The routine went on just like yesterday. In the afternoon, Luke Tyson reported about the Wrights mentioned by President Jay to Desmond Claude. The CEO of Claude Corporation was definitely an efficient in taking care of things.
Several years ago, the Wrights had an adoptive son, an ambitious daughter called Mary, and a spoil son named Larry. They adopted a son because the Old Madam Wright was weak and difficult to conceive at first. The adoptive son name was Clinton Wright. He was a brilliant boy who grew up to be a good natured, dependable, smart man. The Old Wright brought him up like his own son. Pointed to be the successor by the old Wright, he managed to bring the Wrights company to a new different level until it reach its glory. He was married to a woman whose name was unknown. It was likely the woman was just from a humble family. Still, the details about Clinton Wright's wife and family was hardly available. Even before the old master and old madam passed away, the ambitious daughter who had been jealous of Clinton Wright, along with her younger brother, had secretly made a move to replace Clinton Wright from his position. The attempts were failed, though. One day, Clinton Wright got crashed by a drunk truck driver, died on the spot, leaving his wife and his child who was still very young at that time. The gender of the child was unknown. Like what everyone's heard, the Wright siblings immediately took action by taking over the company and all the wealth. Clinton's wife and child were never been seen soon after, as if they were disappeared. Some people believed they died in the hand of the Wright siblings. The Wrights was extremely powerful those days, if they wanted to bury the truth, no one could dig out or even touch them and vice versa. In recent years, the company declined to a bad shape, the money was corrupted by the siblings for their extravagant lifestyle. The Wrights of City B couldn't be considered as a prominent family anymore.
Some picture of Wright Family members were attached in the document. Apparently, Clinton Wrights was stood out, indeed. He was refined, good looking, and his brilliant mind could be seen through his bright eyes.
There was a sayings, 'the nail that sticks out, get hammered down'. That was simply what happened to Clinton Wrights life.
Among those pictures, none of those presented the face of Clinton Wright's wife clearly. So did the child. They used a unisex colour for their child in everything so, it was hard to tell. Why did Clinton Wright cover up their existence? Something was a miss.
The information of this Wrights was just a common tragedy in one's life. According to the other information provided, Mary Wright had 2 daughters and a son, called Jane, Nora, and Derek. The eldest was 21 years of age this year. Mary Wright's husband experienced bankruptcy 8 years ago and obediently followed what Mary said. Whereas Larry Wright married to the forth daughter of the Meadows and had a daughter named Laura. She was still a Junior High School students. None of those daughters of theirs had the looks or age Desmond was desperately looking for.
Turning the page, the document Desmond was holding was also completed with an old newspaper article, which supported the evidence of Clinton Wright's wife and child death. It was stated that some ripped fabric belonged to the twos were discovered, it was presumably both mother and child were eaten by a wild beast in the deep woods of City B suburb area, 8 km from a resort, where the little family often stayed over.
To relate all of it to the girl with the pheonix pendant was almost impossible. Desmond closed the document, pinching the area between his eyebrows. He didn't expect it would be this difficult to find that girl, even though his resources were enermous. He regretted that he didn't ask about her basic information that time.
He stood up from his seat and dismissed Luke Tyson. He walked near the big glass window behind his chair, folding his arms, letting his mind wandered.
Those eyes of her were unforgettable, yet his memory about her appearance in details wasn't precisely clear. Time flew, hanging on appearance wasn't a helpful clue to find someone. To add the problem, there might be so many people with similar features. For instance, Pheonix Lou!
Why was her that popped in his head?
In fact, they shared the same eyes. He noticed them from the start. Yet, their personalities were very different, she had lied to him in. That girl from that time wouldn't lie, she was a pure intentioned girl. Her cheerfulness, her positiveness, her bright personality, her smile and her actions were all so genuine.
Pheonix Lou, on the other side, was too fake in his opinion. At first, he thought his secretary was very professional and capable, he was pleased to have such a subject. Never came to his mind, it was all only an act. Her intention was filthy! He was a sharp thinker and his intuition was far better than most people, yet he got deceived by a mere woman, who disguise herself as a man by working as his good secretary, wanted to climb up his bed, unnoticed. What a scheming woman!
She was found out guilty, but he sensed that she shamelessly acted like he was the wrong one to accuse her upon seeing her eyes. As the days went on, she just stayed silent whenever he threw tantrum, then she would appeared to him nonchalantly like nothing happened. He shouldn't be fooled by her submissive pretense. She wasn't only stiff, but sly as well. Who knew that she had another thing hidden in her sleeves or actually challenging him?
Being a prisoner was an excellent punishment for her. Lots of workloads in the office and at home would teach her a lesson for faking her gender in order to work in the company. Letting her to experience the humiliations day by day was also what she deserved as a bed climber and a liar. She should know who she had messed with!
Without her freedom, let's see how long she would endure.
The Charity Dinner.
Getting off the car, Desmond Claude was captivated by Pheonix Lou's appearance.
