Chapter 30

"You've got guts! I can tell." Melody shook her head with awe.

"What do you mean?" Opal played innocent.

"You have no idea who Jonathan Harper is, don't you?"

"Nope." Opal admitted

Melody looked around making sure that nobody accidentally could hear them.

"He rules the underground here, everything from illegal fights, prostitution and drugs. He has established a company but only as a cover for his shady businesses. If he wants someone to disappear, he can do that easily. Nobody messes with him." Melody hushed her voice and looked very concerned.

"Be careful with him not to draw his attention. Nothing good will come out of it." She advised Opal.

"Why is Arien making business with someone like that?" Opal felt bad about uncle interfering with such a person.

"He helped Arien with the casino and supported him till he became independent."

"Wonder why?" Opal was thinking loud.

"Don't know, but they meet regularly." Melody started segregating the documents. The gossip was over. Truth being told Opal never asked where Arien got all the money he needed for this business. He also had some night clubs, maybe this is how they cooperate together. Opal wanted to ask him about that but then she recalled the other evening, his sister and her heat behavior. Her stomach cramped for a moment. She won't ask. Not now. She needs time. Melody sent her with documents to the accounting office and then with information to the hotel service. On her way back to the hall she came across Jonathan Harper who was leaving.

"You are following me?"He asked playfully.

"No sir, I just work here." Opal answered quickly and passed him by not willing to spare him any more attention.

"So indifferent, that's a pity." She heard him talking behind her back but she didn't turn around to give him an answer. Walking down the corridor she almost felt his gaze stuck to her back. Those pale blue eyes were piercing and very cold. Melody was right, Opal could sense a predator when she saw one.

The rest of the work went uneventful. Opal managed to make her first booking and was very proud of herself. Arien didn't go back with her. He excused himself and sent her home with a driver. Opal was pleased with this situation. She needed some time away from Arien after what happened. She felt much better than in the morning but she hasn't forgotten a thing.

It was late at night when Arien came home. Opal heard him but she was already in her room, in her bed and half asleep.

In the morning clad in black with braided hair Opal came downstairs. Arien was drinking coffee and reading something.

"Good morning Opal." He smiled at her sight. "How was your first day at work?"

"Fine uncle." – Opal avoided his eyes and went straight for the fresh juice.

"This week will be very busy, we are preparing a big event. Over five hundred people will come to our casino."

"What's the occasion?" Opal sipped her juice.

"We are expanding and opening a new casino named Onyx in Edale." Arien smiled from behind the documents he was holding.

"Is that the reason why you cooperate with Jonathan Harper?" So she asked, it kind of happened.

Arien raised his head from the papers and looked at her.

"Yes, do you know Jonathan?"

"We met the other day in the lobby and I can't say I like him." Opal pouted "To be honest he was rude to me and uncle ... I didn't hold back either."

Arien laughed, putting papers aside he came closer.

"Did I miss a show? He gently pulled a stray lock of hair away from her face. His closeness made Opal feel uneasy however she didn't move away.

"Opal you are with me so you are safe but I don't want you to have anything to do with that guy." A warning again. So Arien didn't think highly of that man either.

"Melody said something similar." Opal moved away placing her empty glass in the dishwasher.

"Melody has been around for quite a while, she knows many people and how things are." Arien went back for his documents and they left the apartment.

Melody wasn't there yet. This time Opal came really early. She was looking through the bookings for today when a young male courier appeared in front of her desk. He was holding a huge bouquet of white roses.

"Excuse me madam, these are for you." He handed them over and left before surprised Opal managed to utter a word. She looked closely at the flowers, they were beautiful.

"Wow, what a sight!" Melody popped out of nowhere.

"Who is the lucky one?"

"Me."

'Opal, that's nice. Who is the generous admirer?" She smiled leaning confidentially.

"I don't know, somebody brought it and left. A courier." Opal was puzzled and still in shock. She has never received flowers. Could it be from uncle?

"Maybe there is a note?" Melody eagerly looked through the flowers. "Here it is, let's check."

On the note there was only one word.

Charming ...