Seventy one
Ellen’s POV
I stared at my father’s saddened face, and I sighed. “Don’t worry Father, I’ll do everything in my power to ensure we regain what we’ve lost,” I spoke to my father earnestly.
He nodded, his expression a mix of pride and trust. “I trust you, Ellen,” he said, his voice filled with confidence.
I smiled. I looked forward to this day for a long time and with Liz not in the picture, it was easy to get my father’s attention.
With determination coursing through me, I vowed to fulfill my father’s trust and restore our family’s legacy. “By the way, who’s this investor you’ve been meeting with so frequently?” I inquired, curiosity piqued.
My father’s expression tightened momentarily before he responded, “The investor prefers to remain anonymous for now, but we communicate through a representative.”
I did not really care who the investor was. All that mattered was that we were going to land a major deal. “Alright, Dad, I’ll catch you later,” I said, rising from my seat.
My father looked up from his papers, a hint of concern in his eyes. “Everything alright, Ellen?”
I offered him a reassuring smile. “Yeah, just feeling the need to stretch my legs a bit. Maybe pick up a few things.”
He nodded in understanding. “Alright, just be careful out there. And remember, if you need anything, just give me a call.”
“Thanks, Dad,” I replied gratefully, before heading towards the door.
As I stepped into the hallway, a triumphant smile broke out on my face. When my father successfully signed the contract with the investor, then we would bounce back like we never left.
Whoever the investor was, he sure came at the right time.
Smiling confidently that things were finally going our way, I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on my much-needed shopping trip.
I got to my room quickly, changed into something more comfortable and went out to meet Max and Ava already waiting by the car I boarded and we left.
Soon we arrived at the mall and I began shopping. As I strolled through the shopping mall, my eyes scanned the vibrant displays of clothing and accessories. With Ava trailing behind me, I made sure I laid on her arms all the dresses I picked.
“Come on, Ava, keep up!” I called out, my tone brimming with impatience. “We don’t have all day.”
Ava scurried to catch up, her arms laden with shopping bags from previous stores. “Sorry, Ms Manor,” she mumbled, hurrying to match my brisk pace.
Ignoring Ava’s apology, I zeroed in on a rack of designer dresses, my eyes gleaming with determination. “I need options, Ava. Lots of them,” I declared, plucking dresses off the rack and thrusting them into Ava’s arms. “And make sure they’re all in my size.”
Ava nodded her expression with a mix of resignation and loyalty. “Of course, Ms Manor,” she replied, dutifully adding the dresses to the overflowing shopping cart.
With my shopping spree in full swing, I noticed Ava struggling to keep up with my rapid pace. But she knows better than to complain. After all, keeping me satisfied is all part of the job.
As I neared the entrance to the next clothing store, I spotted a familiar figure amidst the bustling crowd of shoppers. At first, I could scarcely believe my eyes, but as I trailed behind the person through the maze of clothing racks, I realized with a jolt who it was.
Belle.
I peered closely to see her lift a little girl’s hat from a rack. What did she want to do with that? Her folder did not bear any reports of her having a daughter, or niece or friend who had a daughter. So why was she picking that? Did she have a secret baby hidden somewhere?
Instantly, I handed off my shopping bags and belongings to Ava, as my mind began racing with plans. I needed to be sure it truly was Belle I was seeing and not mistaking her for someone else. With nimble fingers, I retrieved my phone and swiftly dialed the number of one of the security men assigned to watch over Belle.
“Where is she?” I demanded as soon as the call connected, my voice filled with urgency.
The security man on the other end of the line informed me that Belle was currently at the mall. A surge of excitement flooded through me and without any more word to the security, I hung up.
“Ensure this is sorted out and taken back home,” I instructed Ava, as I handed her my credit card.
“But Ms. Manor, how will I be certainly sure of which size would fit. ” Ava complained. I turned and fixed her stern glare.
“Ask me that question again, and you’ll regret it,” I warned, my tone leaving no room for argument.
I had to hasten my steps if I was to catch up with Belle who had just cleared at the cashier’s desk. I felt so pumped up with the thrill of having to follow Belle again. Something about the dress she purchased did not feel right.
I hurried out of the mall and tried breaking into a cab to tail her as her car was about to drive out of the parking lot. Just as I was about to board the cab, Max came hurrying towards me.
“Are you alright Ma’am? Do you need me to follow you?” He was becoming too noisy, so I ignored him.
“Drive,” I instructed the cab driver, but I guess he was intimidated by Max’s build.
“Just get the fuck out of my way Max, I am fine and will be home soon.” I barked and with that, he stepped aside and the cab man drove off.
As I quietly tailed Belle, I noticed she took a different turn that led away from her home. My heart began pounding with anticipation and my mind also began racing with questions. Where was she heading? What could she possibly be up to? With each turn, my curiosity intensified.
Finally, Belle arrived at her destination-a quaint house tucked away in a quiet neighborhood. I observed from a distance as Belle alighted from her car, a small bag in hand, and approached the front porch. She rang the bell a few times before the door opened and a figure with outstretched arms drew her in for a hug.
I ensured my gaze never left the door or the figure and as the figure stepped out into the light, away from the shadows of the porch, shockwaves were ignited through my entire being.
Time seemed to stand still as my eyes fell on my worst nightmare, standing in flesh and with blood before Belle. I blinked my eyes a couple of times but I could still not believe who I saw.
“After four fucking years…” I murmured as I stared blankly into space.Têxt belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.
“Are you alright Ma’am?” The cab driver called. “You look like you have seen a ghost.” He added.
“But I have…” I mumbled.
Kamille Manor still walked this earth!