"In the next month, I've heard that the CEO is launching one of his projects. The details aren't out yet, just rumors," Madeline said as she got dressed. It was shaping up to be a long Monday.
Elara rolled her phone in her hand. "Maxwell is known to be mysterious. I doubt he would let the details out that easily."
"Mmh… you seem to know him," Madeline teased, giving her a wink. "El…"
"At some level," Elara replied with a nod and a small laugh. "But I did some digging." She smiled, trying to hide the pang in her chest.
"Don't even go there," Madeline warned, grabbing her handbag. She turned to look at her with a half-smile.
Elara, now fully dressed, followed her out. They closed the door and headed for a taxi.
"Maddie, I'm just delusional, and all this wouldn't have happened if I hadn't gone out that night. I'll distance myself, I promise. I don't want to ruin someone's happy moments," Elara admitted.
"Hey, don't blame yourself. Have you heard the phrase, Karma is a bitch?" Madeline asked with a grin.
"She sure is a bitch," Elara laughed, shaking her head as they rode off.
…
… At the Orion Company …
Elara arrived just in time to see her CEO get out of his car. They greeted each other, walking up the stairs together since he had skipped the elevator this time.
"It was a great moment. Your sister is such a star," Elara began calmly, but with a hint of happiness for them.
Edward smiled. "Bianca is meant for greatness. She's always at the top."
Elara nodded. "She sure is. I was expecting to see more coverage of her story and her fiancé in Sunday's paper. They are both celebrities." Her heart tightened as she waited for an answer. Edward paused before speaking.
"The Monroe family decided it's better to keep it under wraps for now. I don't think Mr. Ranveer is ready for media backlash, he just had a heart transplant and is still recovering," Edward explained.
Elara froze. "Mr. Ranveer had a heart transplant? I mean, one o friend of mine told me he had heart problems and that's why he took a leave."
Edward nodded. Elara remembered feeling his chest that day... it seemed flawless, no noticeable scar. Either the surgeon was exceptional, or she hadn't noticed it then.
Elara paused, but didn't say anything as she went into her office. The day was long with many signings. The company was being handed all official documents on the project and they were very busy she even skipped her meal.
…
… Evening …
She was about to leave when she saw Bianca and Maxwell in hand with each other walking into the company elevator. She paused and couldn't help her heart twitching. When she got out of office, they were on her floor and they passed each other. Bianca was busy whining not realizing her man was looking at someone else.
"The media doesn't know how to do their job. None of our photos appeared on the front page!" Bianca grumbled, glancing at Maxwell.
"Bianca, I'm here to discuss business," Maxwell said plainly.
"I understand that, dear," Bianca replied, pausing. "But… what are you looking at?"
"Hey…" Edward emerged from his office. "You two lovebirds…"
"Seems like you're not done with the project signing. When will it be done?" Maxwell asked.
"By the end of this week," Edward replied. "And Max, rarely do you show up to follow up, you always send staff. An honor to see you."
"That took you so long!" Maxwell said. "I'll schedule a meeting once it's done. Edward, make sure you get back to me. And, that's for practice. The doctor said I need some."
"I get it!" Edward nodded. "And yeah, I will get back."
"Not now," Maxwell said, turning to Bianca. "You can chitchat with your brother. I have things to attend to!" And with that, he left without giving them a chance to respond.
Bianca turned to Edward, eyes wide. "He's growing distant every minute. Do you see that? I'm worried."
"Bianca, there's a bigger problem," Edward said seriously. "The Prince of Port wants to visit."
"Wycliffe Cabrera?" Bianca's shock was palpable. "He hasn't contacted me for a while. Why suddenly now?"
"You're legally his wife, remember? He'll want you fully in Port. We need to use this time to divert attention until our partnership with Maxwell solidifies." Edward explained.
"Seriously, Ed?" Bianca glared. "You're still dragging me into this mess? You want me to have a heart attack and die at just 24?"
Edward remained stern. "It will get worse when he expects you fully in Port. Be clever, maybe ask him to buy an apartment here so you can stay close to family. Use that as an excuse."
"I just signed a contract with a famous magazine. You expect me to relocate to Port? You're joking…" Bianca chuckled to hide the boiling anger.
"And what do I tell Maxwell?" Bianca asked, frustrated.
"You figure that out," Edward said.
"Really? So, I just turn back and sabotage that so-called family company? Don't you dare dismiss me while I'm your bargaining chip!" Bianca snapped.
"Bianca, I do fully understand your precious position in this matter. Sister…" Edward paused and sighed before looking into her eyes. "It will all be over soon…"
"When?" Bianca sighed, her eyes growing distant. "When is soon? Dear brother."
"We'll figure that out. For now, play along." He said.
"well, just signed a deal with a famous fashion magazine. I'm trying to stay in this country, close to the man I love. Figure it out yourself!" Bianca finalized, glaring at him. "No more excuses. If I lose, you lose, and maybe your loss will be worse than mine!" She stormed into the elevator.
Edward called after her, but the doors closed before he could respond.
"I'll just have Dad talk to you!" he muttered, exasperated, walking back to his office. He had a prestigious project to finalize and didn't want distractions. Sighing, he turned to call the love of his life, Helen McCauley.