The Billionaire Who Saved Me

On the first Monday of the new month, Elice officially changed positions. No longer working behind colorful cubicles. Instead, she worked behind the door of her own room. Elice’s feet kicked rhythmically, leading her to see the state of the room that was now her workplace. Ensuring her safety from the whispers of her colleagues. That was the good side Elice could get. Avoiding the gossip she could hear.

In the room there was a desk with a chair. Different in size and design from the one she used before. There was a special cabinet for files, and there was also a set of couches. At least these were the furnishings that caught Elice’s immediate attention when she first entered the room.

Elice’s room door was knocked. Her gaze immediately shifted there. The door opened and Hollis entered, both hands rubbing together.

“Mr. Hollis.”

Elice had not expected her mother’s boss and good friend to come to her. It made Elice uncomfortable. She immediately said the middle-aged man’s name with a stiff smile on her face.

Hollis stepped in. Smiling, he let the door close on its own. He approached Elice and examined the condition of the room. Seemingly judging it.

“How is it, Elice?” Hollis asked. “Is this room comfortable?”

Without answering the question directly, Elice invited Hollis to sit down on the sofa there.

“It’s more than I expected. This room is very comfortable. Especially with the way it is positioned to let in the sunlight.”

Elice looked at the window. Free of obstructive curtains, sunlight poured in. Natural lighting with a soothing sensation. One thing that succeeded in making Elice feel most comfortable there.

“Oh, that’s lucky. If you need anything later, don’t hesitate to ask.”

Hollis rose from his seat. As did Elice.

“I’ll take my leave.”

The feeling of unease weighed even heavier on Elice’s shoulders. Who was the superior and who the subordinate? But Hollis’ attitude towards Elice was surprisingly polite for the category of superior and subordinate.

Elice sighed. Alone again in her new room, she promised herself. At least she would have to work well. That was the price she had to pay for everything she got.

*

“As of today, Mrs. Elice has taken up her new position.”

A message from Carolus started Daphne’s morning. She stood at her large and wide bedroom window. The curtains were drawn and tied on both sides. This allowed the elderly woman to enjoy the view outside. From the clear blue sky without clouds to the lush trees that adorned the garden of her home. It all soothed her feelings.

“Good,” Daphne murmured softly, almost inaudible to Carolus. “Then?”

“For Mr. Garrett…”

Daphne’s eyes, which had initially enjoyed the serene scenery outside, blinked reflexively. Her focus shifted instantly. No longer on those beautiful spots, but on her personal assistant.

“It seems as we suspected.”

Daphne shifted slightly, though she did not really change her position in front of the window. She turned to Carolus, who was standing politely nearby. He had a tablet in his hand.

“What do you mean?”

By asking this meaningless question, Daphne could actually guess Carolus’ meaning. And her guess was not wrong.

“Mr. Garrett has become suspicious about the deaths of Mr. Allan and Mr. Harlan.”

At this point, Carolus deliberately stopped speaking for a moment. Only to see Daphne’s reaction. But her face looked flat.

“So…” Daphne breathed for a moment. Her eyes returned to look outside. She watched the leaves slowly swaying in the morning breeze. “… what is he doing now?”

“Looking for Mr. Dirk and Mrs. Dakota.”

Daphne’s body suddenly froze. The air she was breathing stopped in her chest. And it took a few seconds for her to regain control of herself.

“And then?”

Without answering the question immediately, Carolus took a short breath. Only then did he tell her what he knew.

“Mrs. Amber has been searching for the whereabouts of the two. And it seems that Mr. Garrett will meet them soon.”

Tension wrapped around Daphne’s body again. At first, she thought she could handle it, but she was wrong. Both of her knees shook with tremors she could not control. Her hands gripped the window quickly.

“Madam.”

Carolus promptly approached Daphne. He extended his hand to his employer and invited her to sit down. Daphne did not refuse.

Carolus poured himself a glass of warm water. He handed it to Daphne and clearly saw her hands trembling.

Several sips of warm water went down Daphne’s throat. Bringing some relief to her chest. Just as Carolus put the glass back on the table, Daphne asked.

“How much does Garrett know?”

Carolus shook his head. “Not much,” he replied. “As far as the information I have, Mr. Garrett has only just begun to investigate. He only knows the people involved with the deceased.”

“Including the fact that Allan once argued with Farrah?”

“I think that’s why Mr. Garrett started this investigation,” Carolus speculated. “Although I’m not sure where Mr. Garrett found out about the conflict.”

“Nelson.”Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

A name from Daphne’s lips made Carolus stop. He realized he had almost forgotten that one name.

“Of course, it’s Nelson,” Daphne continued as she sighed deeply. “Who else but him knows about the fight between Allan and Farrah?” Daphne shook her head. “No one. Only him.”

There was a moment of silence, and Carolus decided to remain silent for a while, watching Daphne’s reaction. Her trembling hands seemed to recover. Even now, Carolus could see the fingers that were beginning to wrinkle as they squeezed the arm of the sofa.

“Is there something I should do, madam?” Carolus asked later. “Shall I meet Mr. Dirk and Mrs. Dakota first?”

Daphne did not answer immediately. Instead, she raised a hand. She squeezed her fingers together and frowned slightly.

“Or should I just send them a message?”

Daphne’s fingers stopped moving. She looked at her personal assistant.

“Should I do this?”

Carolus knew this was not a question for him. Instead, Daphne was addressing it to herself.

Daphne closed her eyes. She tried to breathe calmly as her chest suddenly felt tight. Looking back at Carolus, she said, “Do whatever it takes to make sure Garrett doesn’t meet them. Don’t let Garrett know about this.”

Carolus accepted the order with a nod of his head. “Yes, Madam. I will do it.”

With that, Carolus prepared to leave. But Daphne spoke again.

“And make sure Farrah doesn’t find out about this,” Daphne said. “Don’t let her hear the names Dirk or Dakota.”

*