William sat in his office, meticulously poring over the final papers for his imminent product launch. His team had completed all production tasks flawlessly, and the excitement was palpable as the launch date approached. Among the neatly arranged documents lay a custom-designed wristband, tailored precisely to Inaya's preferences—a personal touch that brought a smile to William's face amidst the intensity of the moment.
Suddenly, the serene atmosphere shattered as Thomas, his usually composed assistant, entered the room with an air of nervous urgency. He handed William a smartphone displaying a viral video clip from a shopping mall, filled with inexplicable cuts and edits. William's warm demeanor twisted into an icy fury at the sight.
"Remove every trace of this video from existence," William commanded his voice a venomous cascade of icy determination. Thomas, stunned, glimpsed a facet of William he had never imagined— a chilling persona capable of exuding palpable menace.
"And get Mr. Xiao on the line immediately," William continued, his tone brooking no dissent. "He's been eager to meet me. Let's grant him that wish."
The room pulsed with an ominous silence as Thomas hastened to comply, acutely aware of the weight behind William's words and the perilous resolve they concealed.
In less than half an hour, Mr. Xiao arrived at William's door. A seasoned businessman, Mr. Xiao had built an empire through astute cunning and calculated maneuvers. Yet beneath his outward success lurked a darker side, a man not to be underestimated.
"Thank you, Mr. Walton, for granting me this audience. I'm grateful for the opportunity," Mr. Xiao greeted me with a heavy Chinese accent.
"Let's see if you remain grateful by the time you leave," William retorted with thinly veiled mockery.
"Indeed. Why have you summoned me? Are you finally prepared to collaborate with our company?"
"Collaboration? Quite the contrary. Allow me to show you something," William nodded at Thomas, who promptly activated the large screen. The unedited video of the mall unfolded before Mr. Xiao's eyes, unraveling a scenario that plunged him into sudden trepidation.
Within moments, Mr. Xiao realized the dire predicament he faced. He knew his daughter well enough to understand the implications of her appearance in that damning footage. By its conclusion, he was gripped with a chilling realization, drenched in a cold sweat.
"Your expression betrays your understanding of the situation. Your beloved daughter, Xiao Jing Li— or should I say, Jenny— has not only publicly defamed innocent individuals but has also propagated these falsehoods online. Now, tell me, what sort of collaboration do you propose?"
Mr. Xiao felt a weight descend upon him, almost compelling him to kneel. His foolish daughter had dared to entangle herself with William Walton, a mistake he had believed he had guarded against.
"Your presence here is no longer necessary. Leave now. Your next actions will determine mine," William's voice was terse and dismissive. Mr. Xiao departed with haste, keenly aware that the repercussions of his daughter's actions would now rest squarely upon his own shoulders.
As Mr. Xiao's departure cast a shadow over the room, William's phone suddenly vibrated, causing the atmosphere to shift palpably. With a meaningful glance, he silently urged Thomas to leave the room before answering the call.
"Assalamualaikum," Inaya's voice, soft and soothing, echoed through the line.
"Walaikumus salam," William replied, his tone tinged with a mixture of relief.
"You called? I'm sorry I couldn't pick up earlier. Is it a good time to talk?" Inaya's voice held a hint of worry.
"It is. How have you been? It's been too long since we spoke", William paused before asking, "Are you free? Can I visit you today?"
William's words flowed eagerly, a departure from his usual composed demeanor that caught Inaya off guard.
"William, it's your house. You can come anytime," Inaya replied, her tone stating the obvious yet betraying a touch of confusion.
"I gave it to you. It's yours now. Can I come this evening?" William persisted, a sense of urgency creeping into his voice.
"You can. I'm alone anyway," Inaya's response was calm as ever. But William's eyes twitched at that.
"Alone? Where are the employees?" William's concern heightened, suspicion flickering in his voice.
"They've all taken leave," Inaya's explanation was simple, yet it failed to ease William's growing unease.
"Everyone? Together?" William's question hung in the air, laden with suspicion and a growing sense of foreboding.
"Yes," Inaya confirmed, unaware of the storm brewing in William's mind.
Previously William had given exclusive instructions to all the people who worked at the East Gate Villa. On no ground, they were supposed to leave Inaya alone. Disobeying his order is not something they would do, unless there was something fishy going on.
"I'm on my way. Stay cautious until I arrive. Don't venture out alone. Call me if anything seems wrong," William's words were urgent now, a clear directive underscored by worry.
Before Inaya could inquire further, the call abruptly disconnected, leaving her with more questions than answers.
As he settled into his car and Thomas drove off, William began contacting his security team, a sense of urgency gripping his heart as he raced against an unseen threat looming over the woman he cared for deeply.
*Ding dong.*
The sound reverberated through the halls of East Gate Villa, its chime punctuating the tense silence that enveloped Inaya. Her mind still reeled from the unsettling conversation with William moments ago, his voice laced with worry that had sent shivers down her spine. She had expected his arrival, anticipating reassurance in his familiar presence. Yet, as she cautiously approached the door, her heart sank as she realized it wasn't William who stood on the other side.
Before her loomed a man of distinguished years, his presence commanding respect and authority. Beside him stood a woman whose grace and elegance exuded an aura of sophistication that captivated Inaya's attention instantly. Though unfamiliar with them, their mere presence spoke volumes of a life well-lived, filled with untold stories and profound journeys.
Inaya hesitated, her hand lingering on the door handle, unsure whether to welcome these strangers into her villa when she was alone. Yet, as her eyes met the deep blue gaze of the man, a flicker of recognition sparked within her. Despite the years that had passed since she last saw him, she knew in an instant: this was Noah, Noah Walton, William's older brother. His resemblance to William was uncanny, etched in the familiar lines of his face and the depth of his eyes.
Beside Noah stood a woman of undeniable presence, her poise and elegance marking her as someone of significance. Inaya could only deduce, by the striking resemblance she bore to Noah and the air of maternal authority she carried, that this woman was Natalia, Natalia Walton, William's mother. The realization struck Inaya like a revelation, weaving threads of connection and intrigue in the tapestry of her mind.
With a deep breath, Inaya opened the door wider, her apprehension giving way to curiosity and a hint of apprehensive excitement. Little did she know, their unexpected visit would reveal secrets of time.