JADE.
My curiosity got the best of me, and I didn't stop myself as I typed in 'Marcus Price' and hit search.
*Search results*
*News*
- "Marcus Price, Brother of Sebastian Price, Arrested for Assault and Drug Possession" - CNN (archived from 2015)
- "Ezekiel Price, CEO of Pulsebit Inc, Shot and Killed on Family Trip" - Bloomberg (archived from 2016)
- "Sebastian Price Takes Over as CEO of Pulsebit Inc After Father's Death" - Forbes (archived from 2016)
*People Also Search For*
- Sebastian Price
- Fiona Price
- Pulsebit Inc
I clicked the first link.
*Marcus Price Arrested for Assault and Drug Possession*
On [ February 14, 2015], an altercation occurred at a party hosted by Gavin Walton, resulting in the arrest of Marcus Price, 22, for assault and possession of illegal drugs. According to eyewitnesses and video footage, a physical altercation ensued between Price and Walton, with Price repeatedly punching Walton in the face. Police arrived at the scene and took Price into custody, who claimed he was acting in defense of his girlfriend. Price was charged with assault and possession of illegal substances, and was subsequently sentenced to a year in prison.
"Hey."
I was startled, quickly closing my laptop like I'd been caught red-handed.
I nervously pushed a stray strand of hair behind my ear, trying to act nonchalant while thinking, "What did he see?" and "How much did he see?"
"Sebastian," I said, trying to sound calm and collected like I wasn't just snooping on his family drama.
Before I could even ask what was up, he pulled up another chair nearby, sat down right in front of me, and leaned in close. "I want this to stop," he said, his voice low and serious.
"Want what to stop?" I asked, trying to sound clueless.
Just then, his thumb brushed against my cheek, and he went in for a kiss. But I turned my head, avoiding it.
"See?" he whispered, desperation in his voice. I could tell he was hurting - physically and emotionally - since I'd been keeping him at arm's length after his last outburst.
"I'm sorry," he said, his hand gently landing on my thigh, his fingers tracing gentle circles on my bare skin. "It's just that my brother has a way of bringing out the worst in me."
"Yeah? How so?" I was dying to know the whole story!
I was so caught up in the moment that I didn't even realize I was holding my breath until Sebastian finally spoke up after a long silence. "Just stay away from him. He has a record of hurting the people closest to him." Sebastian's eyes locked onto mine, his expression as serious as the day he asked me to be his girlfriend. I nodded quickly, my heart racing with understanding.
"Just great. It's only been 3 days since his return, and he's already a topic between me and my wife."
I chuckled at his dramatic tone. "You hate him that much?" I asked.
"We don't hate him. He's just got it in his head that we do," Sebastian replied, rolling his eyes. "Can we just talk about the hide and go seek game you played with me instead of discussing my brother?"
"Hide and seek?" I giggled.
"Yesterday, you slept in the study room, Jade, and I barely saw you the day before until it was bedtime. Don't you think you overreacted?"
"I overreacted? You have never questioned my style but during your outburst, you flat out called me a whore."
"All I said was that it was revealing. I didn't like it that way because my brother was around," he defended.
"How was I supposed to know your brother that you never told me about would come and visit?"
"Are you mad at me for keeping him a secret or mad at me for just yelling at you?"
"I don't care that you didn't tell me your ex-con brother didn't exist, Sebastian. Just-"
"Wait a minute," he cut me off, his hands leaving my thighs as he stood up, his eyes blazing with anger. "How did you know he's an ex-con?" His frown deepened. "Already doing your research, huh? You just couldn't mind your business."
I opened my mouth to respond, but quickly shut it, realizing things could escalate quickly.
Sebastian walked out on me and later, out of the mansion.
***
MOMENTS LATER:
The car finally came to a stop, and I stepped out onto the pavement, gazing up at the towering building with the 'HydraHub' sign emblazoned across it in bold letters.
This was a new beverage company, and just a few days ago, they'd reached out to my manager with a hefty paycheck to star in their debut commercial for their brand-new line of yogurt drinks.
I strolled into the reception area, flanked by Oliver. The receptionist's face lit up like a lamp when she saw me. "Mrs. Price, welcome! They're waiting for you on the fourth floor," she chirped, barely containing her enthusiasm. I gave her a friendly smile and a nod, and we made our way to the elevator.
On the fourth floor, a flurry of activity surrounded me as people hurried to and fro. The space was a production studio, complete with cameras, advanced lighting systems, and mockups of two stylish living rooms and a sleek kitchen - everything needed to create a top-notch advertisement.
Suddenly, a friendly-looking man with a warm smile and a tailored suit approached me with enthusiasm, getting a bit too close for comfort. Oliver 'politely' reminded him to respect my personal space. "Mrs. Jade Price, welcome! Welcome!" Woody exclaimed, his eyes shining with excitement. "I'm Woody, the marketing manager who's been in touch with you."
"Yes, I'm familiar," I replied with a smile. "Oliver is just doing his job."
Woody chuckled and nodded, continuing, "Your hair and makeup team are ready to-"
"Actually, Woody, I'd like to meet the CEO first, to confirm if he's okay with my presence at all."
Woody's face scrunched up in confusion. "And why wouldn't it be? He's-"
Just then, a voice called out, "Woody?" and the marketing manager's face lit up as he turned to face the speaker.
Approached Marcus Price, the CEO of the newest beverage company in town, looking every bit the part with his sharp suit and confident stride. His eyes locked onto mine, and he greeted me with a hint of a smile, "Familia."
"Hello," I began, extending my hand. "We haven't formally met, I'm Jade." But Marcus didn't reciprocate the handshake, keeping his hands firmly in his pockets as he gazed at my outstretched hand for a moment before speaking. "You shouldn't be here."
Woody, oblivious to the tension, jumped in, "No, no, Marcus. She's the product endorser I've been telling you about - Jade Price, your..."
But Marcus cut him off, his eyes never leaving mine. "I'm well aware of who familia is, Woody." His tone was firm but measured. "And I still don't want her here."
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Woody looking completely confused.
***