Richmond Gibson stood gallantly by the floor-to-ceiling window in his luxuriously furnished executive office, staring down at the busy Fourth Avenue Street of Westler City.
Both his hands were neatly tucked in his pants pocket and one side of his body was leaning on the glass window like a supermodel striking a pose. His piercing blue eyes were narrowed and his gaze darkened as he listened to a detailed report from his personal assistant, Owen Wilson.
"Are you sure about the authenticity of this report?" Richmond queried, his frigid voice exuding a dangerous aura.
"Yes sir," Owen affirmed. "I was privileged to watch the video clip myself and I saw him carrying her into the hotel. They were both lodged at one of the presidential suites at the east wing."
"When did they leave the hotel?" Richmond tilted his head to the side to look at Owen.
"Mr Forde was seen checking out of the hotel at about 6:30 AM the following morning, while Mrs Hart was captured leaving around 9: 00 AM" Owen replied.
Richmond gritted his teeth in fury, his right hand balling into a fist.
"I'll be expecting Mrs Hart from 10:00 AM today. When she arrives, send her straight to my office."
"Yes sir."
"You may leave."
"Okay, sir," Owen briskly left the office, leaving behind his viciously enraged boss.
Richmond returned his inflamed gaze to the window, anger swirling in his heart like an unforgiving hurricane.
When Richmond made arrangements for his assistant to dig out the mystery surrounding Lola's visit to the De Lamont hotel the previous day, he never thought that the name Ian Forde would surface.
Richmond knew Ian all too well. They both attended the same boarding school and university. They were from both affluent backgrounds and they both had an enviable charisma.
Richmond and Ian used to be friends back in the day until an ugly incident split them apart.
Afterwards, Richmond blacklisted Ian as a mortal enemy. His hatred for Ian was so potent and vicious like a bitter winter.
Even though they both had businesses in the same City and ran in the same social circle they were careful not to cross each other's path.
Richmond was aware of Ian's obsession with the female folks. He was also aware of Ian's voracious sexual appetite. He didn't need Owen to say much as he could picture whatever may have gone down in that hotel room.
Piecing the puzzle of the state he saw Lola that faithful morning and Owen's discovery, Richmond drew his conclusion that Lola had been sexually abused by Ian.
"I swear Ian, on the life of Lizzy, I will make you pay for whatever hurt Lola may be passing through right now," Richmond vowed under his breath before returning to attend to the urgent documents on his executive desk.
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Lola was busy throwing her guts out into one of the toilets in the Ladies' room when she felt Chelsea's hand stroking her gently on the back.
"Easy girlfriend... Easy. Here..." Chelsea gave Lola a bottle of water when she lifted her head up. "...rinse your mouth and spit out."
"T...thanks dear," Lola wiped her nose and mouth using the water. She also splashed some cold water on her face before she felt a little bit better.
"How do you feel, now," Chelsea asked, her eyes brimming with curiosity and suspicion.
"A little bit better." Lola lifted herself from the toilet cubicle floor and strolled over to the handwash tub. "I guess my stomach is revolting against the sandwich I ate this morning."
"I don't think it's the sandwich, girlfriend. It is something more. Have you taken a good look at yourself in the mirror of late?" Chelsea said scrutinizing Lola's somewhat pale look.
Lola carefully assessed her reflection silently in the mirror while wondering what Chelsea was seeing differently in her.
"I don't see anything wrong with me aside from a little bit of stress. I'm sure I'll regain myself once Brian is completely out of danger."
Chelsea's forehead furrowed.
"That is not what I'm talking about Lola. I understand you've been under a lot of stress but there's something more. Ever since that incident with you know who, you look fatigued, and paler, and I just discovered that your body temperature is abnormal."
Lola placed her hand on her neck and discovered that she was indeed having a temperature spike.
"You know, Brian observed my body temperature anomaly this morning," Lola said in a slightly jittery tone.
"At least that confirms my worry."
"Oh god... I thought this nightmare was over." Tears welled up in Lola's eyes.
Chelsea placed her hand tenderly on her friend's shoulder. "Don't worry baby girl, you are not alone in this. I'm here for you. Nevertheless, I will strongly advise that you go to the hospital and do a thorough check up, to rule out any case of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy."
"Wait.. what! No... I can't have an STD neither can I be pregnant." Lola chuckled feverishly.
"Don't get me wrong, Lola, I never said you had any of those. All we have to do is rule out those possibilities and ensure that healthwise, you are okay."
