Marina's POV
I was still baffled at the shift in Adrian's behaviour. He went from being cold and unapproachable to being cordial though he was still asleep strict as ever.
I want to believe that he is a nice person but the truth that Emma revealed to me about my father's death still fills my mind. He can't be so different from his father, that means if his father had a hand in my father's death it makes him same. The conflicting thoughts were driving me crazy. Did Adrian already find out my true lineage? Is that why he is suddenly polite to me?
I focused on the mirror as I applied the red lipstick. The long awaited gala night had finally arrived. I was dressed in a white dinner gown that had a slit leading up to my mid thigh.
" I wish I had your body" Mia whined behind me. I rolled my eyes and walked to where she was seated. This was the third time this night she was saying this.
" Mia you are beautiful just the way you are." I assured her before wrapping my arms around her.
" I know." She said with reciprocating my hug.
" You might want to go now before your boss starts calling."
" Yea that's right." I chuckled before releasing her from my embrace.
I got to the venue and it was already swarming with guest. Everyone and everywhere screamed luxurious. I saw Oscar and gave him a curt nod. I had traded the information of Vivian and Adrian getting married to him in exchange for part payment. He wasn't so impressed but it started my mum's treatment so that's fine.
" Marina!" I turned around to see who called me. My gaze fell on Adrian. He looked strikingly handsome in his tuxedo.
" Good evening sir."
" You look really beautiful in that dress Marina."
" Thank you sir."
"Well, I have some..."
Mic check *** mic check**
"Oh the event is about to start, I will let you know later, he said and went to some dignitaries who were significantly recognised
The event kicked off few minutes and Cross Tech signed some partnership deals and appreciated their long standing client for over twenty years.
" Marina check and ensure everything is all in place for the reveal." Adrian whispered in my ear
Cross Tech wanted to unveil and launch a new product line. I stood up and went in search of the project manager for that product line.
" Hi" a creepy looking man dressed in a suit stood in front of me.
" Hi" I greeted back nervously.
" My name is Leo, I called you a few days back. Do you recall?" I squinted my eyes as I tried to remember.
" Yes I do remember, Leo."
" Yes Marina, I've been meaning to talk to you about something." He looked really genuine, I felt a bit guilty that I had thought he was a fraud.
" Can we talk about it later this is not the place and Time."
" Ok, I'll send you the time and venue."
" Yea."
" It was nice meeting you in person Marina"
" Nice to meet you too, Leo." He's probably trying to get some information about Cross Tech from me.
" Everything is ready?" Adrian asked immediately I got back.
" Yes it is all set."
The new product was unveiled and the roars of clapping echoed throughout the hall. Adrian pulled out his phone from his pocket and after a while of scrolling through it he stood up and left the table. I stared at his retreating figure as I admired his broad shoulders.
It's been thirty minutes and Adrian wasn't yet back. The time for him to give his speech was drawing close.
" Marina, have you seen Adrian?"
" He hasn't been back since he left." I stood up to go look for him. As I went to the parking lot I could hear two people have a conversation. I could not properly hear them. I was about to leave when I recognised a voice. It was Adrian.
"Are you sure you want to go through with this, Adrian?" a man asked, in a hushed voice, barely a whisper."
"Do you think I want to ? .. well, it's hell no.. but right now I don't see a choice," Adrian replied. "If what my father did to the Lyle family ever comes out, it'll ruin us. Not just financially—our reputation, everything."
"Do you now see that you are nothing but a bird of the same feather, well a fruit won't fall far from the tree, You're just like your father always trying to cover up things. You are not fit to be CEO."
My heart nearly jumped out of me, it pounded against my chest meanwhile I was pressing myself against the wall to eavesdrop.
" I do not care about what you think, you're only on board with this because of your own personal revenge." Adrian accused.
"So what's the plan?" Colin sounded nervous, almost afraid.
"Damage control," Adrian said.
"I've started setting things in motion. It'll look like a strategic partnership on paper, but really, it's to keep the Lyles out of Cross Tech once and for all." he continued with his plan.
"Is that why you've been so close to the new assistant?" Colin's voice held a suspicious edge. "Do you think she is related or have any idea of all these?"
A cold chill ran down my spine as I realized they were talking about me.
" That is not why I'm close to her, I doubt she has any idea about what is going on" Adrian admitted
" But doesn't mean we can trust her, don't trust anyone." Adrian said.
" You are right." The other man agreed.
" I need to get back in for my speech."
My heart gave in and raced even more and my hands vibrate as I walked back inside. I went straight to the toilet as I was hyperventilating.
My cover would be blown soon, I need to act fast in securing the trust fund.
" Are you ok?" Someone asked wrapping their hands around mine and rubbing my back in a soothing manner. Probably trying to get me to calm down.
I could already feel the tears streaming down my cheeks smearing my make up. With time I calmed down but my mind couldn't stop replying the conversation.
I had no choice but to wipe away my tears,
"Damage control." His words echoed in my head.
Is it that he suspects my true identity? Should I say I am in danger?
I carefully and quickly scanned the room subconsciously in search for Oscar. He needed to know about Adrian's plan.
As he was done with his speech, applauds were flying around and the crowd overjoyed, with a forced erupted smile, I joined the charade "Marina," he called out, as he was approaching me.
"Sir?" I replied, trying to sound calm.
"Great job tonight. You've proven yourself to be an invaluable asset, and that's worth commending"
I swallowed hard, unsure of how I should respond.
"Well, erm ..thank you, sir."
Adrian's took some steps closer and lowered his head, with his gaze lingering on mine, and for a moment, I couldn't but think that he saw right through me.
Clears throat** "Excuse me, sir," I said, needing to escape. "I actually need to leave and attend to something."
I excused myself and quickly made my way to Oscar's location, my heart racing.
"Oscar, Oscar," I whispered urgently without having a direct contact or stopping to talk to him. "We need to talk."
"What is it, Marina?" he gave a gesture, with worry and concern drawn on his face.
"Adrian knows." I said as he followed me
"What? He knows what" are you sure?
Very much sure, and He's planning something to keep the Lyles out of Cross Tech."
Oscar couldn't believe his ears, or maybe he couldn't accept that it's all becoming vain, his expression darkened. "We'll discuss this later. Get out of here, now. Your cover's at risk."
I nodded and disappeared into the crowd, my mind reeling.
As I exited the venue, I received a text from an unknown number:
"Meet me at the usual place."
Was this a trap?