Chapter 90: The upcoming predicament.
Chapter 90: The Upcoming Predicament
She hurriedly looked for a secret place to hide, just before Broe came in.
"Mum! What are you doing?"
"It's not that way," she whispered urgently, trying to make it quick.
Just as Broe opened the door, Presch rushed forward to greet him.
"Welcome back, honey." She smiled warmly and gave him a big hug.
"Hmmm, how have you been, dear?"
"Always good because I have you."
They both smiled and shared a light kiss.
"Mum is outside, you can go help her with her luggage."
"Huh? Okay."
Presch forced a smile, pretending to be happy, and went outside to assist Sarah.
"Mum, you're welcome," she said, collecting her handbag and quickly ordering the maids to take the rest of the luggage inside.
Sarah, however, wasn't buying her pretense. She ignored the greeting and walked in empty-handed.
"Hiss, so evil," Sarah muttered under her breath.
One of the maids heard it and subtly shook her head.
"What are you waiting for? I said take them in now!"
A fierce glare and a harsh order came from Presch simultaneously.
Her thoughts drifted back to her mum. Would she have escaped by now? she wondered, anxiety brushing her heart.
Then she quickly walked up to the security guard.
"Have you seen my mum go out?"
"Yes ma'am, madam just left quite a while ago," he replied with a smile.
Presch's eyes pierced through his cheerful face.
She knew instantly-her mother had definitely slipped him something to keep his lips sealed.
"Alright. Just do as you were told... or else, you'll get sacked from your post."
She smirked wickedly and turned back inside.
~~~~
The Next Day...
Morning...
Part of the new projects that recently came into Firefold Entertainment Company was now on the table-and Flora, as the head of her department, was assigned to lead one of them.
The project was connected to Crea de' la Technologies.
They had developed a new vision-to establish a bridge between fashion and photography, using AI to revolutionize and restructure the creative process.
And since Flora was one of the top experts in the company-and the undisputed best in the Photography department-she was chosen to lead and deliver a flawless job.
"How's the opening going?" Flora asked Tesly, her voice steady.
"The news only broke yesterday about their new branch opening here in City B," Tesly replied.
"Okay?" Flora leaned forward, intrigued. She wanted to hear more.
"It seems they didn't want to publicize it too much. If they did, they would have announced it to the whole world-invited top business owners, big investors, all that," Tesly explained.
"And the owner? Any more details on that?" Flora asked, her chair twirling slowly as she stood up.
"Not yet, ma'am. The manager told us not to worry about that. He said everything is intact and legit," Evie answered quickly.
"And you all believed that?" Flora asked, pacing around the wide conference room.
Something didn't feel right, but she couldn't place it yet.
"Yes, dear. We did." Fiona confirmed with a calm nod.
"The manager also said we'd be meeting them soon, and that we must be fully prepared," added Prime, another colleague.
"Alright. Thanks for the information. From now on, we'll tighten up our focus starting today". she concluded.
Everyone nodded in unison.
"Prime, resume your presentation on the benefits and risks of establishing our partnership with them," Flora said as she sat back down.
Prime stood, walked to the front near the projector, and began his presentation.
~~~~
Noon Time...
The sun stood high in the sky, casting a sharp golden glow over the city. Its heat didn't seem to touch the underground corridors where Joan moved like a ghost in leather. While the world above bathed in light, here below-it was cold, quiet, and merciless.
Joan's heels pierced the marble floor like the strike of a silent assassin. Each step echoed, slow and intentional, like the entrance of a brutal villain preparing to take a life.
She moved through the customized, high-tech underground tunnel with solemn determination. Her black leather jacket gleamed slightly-diamond studs catching the faint overhead lights-announcing her presence with a silent, powerful aura. This wasn't just a woman. She was a mafia storm in human form.
She entered a quiet chamber, and the only sound that greeted her was the soft, shallow breathing of someone lying on the cold floor.
