CHAPTER THREE-Web of Deception

"Any news from Daniel?" inquired Mr. Johnson.

"He never bothers to call me when he's at school. No matter how caring I am towards him, he always keeps his distance," Mrs. Gwen replied, subtly casting Daniel in a negative light.

"He mentioned he's returning home today, and unfortunately, I have an appointment in Australia tonight. So, I doubt we'll have a chance to meet. Just give him some time; he'll eventually fully accept you," Mr. Johnson assured.

"Really? Is he coming home today? Well, then, let me prepare my special car to pick him up. Don't worry, dear; you go ahead with your trip, and I'll take care of things here," Mrs. Gwen said, feigning concern and portraying herself as a caring stepmother.

"Okay, thanks, dear. I trust you with that," Mr. Johnson expressed his gratitude. He kissed his wife on the forehead and departed.

Mrs. Gwen promptly contacted her cohorts, instructing them to tail Daniel and ensure he didn't return home safely.

"Is that taken care of? I want him gone!" Mrs. Gwen chuckled.

"Yes, boss!" Joseph replied. As the gang leader, he was often involved in all of Mrs. Gwen's criminal activities.

Daniel took a late flight from the UK and arrived at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). He and Harry took a cab and arrived at their new company site.

"I believe the construction is nearing completion," Harry mentioned.

"Yes, and once they begin expressing interest in the cream, we can introduce it alongside the company," Daniel stated. "I'll be taking a walk; meet me with the car at Dave's Club," he instructed.

"Alright, he should have finished with the car by now," Harry responded.

*************************************

Katherine just finished working at Dave's Club, and while leaving her workplace, Katherine noticed two groups of men stalking a young man. Driven by her innate sense of justice, she trailed them to uncover their intentions. The situation escalated when the gangs, unexpectedly converging in an unsecured location, violently charged at the unsuspecting young man, knocking him to the ground.

"Who are you guys?" Daniel said, terrified.

"We are angels of death!" exclaimed one of the gang members (they both chuckled).

"What do you want as well?" Daniel asked, terrified.

The two groups both pull sharp blades from their pockets.

"Don't worry, we'll make it snappy," a gang member remarked, smiling and attempting to stab Daniel.

"This is surely my last time on earth; can you tell me who sent you?" Daniel inquired.

"It's your stepmom; now say goodbye!" exclaimed the gang as they surged towards Daniel.

Katherine stepped in just before they were ready to knife him. She charged at them and knocked both of them down.

"Here! Take my hand," Katherine replied as she extended her hand to Daniel.

"How can I touch a servant's hand?" Daniel stated it grudgingly.

"Then end your life there, Mr. Noble," Katherine suggested.

Daniel swiftly took her hand in his and stood up.

"I thought you were a noble, my lord," Katherine joked.

They both fled.

When Daniel arrived at a safe zone, he quickly detached his hand from Katherine's.

"How dare you hold my precious hand for too long?" Daniel screamed at Katherine, disgusted.

"I am truly sorry, your Majesty," Katherine responded, smirking at Daniel.

"What! Do you just smirk at me?" Daniel inquired somewhat unexpectedly.

"No, my Lord, I dare not," Katherine teased him.

"Even after saving you, is this how you thank your savior, Mr. Noble?" Katherine stated.

"Well, I apologize. Why should I even bother thanking you? Daniel stated boldly, "I am your deity; it is your duty to serve and protect me." He said it confidently.

"What! Is that your way of differentiating between poor and rich?" asked Katherine surprisingly.

"Yeah! It is, said Daniel confidently.

"Anyway, how can a rich man like you walk confidently on a dangerous insecure street like this?" Katherine said, astonishingly.

"My car is under repair, so I'm just taking a stroll; that's why," said Daniel.

"But I heard your stepmother send them," Daniella said surprisingly.

"Maybe you heard it wrong," Daniel lied. trying to cover it up in front of Daniella.

They both part ways, after which Harry (Daniel's guard) appears.

"You, this fool, I almost lost my soul. Where were you?" Daniel asked his secretary angrily.

"I'm sorry, boss. I was delayed that's why. Don't worry, I am now back, boss," replied Harry.

"They were sent by my stepmom," said Daniel, looking sad.

"All I am to her is a threat; she has been trying to assassinate me all these years," said Daniel as tears rolled down his eyes.

"Boss, why don't you tell Mr. Johnson?" said Harry, looking worried.

"Don't worry about that," said Daniel.

"For how long are you willing to keep up with this? Even after all this hardship, she still won't let you be," Harry said, feeling concerned.

"There won't be any difference if I were to tell Dad," Daniel said.

They both get in the car and drive home.

*************************************

It struck midnight, and Mrs. Gwen, entangled in uncertainty, had yet to receive any word from the gangs. Simultaneously, Daniel had not made it home, leaving Mrs. Gwen in a state of worry and confusion about the outcome of the gang's mission.

"Hello, Dad, I'm back!" Daniel intentionally shouted, fully aware that his father was not present, creating a deliberate moment to startle his stepmother.

Mrs. Gwen rushed out to meet him, panic and shivers coursing through her as if she had encountered a ghost.

"Is that even possible?" Mrs. Gwen stammered. "You're alive!" she exclaimed.

"I don't understand. Were you hoping for me to be dead?" Daniel asked confidently.

"No, my dear. I was just surprised. I heard you were attacked by some gangs, so I was surprised you're okay," she explained.

"Oh, my caring mom, I know you care more about me. Thanks, Ma!" Daniel replied, concealing his true feelings.

Daniel retreated to his room.

The next morning, he joined the family at the dining table.

"Mr. Dan!" Mr. Johnson greeted me happily.

"Dad, when did you arrive yesterday?" Daniel asked his father.

"Oh! I came home around 3:30 am," Mr. Johnson replied.

"Are there any problems with that?" Mr. Johnson inquired.

"No, Dad, I'm just worried about you. That's why," Daniel replied.

"Worried! You of all people?" Mr. Johnson expressed surprise.

"Anyway, I heard you were attacked yesterday; how are you feeling now?" Mr. Johnson asked Daniel with a genuine concern in his eyes.

"I'm fine, Dad, thanks to Mom," Daniel said, casting a glance at Mrs. Gwen, who appeared uneasy.

"Anyway, Dad, I have an announcement to make," said Daniel.

"And what's that?" Mr. Johnson inquired.

"I have found a place to stay, an apartment," Daniel revealed.

"Meet me in my room!" Mr. Johnson shouted angrily at Daniel. As they both went to Mr. Johnson's room, Mrs. Johnson addressed her children.

"This is good; now I can enjoy my sweetheart," Mrs. Gwen happily remarked.

"Mom, why don't we just get rid of that fool once and for all?" Jerry suggested.

"I suggest we gain enough shares and oust both Dad and Daniel once and for all," Joe added.

"I have a better plan; you just sit and watch." Mrs. Gwen chuckled mysteriously.