Chapter 57 – Tying Up Loose Ends
Leaning back against his car’s luxurious leather upholstery, Raphael looked out at the cityscape for a moment. The peace was filled by the steady hum of the engine and the gentle purr of the air conditioner. Marrison was absorbed on her tablet while seated in the front seat.
As she went over the agenda for the day and double–checked the meeting notes, her fingers moved across the screen,
“ETA is five minutes, sir” the driver announced, his tone professional but subdued.
Raphael didn’t respond because he was already focused on the upcoming meeting. It was meant to be just another ordinary day, another step in strengthening his hold on the he had created, he had no idea that the day’s events would turn out differently than he had anticipated.
empire
The car came up to a luxurious structure with glass and polished stone on the façade. The driver hurried out and opened Raphael’s door. Raphael followed, straightening his suit, and Marrison went out first, her heels clicking rapidly against the street. The elevator was roomy and mirrored inside, mirroring their composed yet determined faces.
Marrison flipped through her notes one final time, while Raphael remained still, his hands. clasped behind his back,
“Today’s presentation is crucial, sir” she said,
“We’ve already secured interest, but a solid pitch will seal the deal”
“I always seal the deal” Raphael replied coolly, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.
The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open to reveal the conference floor. Raphael strode into the room with practiced confidence, the murmurs of conversation falling silent as all eyes turned to him. The meeting went smoothly, with Raphael controlling the room with his charisma and sharp insights.
At the end of the presentation, there was a round of applause, and Raphael nodded in acknowledgment as he shook hands and had pleasantries with attendees as they filtered out.
Marrison was already organizing follow–ups when Raphael gestured for her to follow him back to the car. Raphael went inside, loosened his tie, and went back to his phone. A notice on her tablet made Marrison’s demeanor to change as she sat in the front seat in silence,
“Sir?” she began hesitantly,
“What is it?” Raphael asked without looking up,
“I think you need to see this” she said, handing him the tablet.
Raphael took the device and scowled. He scanned the headlines that were splattered across the
Chap 57 Tying Up Loose Endi
screen, and his eyes narrowed,
“Sebastian Cleared of All Charges”
“The Bride’s Testimony: A Twisted Wedding Tale”
“Ex–Fiancée and Bride Unite to Prove Duped Groom’s Innocence”
Images of Emily in a wheelchair, Madeline, and Sebastian approaching the courtroom were displayed beneath the headlines. As Raphael read more of Emily’s evidence, which not only cleared Sebastian but also raised the possibility of a larger conspiracy, his jaw tightened,
“Call that imbecile immediately” Raphael growled, his voice low and menacing,
“Tell him to see me at once”
Marrison didn’t need to be told who he was referring to. With a direct and abrupt tone, she picked up her phone and called.
Later that night, Raphael sat in his office, his angular features illuminated by the illumination from his laptop, he watched the news unfold while his fingers drummed rhythmically on the desk. Emily’s statements and the information she gave were now being closely examined by the police as the investigation into her attack grew more intense.
The hitman entered the office as the door cracked open. Wearing his typical leather jacket, he had a casual demeanor, yet there was a glint of discomfort in his eyes. Raphael took a moment, to look up. Rather, he aimed his laptop’s screen to the hitman while the news report continued to play,
“Look at this” Raphael said coldly, his voice devoid of its usual composure,
“Look what you’ve done”
The hitman shifted uncomfortably but remained silent,
“You had one job” Raphael continued, his tone rising,
“One simple job. And you couldn’t even handle that”
The hitman opened his mouth to speak, but Raphael cut him off, standing abruptly and slamming his palms on the desk.
“Do you have any idea what this means? She’s alive! She saw your face! And she remembers what you said, the 2.5 million! Do you know what that ties back to?”
zing with
“It’s either you take care of this, or I take care of you” Raphael warned, his eyes blazing with fury.
The hitman’s face hardened as he nodded curtly Without saying another word, he turned on his heel and walked out, the door clicking behind him.
Chapter 5 – Hedenjtors Bawn
Chapter 58 – Redemption’s Dawn