Desmond Claude looked at Pheonix intensely for a moment before heading to the entrance. Still, he didn't want to admit it.
'Did I pick a wrong outfit?', Pheonix couldn't help thinking about it, misintepreted his impression.
Pheonix Lou followed closely behind Desmond Claude nervously. It was her first time to participate in a high end event. As instructed, she picked one of the branded pastel coloured evening gown, which had been prepared in her wardrobe. She only styled her long silky hair a to one side since she didn't have enough time to dress up as Desmond kept giving her some tasks in the office, so, this was the least she could do to present herself as requested.
People are staring at her, she didn't realized she was stunningly gorgeous even though she only put a light make up and styled her hair simply. She was a natural beauty, her features was exquisite from the beginning, thus, there was no need for an extra effort.
The flowing peach coloured evening gown with complex details wrapped her slender feminine body, turned her like a fairy. Peach color made her smooth flawless skin exceptionally fresh. The off shoulders cut, emphasizing her beautiful collarbones and delicate shoulders, while the slit on the gown let one of her sexy leg be shown occasionally. She wore a thin ankle strapped high heels which creating a longer image on her legs.
Ahead of Pheonix Lou, a tall handsome figure in his light grey designer made suit, walked elegantly. He was cold, serious, and dominating, but dangerously attractive at the same time. All the women there couldn't help not to turn their gazes at him as if he was the only brightest star in the night sky.
Like an emperor in ancient times, people there couldn't afford to offend a powerful figure like Desmond Claude. Everytime he passed by, they would swiftly greeted him politely and some even sucked up to him.
Desmond showed no emotions until a man about the same age as Desmond Claude in blue suit, put his arm around Desmond's shoulder.
'Haven't seen you in a while, bro! How have you been?'
Desmond Claude turned his face to the source of the voice. His thin lips slightly curved up.
They seemed know each other well. Guessing roughly, the man in blue suit had to be a good friend of his.
'Not bad. How was the vacation?' Desmond in returned.
'I told you, I didn't go for a vacation. I was doing my job there!' The man insisted, moved his arm away from Desmond's shoulder, then shifted a glance at Pheonix Lou before confirming what he saw. 'Is this beautiful lady with you?'
Desmond just gave a hum.
The man in blue suit directly introduced himself to Pheonix, 'I'm Lawrence Smith, Desmond's good friend. It's an honoured to meet a beautiful lady like you!'
Hearing this man word, Pheonix couldn't help to blush a little as she introduced herself politely, 'Good evening, my name is Pheonix Lou. It's an honoured to meet you too.'
Lawrence Smith was the Third Young Master of Smith Group, a group with almost the same reputation and wealth as the Claude Corporation. Birds of a feather did flock together.
Lawrence and Desmond didn't share a similar personality, though. One was laid back and friendly, the other one was cold and serious. Even so, looking at both gentlemen getting along well, was such a pleasant.
Pheonix Lou knew not much about her boss's private matters or friends. Desmond Claude was not the type who enjoyed hanging out with his friends. It was understandable that so many people might not expect their friendship.
'Now, I'm a little convinced that you're not gay! As a good friends, I'm happy for you!'
Lawrence Smith teased Desmond Claude as they tossed a glass of wine.
Desmond Claude didn't say anything, just went with the flow.
While they engaged in their conversation, most women there set their curious eyes on Pheonix Lou. They kept whispering to each other wondering who she really was, jealousy could be felt on the air. It was the first time for them to see Desmond Claude brought a woman to accompany him.
On the contrary, most men in the event cursed inwardly noticing their female partners had their eyes on another man, it would always be that man who had this capability, Desmond Claude! Yet, today was a little special, they felt a little bit relieved to see Desmond Claude had a woman in his side, an unparalleled beauty too. To stand beside him, what kind of woman was she?
The guest mingled elegantly. Aside from competing their power or beauty, They build their networks in this kind of event.
Many people opened a conversation to the CEO of Claude Corporation by asking about Pheonix Lou. Cleverly, Desmond Claude answered their curiosity, but he didn't specifically say anything in particular. He let them thought whatever they wanted about his relationship to Pheonix Lou.
To conclude, Desmond Claude successfully made use of Pheonix Lou companionship to his benefits.
Starving, Pheonix Lou walked herself to get some food. She was terribly bored. Her tired body due to overwork adding her urge to go home soon and rest.
Sigh.
Jade Lake Villa wasn't her home, unfortunately. She was taken as his prisoner, he deliberately made everything hard for her even in the villa. She bet he wouldn't let her to have a good rest.
Regarding Desmond Claude was her superior, Pheonix believed she should keep herself to behave accordingly whenever she was with him. At times, it was undeniably tiring to act formally for 24 hours, but that was her relationship with him from the start, purely employer and employee. She didn't want anything to do with him apart from that.
Pheonix Lou was a girl who had clear lines in most things, never let her work and private matters got mixed up.