Eleanor's heart was racing as she sprinted towards the sleek black sports car, desperate to escape the swarm of journalists and reporters snapping at her heels.
Hercules Thompson, dressed in a tailored dark suit and wire-rimmed shades, held open the door for her. Without hesitation, Eleanor slid into the front seat, her breath coming in ragged gasps.
As Hercules got behind the wheel, Eleanor finally turned to face him, her voice trembling. "Who are you?" she asked, her eyes searching his face.
Hercules removed his shades, revealing piercing eyes that crinkled at the corners as he smiled. His chiseled features and fair complexion took Eleanor's breath away. "Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner," he said, his voice low and smooth. "I'm Hercules Thompson, Liam's business partner."
Eleanor's cheeks flushed as she stuttered out a greeting. "Ohh, nice to meet you."
Her thoughts were consumed by a tangled web of questions and doubts, all centered around the mysterious events that led to the accident that had nearly claimed her life, and the tragic death of Ava.
But when Hercules spoke again, her thoughts were interrupted.
"I had no idea Liam was married to someone as lovely as you," he said, his eyes holding hers.
A warm flush spread across Eleanor's cheeks as she met Hercules's gaze, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you," she murmured, her eyes dropping momentarily as she struggled to compose herself.
"He's a fortunate man," Hercules added, his gaze lingering on Eleanor's face. She felt a blush rise to her cheeks and looked away, trying to compose herself.
"Are you flirting with me?" she asked, a hint of teasing in her voice.
Hercules chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I wouldn't dare," he said, his tone light. "But I'd be lying if I said you weren't captivating."
Eleanor's cheeks flushed deeper. "I'm flattered," she murmured.
As they drove on, Hercules's expression turned serious. "I heard about what happened. How's Liam holding up?" he asked.
Eleanor's eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Hercules hesitated before responding. "Sebastian called me earlier. He filled me in on the situation. Plus, Liam's a public figure – the news is everywhere."
Eleanor nodded, still trying to process the events unfolding around her.
"Where are we going?" She asked, looking out the window as they drove.
Hercules's expression turned serious. "I need to show you some documents," he replied, keeping his eyes on the road.
Eleanor's anger flared up. "Documents? I almost died in an accident. Why are you thinking about business at a time like this?"
Hercules's gaze flicked to Eleanor's, his expression apologetic. "I know this isn't the best timing, but these documents are important. We can't afford to ignore them."
Eleanor's anger simmered just below the surface. "Important? How could they be important now?" Eleanor asked, a hint of anger creeping into her voice. "Are you trying to profit off of this situation?"
Hercules's eyes widened, as if he'd been slapped. "That's not what I meant, Eleanor. I'm not trying to downplay the situation. I just...I have information that could help us."
Eleanor shook her head, not convinced.
Hercules fell silent for a moment, then spoke again. "Please, just hear me out. You need to see these documents."
Eleanor looked at him, then sighed and leaned back in her seat
After a few minutes, they arrived at his apartment complex, and Hercules parked the car and turned to Eleanor, his expression softening. "We're here," he said, turning off the engine.
Eleanor's gaze swept the unfamiliar surroundings, her confusion evident. "Here? I thought we were going to your office?"
Hercules smiled wryly. "I thought you'd be more comfortable here. Come on, let's get inside and I'll show you those documents."
Eleanor's doubt was evident, but Hercules pressed on.
As they stepped inside, Eleanor's eyes widened in surprise. Sebastian was sitting in the living room, a somber expression on his face.
"Sebastian! What are you doing here?" Eleanor found herself asking, still shocked.
"Hercules and I have been working together to uncover the truth," Sebastian explained, his eyes locked onto Eleanor's.
As they sat in Hercules's living room, surrounded by the quiet opulence of his apartment, the tension was palpable. Eleanor's eyes darted between Sebastian and Hercules, her mind racing with questions.
Hercules nodded. "As Liam's business partner, I had the opportunity to work with Ava when she was Liam's secretary. We attended several meetings together."
"So, let's get down to business," Hercules said, his voice low and even. He leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Ava's death wasn't just an accident. I'm convinced of it."
Sebastian nodded in agreement, his expression grim. "I've been going over the evidence, and there are too many inconsistencies. The police are stumped, but I think we can uncover the truth."
Eleanor's eyes narrowed, her brow furrowed in concentration. "What makes you think it wasn't an accident?" she asked, her voice laced with uncertainty.
Hercules leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers together. "Ava was receiving threatening messages before she died. I saw them myself."
Sebastian's eyes snapped to Hercules's face. "You didn't tell me that."
Hercules shrugged. "I didn't think it was relevant at the time. But now, I realize it's crucial."
Eleanor's eyes widened, her face pale. "Threatening messages? What did they say?"
Hercules pulled out his phone and scrolled through his messages. "Ava sent me this text the day before she died."
'They're watching me. I'm scared.'" He handed the phone to Eleanor, his eyes locked on hers.
Eleanor's eyes scanned the message, her face set in a determined expression. "We need to find out who sent these messages."
Sebastian nodded. "I've already started digging. But we need to be careful. Whoever is behind this is ruthless."
The room fell silent, the only sound the ticking of the clock on the mantle. Hercules broke the silence, his voice low and urgent.
"We need to work together to uncover the truth. We owe it to Ava and to ourselves."
Eleanor's eyes met Hercules's, a spark of determination igniting between them. "Let's do it," she said, her voice firm.
Eleanor's eyes closed, her face scrunched up in concentration. "There was something… Ava mentioned something about Liam's business dealings. She seemed really upset."
The room fell silent again, the weight of Eleanor's words hanging in the air. Sebastian's eyes met Hercules's, a look of understanding passing between them.
"Ava was being blackmailed," Hercules explained. "She received death threats from an unknown number. She was forced to obey their orders."
Eleanor flashed back to the coffee shop, where she first met Ava. The woman's friendly demeanor and warm smile now seemed sinister.
Eleanor's eyes locked onto Hercules's. "Who was behind this?" she demanded.
Hercules's expression turned grim. "That's what we're going to find out."