---
"Are you still mad about the humiliation they put you through, the almighty Kayla Kornels?" Roman snapped, grinning as he stepped out of the car.
"No," Kayla answered quickly, her tone firm but tinged with weariness.
"Then why the sudden scowl on that beautiful face of yours?" Roman asked again, raising an eyebrow. She shot him a sharp glare before her expression softened slightly.
"Roman, can you help me find a job?" she asked, her voice quieter now, almost vulnerable. "I told Akim I wanted to work with him to help pay for my parents' trial, but he just yelled at me and refused to help."
Roman's eyes widened in surprise. "Did you know what kind of job he does?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
"No, what job does he do?" Kayla asked, her curiosity piqued.
Before Roman could respond, Akim's voice echoed from the kitchen. "The food's ready!" His eyes immediately fell on Kayla, who responded by glaring at him, turning her gaze away. Sighing, Akim turned on his heels and left them alone.
"Kayla," Roman said, pulling her back from her thoughts.
"What?" she snapped, still upset.
"I know of a café downtown, near the fountain in the middle of the street. The owner's looking for a server. Get ready, and I'll take you there today," he said, offering her a comforting smile.
Kayla's face lit up, the thought of a job bringing her a bit of joy. She moved toward him, throwing her arms around him in an unexpected hug. It was the first time she'd hugged him like that, and it made her feel a bit lighter.
"But I have an appointment with my family's lawyer today," she said, pulling away reluctantly. "I won't be able to make it today, but why not tomorrow?"
Roman smiled warmly. "Tomorrow it is."
---
Back at the Dining Table
Kayla sat down at the dining table, eager to eat, but as she reached for the chopsticks, Akim grabbed her hands, holding them firmly in place. Her eyes narrowed.
"What are you doing?" she snapped, trying to pull her hands away. Akim didn't let go, his grip firm but not aggressive. She fought against him, but when she saw Roman approaching the table, Akim finally released her hands.
Kayla glared at Akim, her eyes flashing with irritation. Their eyes met briefly, and Akim seemed to understand the message as he looked away. Kayla's gaze shifted to the side, her thoughts still swirling.
---
Later, After Her Bath
Kayla emerged from the bathroom, her long ginger-red hair pulled back into a messy ponytail. She slipped into a classy blue gown that fell just below her knees, the fabric sleek and smooth against her skin. A blue scarf draped elegantly around her neck, and she put on her sunglasses, concealing her eyes as she made her way out of her bedroom.
As she stepped into the hallway, she was suddenly pulled back, her back pressed against the wall. "What is wrong with you?" she asked, her voice shaking with anger as she slapped him across the cheek. Akim stood there, his grip tight on her wrist.
"Kayla," he said softly, almost pleading. "I know you're furious with me for not helping you, but the kind of job I do... It's something you wouldn't want to get involved in."
"Please excuse me, I have—" Kayla started, but she was cut off when Akim suddenly kissed her, pressing his lips hard against hers. His tongue slipped into her mouth, and her body froze in shock. Her mind was a whirlwind of confusion and disbelief as he pulled away.
Kayla stood there, her lips swollen from the kiss, unable to comprehend what had just happened. Her breathing hitched as she stared at him, her wide eyes full of questions. "Why did you do that?" she stuttered, her voice barely a whisper.
Akim didn't respond. Instead, he sighed deeply, his gaze softening before he turned and walked away, leaving Kayla standing there, her heart racing and her mind in turmoil.
---
At the Cafe with Mr. Rogers
The next day, Kayla sat in a quiet café with Mr. Rogers, her grandmother's lawyer. They greeted each other with a brief kiss on the cheek, their pleasantries exchanged.
"So, how have you been, Miss Kornels?" Mr. Rogers asked, pulling out a chair for her.
"I've been better," Kayla replied, settling into her seat as she watched him move hurriedly to his own.
"What would you like to order?" he asked, his voice polite and formal.
"Just a strawberry milkshake," she said, smiling faintly. It was her favorite drink, something familiar and comforting.
A male waiter arrived shortly to take their orders, then left them alone. The weight of the conversation ahead pressed down on her.
"Miss Kornels, have you finally started working?" Mr. Rogers asked, his voice casual.
"No," Kayla admitted, her voice tinged with embarrassment as she shook her head. She had hoped for a chance to prove herself, but things just weren't falling into place.
"I see," Mr. Rogers nodded thoughtfully. "So, why did you bring me here, Mr. Rogers?" Kayla asked, her voice growing a little absentminded as she tried to focus on his next words.
Mr. Rogers seemed a bit hesitant, sighing softly. "I'm afraid I have some bad news for you, Miss Kornels."
Kayla's brow furrowed as she met his gaze. "Go on, Mr. Rogers," she urged, trying to prepare herself for whatever was coming.
"Your grandmother, Cecilia Lion, passed away two days ago," he said gently. His words hit her like a punch to the stomach, and she almost toppled out of her chair in shock.
"What did you just say?" she whispered, not wanting to believe the words. Her mind raced with questions, but all she could think was, How? The last time she saw her grandmother, she was fine, albeit frail with a weak heart. Could it have been the heart? No... it couldn't be.
"No, no, no, it isn't true," Kayla murmured, tears welling up in her eyes as they slid down her cheeks.
Mr. Rogers stood, moving around the table to comfort her. He placed a hand on her back, trying to soothe her. "It's okay, Miss Kornels," he said softly. "Mrs. Cecilia Lion didn't die a natural death."
Kayla's eyes widened in disbelief. "What do you mean?" she asked, her voice trembling with confusion.
Mr. Rogers sighed, clearly uncomfortable. "When the doctors examined her, they found traces of a poisonous substance in her system," he explained softly.
Kayla's heart sank as the weight of his words settled in. Poison? Her mind raced. Who could have done this to her grandmother? Why would anyone harm such a kind woman?
"Has the FBI figured out who did it?" Kayla asked, her voice barely above a whisper as she fought back tears. Her grandmother had always been a source of strength for her, and now, she was gone in the most horrible way.
Mr. Rogers looked grim. "Not yet, Miss Kornels," he said. "But they're investigating."
Kayla's thoughts swirled in a storm of questions. She hadn't been able to visit her grandmother recently, wanting to avoid causing her stress, but now she wished she had. She wished she could've done something.
Mr. Rogers cleared his throat, trying to shift the conversation. "Miss Kornels, your grandmother left you something. The lawyers will be contacting you soon. You'll need to sign a document to finalize everything," he said.
Kayla looked up at him, her confusion deepening. "What? What do you mean?"
"Before she passed, your grandmother left the Lion's Empire to you, along with shares in various businesses she invested in. The will will be given to you to sign, so just make sure to take care of it," Mr. Rogers explained.
Kayla sat back in her chair, her mind racing with everything she'd just learned. Her grandmother's death, the mysterious circumstances surrounding it, and now, the responsibility of the empire and her grandmother's legacy weighing heavily on her shoulders. She nodded slowly, a deep sigh escaping her lips.
---