that may have stirred within him.
"But one thing..."
Liam began, but stopped abruptly.
A palpable tension enveloped the car, the weight of unspoken words lingering. Francisco's eyes bore into Liam's, an unspoken demand for the revelation of whatever concealed truth lay behind that pause.
"What is it?"
Francisco prompted, his voice steady, betraying no hint of the anticipation that churned within him.
"There is something that I felt a bit unusual," Liam began, his words carefully chosen.
Francisco, always attentive, kept his gaze locked on Liam, silently urging him to continue.
"I did not find anything about her friends. She has no friends in her school or college life," Liam revealed, a note of curiosity and concern in his voice.
Francisco sighed, a contemplative expression settling on his face as he leaned back in his seat. His fingers lightly rubbed his chin, a habitual gesture that accompanied deep thought. The absence of friendships in Hazel's past left an intriguing gap in the puzzle Francisco sought to unravel.
"What about her parents?"
Francisco inquired, his penetrating gaze fixed on Liam.
Liam provided details about Hazel's family, stating, "Her father works in a corporate company, and her mother is a house-wife."
Francisco absorbed the information, finding nothing overtly suspicious in Hazel's family background. However, the void in her social connections, particularly the absence of friends, remained a notable anomaly.
"There is nothing suspicious there except for her school and college life," Liam concluded, echoing the unspoken question that lingered in both their minds.
Francisco, acknowledging Liam's efforts, sighed with a hint of frustration.
"Liam, Max is not here, so I need to go for the next dealings," he stated, a subtle shift in focus evident in his words.
"Okay, Master. But did you decide which states?"
Liam inquired, seeking clarity on the upcoming dealings.
"Everything has been decided. We are going to deal with the hospital, park, and school. But I haven't discussed which one with the party," Francisco replied, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery beyond the window as the car sped forward.
"When are we going to do it," Liam asked.
"In this month, Liam," Francisco continued, revealing the timeline for their next endeavors.
The car came to a stop in front of an old chemical factory, a property belonging to Francisco. Workers, recognizing their boss's arrival, greeted him respectfully. Francisco and Liam entered the factory.
Inside, they made their way to the office room where another member of Francisco's trusted circle awaited them. A slight bow of the head signaled his deference to Francisco's authority.
The trio, Francisco, Liam, and their associate, proceeded to a room concealed behind the office, a space reserved for discussions shrouded in secrecy. The door closed behind them, muffling the sounds of the factory floor.