"What do you mean you lost her?" Adam asked frowning.
It was a Friday morning and he was in front of his bedroom mirror getting ready for an important meeting, when Roy hit him with the annoying news.
"I am sorry boss. I sent my best man after her. But it's either she is a cop or maybe it is just a coincidence, but she gave him the slip."
"Damn it." Adam said in annoyance. "Well never mind. I am meeting her this evening. You can follow her from there."
"Boss, I don't mean to talk out of turn, but I don't think you should see her. I mean you don't even know her. And the timing is suspicious. I called Helman this morning to ask about her. Ivy Black isn't a permanent staff, she is a freelancer who started working with them a couple of days ago. That sounds suspicious too. You are just coming back from Europe and she shows up, what if she was sent by the Ciampi's? I would suggest you keep away from her. At least until we know who she is."
Adam looked at him, eyes flashing in anger. But he wasn't mad at Roy, he was mad at himself. Arranging a date with her was a mistake. He was being careless and he knew it. But he couldn't help himself. Ever since he had set eyes on Ivy Black he hadn't been thinking straight. When he had walked up to her yesterday all he'd wanted was a little silly conversation and a dance. But she had impressed him with her intelligence, and the minute he'd taken her in his arms he had lost control and needed to kiss her soft pink lips. Even thinking about her now was sending all his blood south. But Roy was right, he couldn't see her, not until he knew who she really was.
"You are right. I will cancel the date." He said.
"Glad you see things my way. Now time for your meeting. You don't want to keep Gjyshi waiting."
"I won't dream of it." Adam grinned.
He followed Roy to the car and the driver drove them to the family manison.
"Just on time." Roy said as they pulled up to the house.
"Just six months away and it feels like an age. I have really missed this place." Adam said admiring the huge house and tree lined compound.
The door opened and his sixteen year old cousin Rozafa, ran into his arms.
"Welcome home Uncle Adam. I have missed you." She said.
She was nearly as tall as him now and looked so much like his mother, except she had inherited her mother's blond hair.
"Little mouse!" He teased. "You have grown up so fast. You are now a woman."
"Finally! Someone sees it! Please come and tell my mother that. Tell her to let me attend the party this evening." She complained.
He laughed, guessing she and her mother were arguing again. Roz wanted more freedom, something Mirela had refused to give to her.
"I will talk to her." Adam promised.
The maid let them into the house and they entered the luxurious sitting room where the rest of his family was waiting to welcome them. Damien Krasniqi was sitting in his wheelchair by the window, his favorite spot. He was a spitting image of his grandson, except his dark hair was now white with age, and his arthritic knees could no longer support his lanky frame. Adam went to embrace him.
"Welcome home my boy." Damien said holding him tightly.
Sitting on the love seat besides him was his daughter in-law Mirela. She was the matriarch of the family and defacto ruler of the household, having lived in the house ever since she married Adam's uncle. She was above average height, and perfectly groomed as usual. She opened her arms wide to receive Adam's hug.
"It is so good to have you back Adam. We have missed you." She said flashing her false smile.
"I am happy to be back." Adam said sitting on the couch.
"Mother! Adam agrees I am now a grown woman so I can go to the party." Roz said sitting besides her.
"This isn't the time." Mirela said harshly.
"But mother-"
Damien cleared his throat warningly and everyone was silent. He looked round frowning.
"Where is that good for nothing!" He demanded. "Adam lives miles away yet he got here on time. That buffoon is living in this house and his lazy self is late!"
"I have asked the maid to call him." Mirela explained. "Please take it easy Gjyshi. He is exhausted from all the work he had to do at the party last night."
"He didn't do a damn thing and you know it!". Damien barked. "All he does is womanize and waste my money!"
"He did work hard last night." Adam said quickly, trying to defend his cousin.
Damien was about to start yelling again, when Dritan walked in.
"Sorry I am late everyone. I guess I over-"
"Sit down and shut up with the excuses!" Damien barked, glaring at him.
Embarrassed, he sat besides his mother. Adam gave him a sympathetic smile. Dritan was the family disappointment. He had dropped out of college, and still lived at home despite being thirty. He had a minor position at the company, but rarely went to work. He was the complete opposite of Adam. As such Damian had refused to make him the head of the company, even though it was his right as the first grandson.
"Now everyone is here, we can begin." Damien said.
Roy, who has been standing behind Adam knew he wasn't wanted and walked out.
"I called this meeting for a number of reasons. One is to issues an ultimatum to this fool." He said pointing at Dritan. "I have had enough of your reckless and stupid behavior. You are nothing but a dead weight to this family! You better change your ways or you are out of the company and this house!"