Tyde was already worn out from fighting Benedict Emberhood. Now of all people to suddenly pop up, it should be Lord Adara.
"Save your energy." Raul said when Tyde started to power up. "I have already made a visit to your aunt."
Tyde could not comprehend it for a moment. Then horror struck her.
"What have you done to her?"
"Don't worry. We agreed to a cooperation. You help me catch the Demeteros and I shall leave your family alone." said Raul.
"I do not understand." said Tyde.
"Forget the fact that your cousin is friends with the drug dealers. You destroyed the evidence that we worked hard to collect.Let's just say I shall overlook it all if you work for me and catch the Demeteros red handed."
"What if you betray us or sell us out?" asked Tyde
"Do you really have a choice right now lady Voda ?"
Tyde looked at Raul with contempt. She knew that involving with the Adaras was not a good idea. But if Raul Adara wished,given his power he could exterminate her whole family. Aunt Regina would have agreed for the same reasons.
"My cousin and I are weak. We do not have it in us to help you." said Tyde
"We are simply going to make use of the fact that your cousin is well acquainted with their lady." said Raul
"As for the resources, we shall provide you with all you need."
Raul leaned closer to Tyde and Tyde fought the urge to take a step back. He whispered to her face, "It is a pity that we are both in the right but on opposite sides. Or could it be that my lady is not in the right?"
Tyde looked at Raul Adara's dark purple eyes. He seemed to be a man of purpose. Whether he could be trusted or not, she had to make a gamble.
"What should I do?" Tyde asked and Raul smiled.
Gaga held open the door to Raul's car and he got in. Gaga closed the door and asked Tyde to follow their car.
Tyde nodded and got into her car. "And now I am being lead to the lion's den." she said starting the engine.
Behind her Benedict Emberhood followed at a close distance. Did they plan this from the start ? Weaken her first and then negotiate. Whatever it was, Tyde knew she had no choice. If Raul Adara kept his word, she would call herself lucky.
***************
"A wedding invitation?" Victoria Gaya took the card which her father gave her. They were sitting in his study at their family home.
"Estelle Torden?" she read the name of the bride out aloud.
"Yes it is the lady's third wedding, but still a grand affair. It was not easy for me, to procure an invitation for you."said Lord Gaya looking at his beautiful daughter, who was now looking at the list of the invitees.
" This is perfect Papa. "she said smiling.
"There are several businessmen in the list with whom you'll otherwise never be able to make an appointment with." said her father
"But the wedding is in the southern county."
"I have already arranged the transportation and place of stay. If you start out tomorrow morning you'll be able to reach in three days."
"I understand Papa. I'll make use of this opportunity to expand our business." Lady Gaya smiled at the prospect of meeting new business partners. She had been preparing for some time now and had a proposal ready to set foot in the cotton industry. This was a golden opportunity and the southern county seemed to be ideal soil for new ventures.
Even though Tordens were rumoured to have several illegal businesses, they had important connections everywhere.
Victoria was good at business and her family now had money, but what they lacked were connections.Her father had planned to bring it in with her marriage. But Raul Adara somehow seemed indifferent.
After ordering her maid to pack her bag and prepare a dress, Victoria made her way to her office to verify the necessary documents she might need. As she walked there she thought about Raul and what she should do to win his heart.
Just like in business, I should come with a proper plan and execute it carefully,thought she.