"What was that all about, Cassian?" Asked Isaac, standing with a deep scowl in front of Cassian. He still couldn't comprehend why he would even think of letting the president of their worst rival into his office. "You can't tell us that all the while she was here, you didn't talk about anything."
"Why are you so bothered about what was discussed? If it were something important, we'll know," Kevin sighed, massaging his temple at how roundabout their conversation had gone since Annabelle left. He pulled a chair and sat down. "Just leave it be for now."
"It's something we should know. How are we to prepare for it if we know nothing? That woman said it was a proposal that would be of benefit to us." Isaac shot back, his frustration growing.
"You are so worked up that I'm starting to suspect you have a crush on her or something. Did she break your heart at some point?" Isaac's anger flared upon hearing Kevin's words.
He knew those words were meant to get a reaction from him, but he still couldn't help his strong reaction.
"It almost looks like I'm right on the mark…" Kevin stated but was rudely interrupted by Isaac.
"You should be even more concerned than I am. Should there be any trouble because of this unusual visitor, it'll be your problem to deal with." Isaac said, but Kevin just raised a brow.
"Then chill and wait for just a moment. Sometimes, I wonder if you've become the president fretting over every little thing." Although he said that to Isaac just to get on his nerves, he glanced at Cassian, his gaze deepening just a little as he studied the silent president.
Just what did the two discuss, and why is he being so quiet about it?
"You are just impossible to…" Isaac began but was interrupted once again.
"Conduct an investigation on the Marudas. I want to know what's happening inside within the family. Get it done as soon as possible," Cassian finally spoke after his long silence.
"What?!" They both exclaimed, frowning.
After a brief pause, Isaac spoke, "All that's to be known about the Marudas has been already…"
"Then conduct another one. More thorough this time. And… focus on Annabelle. I want to know everything about her." Jaxon's gaze focused on Isaac and added, "I want you to do it. Leave no stone unturned."
Isaac stared at Cassian in exasperation. Was he getting back at home for questioning his decision earlier? "I don't believe this! First, you let her in, accommodated her, and have no results to show for it. Now this? I'm sorry, sir, if I suspect there's something going between the two of you we don't know about."
"And if there is?" Cassian asked, his tone flat and expression blank as though it was no big deal.
"Ah…" Isaac opened his mouth, but no word came out. Beside him, Kevin was dying from holding his laughter in.
"You are right, I need to conduct a thorough investigation on Annabelle Marudas," he said, picking up the iPad he had dropped on the desk. "I will take my leave now, President."
The two men watched Isaac leave wordlessly. And once the door closed, Kevin turned to Jaxon, his expression losing all its earlier playfulness.
"What's really going on? As much as it's fun messing with Isaac, I also know this is unlike you," he asked.
"Nothing is certain for now. Just do as you are told," was all Jaxon said causing Kevin to frown. "You are also to help with the investigation. I have a feeling that Miss Marudas will come back here sooner rather than later. When she does, bring her to me."
"So there really is something going on between the two of you." Cassian didn't reply, but gaze said it all. "Fine. I won't probe any further. I just hope we won't regret letting her in like this." Cassian's brows drew closer, and Kevin sighed. "This is the first time you've acted out of character, and it's because of that woman. If anyone gets wind if this, it wont be quiet for long. This is why Isaac is so worked up about it. Whatever it is, we have no right to stop you, but I hope you'll take our counsel into consideration, too. Especially Isaac's."
"There is nothing between me and her. You just have to do your jobs," was all Cassian said, and Kevin laughed.
"I'm not against you and her having something. I'm just saying you should be careful. Everything you've done so far could be in danger, and I'm not talking about Colossus only. There's so much that will be at stake. We can't protect her unless she is family." Kevin said but received no reaction from Jaxon, and he sighed again. "Fine. I'll leave too."
Cassian just nodded his head, and in seconds, Kevin was gone, leaving him alone with his thoughts, and there drifted to the same woman. Who would have thought that since his return, his thoughts would be centered around one woman?
From the moment she walked into the underground parking lot and shouted his name, he knew he had been acting out of character and he did it so naturally that it was beginning to scare him a little. Why would the woman whom he was only meeting personally for the first time have such a strong effect on him?
"Annabelle Marudas," he breathed. Her name coming out more natural than it should have.
She was strong and decisive when it came to business. He has seen her many times on the news but this was the first time he was seeing her in person and she looked so…
He sighed. "what am I thinking?"
***
Meanwhile, Annabelle returned to the Marudas, but stopped right outside its gates, contemplating whether it was right to return there. The ding sound from her phone on the seat beside her caught her attention and she picked it up. As soon as she opened it, a deep scowl appeared on her face.
On the screen was an unfamiliar number, but with the content of the message, she already knew who it's sender is, Lillian Marudas.