Chapter 11 - Moving

CHAPTER 11

Stefan sat in the black Maserati SUV which Leonardo had arrived in the previous day waiting for his friend to arrive so they could go to the Graham Empire building together. His pods in both ears didn't allow him hear the knock on the door from outside until his phone rang.

"What are you doing in my car?" Leonardo's voice was heard and that was when he noticed the two men standing outside. He could have said something else but quickly stopped his words from flowing when he noticed his friend's countenance and Fabian's worried look. He hastily opened up the locked door and the two men got in.

Immediately, Fabian started the car and Leonardo's cell phone rang. Looking at the caller ID, he knew it was his would-be wife. He only stared blankly at his phone without picking it up.

Stefan who was by his side noticed that his friend was not answering his phone.

Could it be his fiancée calling?

Grandpa had informed him previously that his sister would be calling today. Not specific on when but it was going to be today. That was why he quickly rushed to the Grahams' old mansion in the morning; to make sure that Leonardo responded to that call. It was safe to say that he was Grandpa's eyes and ears.

The call was unanswered and Alika pursed her lips thinking that the young man must be busy. But she decided to ring his phone again.

Leonardo stared at his phone's screen again as it rang but this time, answered the call. "...." He was quiet.

Stefan and Fabian looked at each other from the rear view mirror clearly thinking the same thing.

On the other hand, Alika thought that this man was strange. He couldn't even say a 'hello'. Then she made up her mind to break the ice. "Good morning Mr. Graham.... This is Miss Langston."

"Hmm." His response was as simple and cold as that- It made Alika feel wronged.

"Thank you for the flowers." She said in a rush feeling uncomfortable. This man's voice reminded her of the man from that night.

"Hmm." He replied again and without warning, she severed the line. He glanced at his phone with pursed lips and furrowed brows. For a moment, he thought that this woman was familiar.

"If I were Miss Langston, I would call off the wedding." Stefan declared after witnessing the actions of Leonardo towards his fiancée. "How can you be so cruel to that innocent woman?" He continued, acting dramatic about it.

"Tell my grandfather what I've done. I don't care about the punishment."

Stefan was stumped. He knows?

Of course, Leonardo would know. He immediately guessed that his grandfather had summoned Stefan to make sure he spoke to that woman. He could see through their actions most of the time.

***

At the Graham Empire, the man walked in with an air of nobility. The employees who watched as he walked in stared in awe at him. It was clear that the man was not ordinary. He held onto a briefcase which could cost more than two million and an office file; seemed to be a personal assistant but he exuded a thick aura which limited people's proximity.

Fabian Hugh walked up to the receptionist with a stern expression- "I have a meeting with the board of directors."

This man must have been sent by a wealthy person so she immediately called her peers to lead him to the board room.

Leonardo and Stefan sat in the car waiting for Fabian's report on his task. Since Leonardo still kept away from public eyes, he couldn't go himself. His mind still lingering on the thought of the woman who had called him up earlier. Why did she seem to be familiar?

"You really should be more polite when speaking to your wife."

"She's not my wife...yet." He complained with an icy tone.

"Oh! Right. Your fiancée." Stefan teased and chuckled but received a heavy glare in return. Thereby, quickly shutting his mouth.

***

Alika received a call from the head-servant in Glow Field manor. "Miss Langston, your room has been prepared. When will you be coming?" Hasina Forrest enquired. She had been assigned years ago to Glow Field manor before Alika turned eighteen.

Glow Field manor was a gift to Alika on her eighteenth birthday. It was given to her by her paternal grandmother, Olga Langston. She never went there unless it was about seeking inspiration for artistic work. It was quite the one; located in a secluded area where only a few other manors and villas were. It was a very peaceful environment with a sparkling lake, set amidst rolling hills and picturesque vistas; it's crystalline depths inviting exploration and relaxation. Different kinds of majestic flowers surrounded it making it seem so fairytale-like.

Now, Alika had decided to move into Glow Field manor until her marriage to Leonardo Graham was finalized. It was more convenient living there than with her estranged family. Besides, she would not be alone since Hasina never left Glow Field manor.

"I'll be there... -