Margaret's family party which was usually amazing and the talk of the town, has been a peaceful one, everyone that would be present was always strictly on invitation. What people who knew about it would use to console or compensate their selves would be the pictures and videos that would be sent on social media handles. There was always something bigger and unique that differentiated the recent from the previous, and from the preparations ongoing for this years, it was obvious that they would have a more elaborate celebration.
Meanwhile it was still unknown to Margaret and her family what twist, that was coming in this years party. The invitation that was printed had been sent out to various guests, but some of them had been handed over to the unknown guests, being the agents whose attendance were with ulterior motives. As it stands, Lucy's agent, Brains agent, and the two agents for Cindy, not forgetting Chase who though hadn't got any invite, but from all indications, he would grace the occasion.
The cards got to these agents through the chef, showing what money could do. Lucy had sold the idea to her and promised to add some more money, which she jumped in and made some money out of it, having reached out to the chef and convinced him to do the needful. It was always easy for her because the chef had fallen head on heel for her. Whatever she demanded, she always got no matter the risk involved. He had to risk stealing some cards from the park, it was easy because they were not writing any names on them, so no one would be able to figure out who was or wasn't invited, so far as the person had the authentic card.
Chased had returned back to work after a beautiful time with Brenda, it wasn't easy for Brenda to say goodbye, as she felt it might take another long time for him to gain such a break. Chase had to make her a firm promise that he would figure out a possible way of making his visit regular this time around. The promise helped out immensely, as Brenda allowed him to get in the car and drove off.
As soon as Chase arrived the Harts house, he didn't waste time to get to Olivia, he hadn't forgotten the promise he made her while away. His knock was answered by Mira, who welcomed him and asked him to sit while she went to fetch her sister. Chase had noticed the way Mira looked at him, it wasn't the first time, he was always wondering why she would do so. Although his instinct told him that she had developed interest in him, he had to shrug off the thought so that he would concentrate on his job. Sometimes he would think that if it were to be Olivia, he might take the risk.
While he was seated there admiring the decorations in the room, Olivia walked in. It was her greetings that made him turn around. He responded to her greetings, even as he imagined why she was dressed up, unlike her. Everyone was used to Olivia's manners while at home, it was possible for anyone who hadn't been in that house to mistake her for a domestic staff due to her casual way of dressing. Unlike Mira who was always conscious of what she wears. Before Chase could say a word, Olivia had already started talking.
Olivia welcomed him from his short leave, and asked if he actually enjoyed his rest, when Chase had responded, she then apologized for not allowing him some rest which he was supposed to have as he just returned. She told him it was important they discuss what she had in mind before it got late. She finally told him that it was something they would have to discuss somewhere serene. Chase did not hesitate, he accepted the movement and asked where they would be heading to.
The drive from the house to the hotel was about 25 minutes, the entire time in the car, not even one word was spoken between both of them, it was another surprise to Chase, who had known Olivia for long as someone who wouldn't let him be whenever they were together alone. It was either she asked a general question on some things she has seen, heard or read; or she was seeking advice on something that troubled her. He wondered what might be happening to her, and believed that whatever it was, that must be a serious issue.
They arrived the hotel, parked the car and walked in, at the lobby, Olivia asked that the VIP be marked reserved for her. It was also the first time she would be giving an other in their hotel, also first time she asked for a place to be reserved for her. All the while they had been visiting, she would be the ne to refuse such offer when the staff presented it to her, saying that the customers were key. This time around, it wasn't only Chase that was surprised, even the receptionist and other members of staff that where present wondered what changed in her.
As soon as the place was ready, Olivia and Mike say down, the orders they made were already in place, this she planned in such a way that the waiter wouldn't be interrupting their conversation. They sipped some drinks and chatted a bit on how Chase spent the two days, and how she was planning for her first days in office as a senator. Olivia then opened up with the trending story of Mike and Margaret. She took her time to give him a step by step and detailed version of it, so that he would have a good understanding of it. She ended up, telling him about Lucy's conviction which was contrary to everyone's belief, which was why she called for him.
Chase was yet to hear what she wanted him to do, he would have loved to wait till she was through, but he had already read about the pre wedding story which was trending online, and never thought it had anything to do with anyone around him, not to talk of Olivia. Hence his little confusion while she spoke. He had to ask her if the Mike in the story was her own Mike that he knew, when Olivia answered in affirmative, the story and all that she said made sense to him.
Have you called him? He asked.
No I haven't, Olivia answered.
She told him how embarrassed she felt when she saw it and felt that keeping off it was the best to avoid press scandal. She never expected that he would treat her that way she added, so she was hurt.
Chase knew that it was obvious that the said Mike was responsible for Olivia's present condition, that's her pregnancy, he wouldn't want to dwell on that so as not to cause more emotional harm. He took another angle to it, a positive one at that. He advised Olivia not to allow whatever happened to get to her, encouraging her the much he could, while promise her of support anytime.
When he mentioned support, Olivia interrupted him. She told him, if was for that reason that she called for the meeting and made it a private one;
I never wanted to see things from another perspective, until Lucy insisted. Even though I had promised to sponsor her plan to use an agent to get to he root of the matter just to be double sure there wasn't something fishy behind the story, i recently thought you should be in he knowing and possibly get involved. You have been my Dad's best hand when it has to do with investigations, peradventure Lucy was right, I strongly believe you will be the one to figure it out. So I seek that favour you called support, since you have promised.
Chase hesitated for a moment, then he started to speak, but Olivia interrupted him once again;
Will you do it for me? She asked.
One of the things Chase considered was the distance, if he had to accept the job, it meant that he would leave Paris and travel to London. He was sure that Ben, Olivia's Dad wouldn't be happy if he happened to hear he made such trip. All he had to do was find a capable agent who would do the job very well and follow him up to deliver as expected. He thought of how Olivia would feel if he refused, having seen how trouble she had been, so he decided, that he would accept to handle it, even though he would use some one, but as for the moment, let Olivia's countenance and mood be changed to a happy one.
Yes I will do it for you, he answered.
Olivia's mood changed immediately as she shouted softly;
Yes!
This she did holding her two hands up with both fists tightly closed, while Chase watched.