"Do you know you still have a chance?" Joan said, her voice low but sharp like a dagger. "It won't be long to take you out of this world."
She tapped the gun resting on her lap, bending down to look Royce straight in the face.
He tried to sit up. His limbs shook-weak, broken, and still healing from the brutal torture he had endured.
"Joan... I'm sorry," Royce whispered, the pain in his voice undeniable. "I know I overstepped. Please... help me. Beg him to let me go."
A wicked smile curled across Joan's lips.
"To let you go?"
She laughed-cold, slow, dangerous.
"You haven't even submitted to my authority. You haven't even confessed to murdering Flora's parents."
Another twisted grin escaped her lips.
"Venom!" she called sharply. "Put him up. He needs another round of pain."
Within seconds, a tall, broad-shouldered man stepped into the room-Venom. Without a word, he grabbed Royce like he was lifting a rag doll. He pulled him upright and bound his weak limbs with two thick chains, each fastened to opposite walls.
Royce groaned. His knees buckled under the pressure, but the chains held him in place.
Joan stood back and watched with a detached stare, her arms crossed.
"What do you know about Sky Lord... and Flora's enemies?" she asked, her voice now a deadly whisper. "Who sent you to kill me?"
Silence.
Royce clenched his teeth and said nothing.
With one swift move, Joan kicked him hard in the gut. He screamed through the pain, but she didn't even flinch.
"You think you can hide the truth from me?" she spat.
The torture continued-Joan unleashed every strike with the precision of a seasoned fighter, her rage controlled but explosive.
And through it all, Royce's cries filled the room, echoing against the cold, merciless walls of the underworld.
~~~~
The Mart's Hospital
It was still noon.
Mart's Family Hospital stood proudly in the heart of City B-renowned for its world-class care, luxury, and quiet sophistication. Surrounded by lush year-round gardens and high-tech security, the sleek glass buildings reflected sunlight like diamonds.
Inside, the polished marble floors, soft chandelier lighting, and serene atmosphere created a sense of calm prestige. Every detail, from the trimmed hedges to the spotless halls, spoke of excellence and quiet wealth.
Roy had been admitted earlier that morning. He never imagined his feelings for Beauty would land him in such a painful and heartbreaking state.
He had tried to explain what happened that day-tried, but failed.
Now he wasn't even sure what she knew. Did she know he was here? Did she care?
His friends had called earlier, informing his PA of their visit. It wasn't unexpected-but still, his thoughts had been too heavy to properly prepare for company.
Just as he was sinking deeper into reflection, his PA stepped into the room, clearing his throat politely.
"Boss, your friends are here."
Roy looked up, the smallest hint of relief brushing over his features.
"Let them in," he replied, managing a half-smile.
Moments later, Gad burst into the room with exaggerated steps.
"Buddy! Is this really you?" Gad cried dramatically, wiping imaginary tears from his eyes.
"Sobs! Sobs!" he joked.
"I never thought love would bring you to this state."
Roy rolled his eyes with a chuckle. "Who told you that? I was diagnosed with a minor illness, that's all."
"Really? Are you sure about what you're saying?" a second voice chimed in, more serious but still teasing.
It was Mareed Micheal, second in command among the close-knit group of friends.
"I never knew you'd join his team so early," he added, smirking.
"And don't forget, there's one more in that team," another voice cut in coolly as Scott stepped into the room.
His entrance brought with it a subtle chill-an air of command and silence. His aura was naturally intense, but his friends were long used to it.
Scott folded his arms, his voice low but piercing.
"It's better you confess and explain everything to her-before you push her into the arms of another man."
He paused.
"Women like her don't come twice."
Gad and Mareed nodded quickly in agreement. "So true!"
Roy sighed, heavily this time.
"I thought my friends would support me," he muttered. "But here they are-ganging up against me."
He sighed again-long and theatrical.
His friends burst into laughter at his theatrics, filling the once-quiet ward with warmth and familiar energy. For a moment, the weight on Roy's heart lightened.