"Brother, someone saw Stacy with Mr. Katana a few days ago. Also, she received an invitation to the masquerade party from Mr. Salemander." Robert reported.
The mysterious man was sitting silently as he rocked the chair back and forth.
"Does she know anything about our plan?"
"I don't think so. There's no way she would know that."
"I'm not sure though. She doesn't have any reason to talk to these people as well. Something is not right here." The mysterious man was trying to comprehend everything.
"What are you thinking?" asked Robert. The man stood up as he approached the window. He opened it wide to welcome the cool breeze. The apple green curtain danced beautifully.
"She's clearly not dumb after all. Let's find out what she's planning. She might be a threat after all." The guy exhaled a silent smirk. "Make a way for me to attend the masquerade party." He ordered.
"Okay. I'll secure an invitation for you then." Robert picked up his phone and dialed a number.
***After Lisa called Eli and Ethan to let them know that she would be going home together with Stacy, she immediately went back to where the car was parked.
"Done sending the money?" Aisha asked.
"Uhm, yes!" She lied, again.
"Okay, let's go!" Then Aisha drove home. It was already six in the evening when they arrived at the Williams residence. Aisha found it odd to see lights – out on the first floor. Wait! The bounty hunters couldn't be inside since she saw some gatekeepers on their way in so she shrugged that thought.
Lisa could see her hesitation to get inside, so she held her hands. Aisha smiled at her then they both went inside. Maybe they were all in bed by now.
"SURPRISE!!!" Different voices echoed in the house when Aisha turned on the lights. She was shocked to see the house decorated as if there was a birthday party. She could see genuine smiles all around. Almost all the house staffs were present. She turned around to look at Lisa, but Lisa shrugged her shoulders.
"Happy birthday!" Once again, she heard everyone in unison. Wait! Birthday? What was the date today? Was it her birthday? She looked at her phone to check what day it was. She gasped when she realized that it's the 20th of May. It was indeed her birthday.
"Mom! Happy birthday!" Eli excitedly ran towards her. Aisha kneeled to hold Eli in her arms. Ethan smiled as he walked towards her.
"Happy birthday." He kissed her lips.
"Thank you!" Aisha murmured, she was touched by their surprise. "I didn't know it was my birthday." She chuckled as she kissed Eli's cheeks.
"It was Eli's idea!" Lisa said when she reached the three. "Happy birthday!" She greeted her.
"I guess everyone's hungry. Let's chow!" Lisa shouted in excitement. Everyone went to the kitchen and the three followed.
The dinner was full of chitchats and laughter. Everyone seemed to be happy. It was just a simple dinner but it was full of giggles and music. Aisha was enjoying herself, especially that Eli never left her side.
The housemaids joined the party too. Their driver, Larry, and Yohann as well. All the household helpers enjoyed themselves at Aisha's request.
Eli only left Aisha's side when Yohann came and invited Eli to dance. Eli loved to dance! Ethan and Aisha were left at the table as they watch their son danced with Yohann and the others.
"Ethan, Thank you." Aisha faced him. They were one chair away from each other.
"You should be thanking Eli, it was all his idea." He answered her, but still looking at Eli. Why won't he look at her? Aisha didn't know why, so she shifted her eyes back to Eli with a trace of sadness in her eyes. She tried to smile though.
Why was she affected by Ethan's sudden change of behavior? He was somehow aloof. She couldn't understand. But she was wishing it to be that way before. Maybe it was for their own good too since she would be leaving soon. Her heart itched a bit.
After some more minutes of watching the people dancing and singing happily, her phone rang so she excused herself to Ethan. She went out near the pool as she answered the phone.
"Caleb, what's up?" She asked.
"Well, I just want to greet my friend a happy birthday before the day ends." Aisha heard him chuckled
"Thank you. So how are you doing right now? When will you be discharged from the hospital?"
"I don't know. I guess the day after tomorrow?" He was not sure.
"Don't rush. You must take your time to rest for the meantime."
"No, I can't! I'm so bored here. I'm itching for an adventure now." He was complaining. Aisha laughed at his silliness. Guessed he was still Caleb after all.
"Sissy! Happy birthday!" Aisha heard a sexy voice on the other line.
"Is that you Sophie?'' Aisha yelled with enthusiasm.
"Yes sissy! It's me! Good to hear your voice again."
"Whoa, when did you arrive here? Why didn't you call me?" Aisha acted as if she was annoyed. She pouted.
"I just came yesterday. Dad called me to watch over this dumbass brother of ours!" Sophie irritatingly said when she spoke of Caleb. Aisha laughed.
"Oh, good to have you then Sophie. I'll come to see you tomorrow then." Aisha assured her.
"Okay! See you!" Then the call ended. Aisha was about to go back to the dining area when her phone rang again. She halted to answer the call.
"Dad! She exclaimed as soon as she answered the call.
"Do you really have no plans of visiting your father even on this very day?!" It was actually more of a scold than a question from Demetrius. "Am I going to eat the feast I prepared alone? Am I celebrating a birth or a death?" He continued. Aisha chuckled.
"Dad, I'm sorry I'm a little bit busy here. But I appreciate you calling me." She said in a mocking way.
"Just so you know, I'm not calling to greet you a happy birthday since this is not even a happy day!" He yelled. Aisha chuckled at her father's action. He still didn't know how to express his feeling. No wonder he didn't even bother to look for a second wife.
"Okay, okay Dad. Just so you know I won't say I love you because I totally don't love you!" she was teasing Demetrius.
"This ungrateful child really!" Then Demetrius hung up. Aisha smiled as she looked at the starry night. "Thanks for giving me a wonderful family!" She whispered.
"Everything's okay?" She heard a man's voice from behind. She was startled at first, but when she turned to see Ethan, she calmed down.
"Ethan! O-of course, everything is okay." She smiled at him. "Have you been standing for long?" She was a little bit nervous.
"I just came." Said Ethan, "Everyone's looking for you."
"Oh I'm sorry, I'm coming!" Then she rushed inside.
Ethan definitely heard her speaking with some people. He didn't want to show up yet since he didn't want to interrupt their conversation.
"Are there things that I still don't know about?" He whispered to himself.