He had a busy schedule lined up today. Preparing early for work was the plan. He desired to be at the center of everything, in control of his situation even before the others woke up and began their day.
He firmly believed in the saying that the early birds catch the worms. Like every day, he had no plans to share it with the other predators circling his business or prey.
However, he did not expect someone else to be earlier than him as he noticed a man as he exited his door on his way to his work. "What do you want, Wesley?" He believed it was the only reason he was there to see him.
He might have gotten away last night, but he doubted that his grandfather would let him off the hook that easily. Not now when he had discovered that the girl he was looking for was working for him.
He knew he should have gotten ridden of her sooner. But he doubted it would have made any difference as his grandfather seemed adamant about searching for her.
As he could see, his grandfather did fly to this city, disregarding his health condition. Then he went straight to where she was without even consulting him about it. It meant he was serious about this girl.
"I am not the one who wishes to see you," Wesley informed him as he stood aside, leading the way to the elevators. "I hope you will see him before you leave." He added, slightly using guilt to get his way.
Quickly, Liam headed to the other penthouse suite where his grandfather was waiting. Once inside, he found him sitting near the window, taking in the magnificent view of the tall skyscrapers that spread as far as the eye could see.
"A lot had changed since I last visited this place." Count Julius spoke without even looking at him. "I hardly recognize it anymore."
Liam could relate to what his grandfather said, seeing the fast development in this city. He already saw its potential. It was the reason he decided to expand his business in this place.
"You want to see me." He enjoyed talking to his grandfather about different subjects, but he was not about to go down memory lane to reminisce with him today.
He had a business to run, and every minute of his time counted. He moved closer to his grandfather, stopping just a few feet, waiting for whatever he had in mind. But he could already foretell what the topic would be.
"Yes, I do." Count Julius finally turned around and faced him.
His grandfather looked like he had a good rest. He could only wonder where he had gone last night and who he had met with, but that was not his business anymore. He was just glad to see he looked ok.
"Is this about the girl? I still do not understand why you are so fascinated with her." Liam grabbed a cup of coffee already prepared on the table, needing the caffeine boost to deal with his grandfather.
"There is nothing special about her. I still don't recommend you associate yourself with her, regardless of who her father is." he continued, not waiting for his grandfather to respond to his question.
Until now, he had no idea who his grandfather was referring to as the father of Luisa, but he doubted that it should be any of their business.
For all he knew, he was an old friend of his grandfather who had an affair with a younger woman and fathered a child. It was a scandal that he did not want to attach to their name.
"I beg to disagree. So far, Luis seems to be exceptional." The Count countered his claim. "You would not have hired her if you never believed she was capable and highly qualified."
He did not expect his grandfather would defend her and even praise her. The Count could not possibly know her more than what he had observed after her week of working with him.
And he also noticed how his grandfather referred to her. It was like they were very familiar with each other. But a few hours he had spent with her in the Shelter would not have been enough to gain his trust.
Or maybe his grandfather's sickness had affected his judgment, making him senile and rendering him inept at differentiating right from wrong.
"That is a completely different matter. Ms. Richmond working for me had nothing to do with her character. You need to stop with this obsession of wanting to reunite her with her father." Liam drank the remaining coffee and placed the empty cup on the table.
He could not explain to his grandfather how she landed her job. But he knew he was right about her. She was terrible news that they did not want in their lives. After all, he was a good judge of character.
"Ok. I will make a deal. I will stop if I see that Luis does not deserve my help." Count Julius promised him, but he could sense a condescending tone in his voice, making him doubt his words.
He was only protecting his grandfather. He was rich but old and sickly. Many might want to use him for their interest. Now, this girl could take advantage of him, gain his trust, and use him.
Then, what?
"Then, I want you to lend me, Luis, for a few days as my assistant or while I am here. You can have Wesley in the meantime. I only want to get to know her." Count Julius suggested as he stepped closer to him, staring him in the face.
"Grandpapa..." He was about to protest, but the senior stopped him from continuing his words.
"After that time, if I found her unworthy, I will end this myself, personally." It was his grandfather's compromise. Maybe it would be better this way where he could be there to supervise him.
"Fine," Liam answered, finally agreeing with his grandfather. At least he could monitor his movements and hers too.
"Anyway, I have a party to attend later. I wish for you to accompany me. Please send Luis here immediately while Wesley takes charge of her obligations." His grandfather instructed, clearly dismissing him from his presence.
"Ok. I will see you then." Liam could not continue arguing with his grandfather over some petty things. Besides, Wesley was a better assistant than Luisa, so he had no problems swapping the two.
He just hoped that he would not regret agreeing to this situation. He only wanted to protect his grandfather, his family, and their legacy.
But looking at the positive side of things, he did not have to spend a few days with Luisa. Maybe this situation would make his grandfather realize she was not worth it.
But what if it was the other way around? But that was not very likely.