"Chelsea..." Lola turned to face her friend. "I can't go to the hospital. Brian or any of his family members could find out and I'll be in serious trouble."
"You don't have to worry about anything, sweetheart." Chelsea stroked her friend's silky honey brown hair.
"Brian won't find out anything because I'll be personally taking you to a discreet hospital where we will do all the necessary tests and ensure that you are fine."
"Okay." Lola nodded her head and wiped off the tears streaming down her face.
"What I want you to do for me right now is go to Mr Richmond's company and put up a believing grateful show. Afterwards, transfer the said money to my account as agreed. Next, you stop by my office around lunch break time and I'll take you to the hospital in my colleague's car. We will run the test and the results with be sent directly to me. Is that understood?"
"Yes... thank you, dear. You are a lifesaver." Lola threw her arms around Chelsea and embraced her warmly.
-
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At about a few minutes past 10:00 AM, Lola arrived at the headquarters company of GXL Telecom, one of the biggest telecommunications companies in the country.
Even though she had been to this intimidatingly magnificent skyscraper, she was always left in awe every time.
As she strolled through the automatic sliding glass door, she was greeted by the peaceful and friendly atmosphere of professional minds working to please their clients.
"Good morning, Mrs. Hart." One of the receptionists, who knew her very well waved at her.
"Hello," Lola approached her smiling.
"I trust Mr Hart is getting better." The friendly receptionist inquired.
"Yes, he is. Thank you."
"You're welcome. How may I be of assistance to you."
"I would love to see Mr Gibson," Lola stated.
"Which of the Gibsons, please? Mr Howard or Mr Richmond?"
"Mr. Richmond Gibson." Lola cleared her throat, a little bit embarrassed.
"Do you have an appointment with him?"
"I...I think I do." Lola replied, his tone brimming with uncertainty. She was beginning to feel lightheaded from all the questioning.
"Please give me a second while I put a call across to his office."
The receptionist briskly made her call before directing Lola to the elevator.
"Mr Owen will be waiting for you on the last floor."
"Thank you." Lola smiled in appreciation as she left for the elevator.
The ride up to the last floor made Lola feel very dizzy. She could barely stand straight or walk properly when the elevator door slid open on the last floor.
"Hello, Mrs Hart." Owen extended his hand for a business handshake while smiling politely. "I'm Owen Wilson and you are welcome to GXL."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Mr Owen." Lola stepped out of the elevator and shook his hands. "Thank you."
"Mr Richmond is waiting for you. Kindly follow me." Owen gestured forward, leading the way.
"Oh...Thank you." Lola feasted her eyes on the intimidating luxury all around her. She was greeted by a professionally dressed young lady in the outer waiting room whom she assumed was the secretary.
"Good morning," Lola smiled at the lady.
"Good morning, ma'am. Welcome to GXL." The secretary chimed like a sonorous automated machine.
Lola chuckled at how cute the secretary sounded as she followed Owen into the CEO's executive office.
As she entered the chilly, well-ventilated and lavishly furnished CEO's office, her earlier nauseating feeling returned. She ambled lightly on her toes while trying to hold her breath. Her twitching eyes darted around the high-end executive workspace and she attested to the fact the Gibson's were stinky rich.
The office radiated elegance and comfort, and every little decor screamed success. From the state of the art decor to the comfy leather chairs along with stunning marble accents, Lola felt as though she was floating in paradise.
"Mrs. Hart..."
Lola brought down her shimmering sexy blue eyes down to look in the direction of the voice calling her name. She had been so engrossed admiring Richmond's office that she didn't notice Owen leave or Richmond walk up to her.
"... I'm glad you were able to make it."
Lola's eyes lowered from Richmond's glimmering deep blue eyes to his extended hand. She hesitated for a while before briefly shaking him and withdrawing her trembling hand back to her side.
"Thanks." Lola's soft voice was barely a whisper.
"Please..." Richmond gestured toward the double leather couch, brimming inwardly at the thought of enjoying Lola's company alone.
"Ummm....uh huh!" Lola sucked in her breath and followed his direction.
When she was comfortably seated, she lowered her eyes, staring at her intertwined fingers resting on her lap as though she were a sorcerer, reading a magical globe.
"Ahem..." Richmond cleared his throat nosily to get Lola's attention which seemed to be in another realm.
"Mrs Hart..."
"About the incident at De Lamont..." Lola finally looked up, threatening tears welling up in her eyes. "... please, don't ask me about it. A...and don't say anything to my husband about it. I beg you in God's name."
A few tear drops escaped Lola's eyes but she quickly dabbed at it.