And he was gone

"It's been two weeks, Gloria! Two weeks!" Elisa's voice roared over the phone. "Two weeks and no progress at all."

"Calm down, Lisa. I'm sure Sir Lucien knows what he's doing," Gloria's calm voice retorted.

"He knows what he's doing? Seriously?" Elisa yelled. "He's sacked at least forty percent of the workforce, and we should just sit back and assume he knows what he's doing?"

"Listen, Lisa. I thought we discussed all those replacements in our last board meeting?" Gloria stared at her phone as if she could see Elisa through it. She had been sitting in her study all day handling business issues, with a glass of orange juice to accompany her through it all.

"Discussed? Yes! But we never discussed sacking all our staff, did we? I mean, look at what he's doing. I thought we concluded it was only the research department we were clearing out and bringing new people on board. Well, that doesn't seem like the case now!" Elisa said firmly.

Gloria lowered her phone until it almost touched the table she had been working at. She picked up her glass of juice and took a sip.

"Hmm," Gloria sighed, placing the glass back on the table and raising the phone again. "I wonder why you're so worried when you're not the one at huge losses here."

"I've got a lot to be worried about, Gloria — a lot. And we'd better take caution rather than make assumptions about Lucien knowing what he's doing," Elisa said, her voice lowering.

"Oh, dear Lisa, you definitely worry too much." Gloria laughed hysterically.

"Mum! Oops I'm so sorry I barged in," Jeanne said hurriedly.

"It's okay, dear."

"I'll get back to you, Elisa. We've got much to discuss, you know." Gloria smiled as she ended the call.

"Business issues again?" Jeanne muttered.

"Hmm. So, you're ready for your trip?"

"Absolutely, Mum. I just stopped by to say goodbye," Jeanne smiled.

"With the way you love your own house, I wondered if you'd ever visit again," Gloria pursed her lips.

"Yeah, I do love my house, but don't forget I have a room here as well," Jeanne laughed softly.

Gloria cleared her throat and glanced at her phone and glass of juice before turning back to her daughter.

"I know you want to ask how business is. There's a lot going on, but as always, I'm not hitting my head over it," Gloria smirked.

"You should take some time off Dion stuff. You've worked so hard for that company, and all that effort has only enriched the Dion family. But what about us, Mum? What about you? What about Shriz-Plaza? Are you going to let your own sweat go down the drain for someone else?" Jeanne stepped closer to her mother.

---

Gloria (POV)

"...Are you going to let your own sweat go down the drain for someone else?"

My daughter's words hit me like bitter medicine sliding down the throat — harsh, but true.

Something shifted inside me when she said those words. Was it pride? Or the painful truth that she just didn't understand? Of course, I built Shriz-Plaza with my own sweat. It deserved more than what I gave it. I simply put others in charge and let them run it while I exhausted myself over Dion Biotics.

Yes, Elisa had raged for the same reason because we knew, as board members, what was at stake. What Jeanne didn't know was that I wouldn't give up Dion. Not even for family. No — not when so much was riding on it.

"I understand you're deeply concerned, ma petite, but you see... for every game we play, even if you're not the creator, you still have to play your best and make sure you win, right?"

"Right, but—"

"But you're running late. You need to leave before your flight leaves you." I stood gently and wrapped my arms around her.

"Have a nice trip, ma petite," I whispered, caressing her hair softly.

---

Jeanne (POV)

It was going to be a long trip and I was sure I wasn't by far late at all. I had been in the moving car for about fifteen minutes and I couldn't stop thinking about how my mother brushed our discussion about her stressing herself about Dion. It wasn't much of a burden on my shoulder for me to think about but when I recalled her sudden silence and how her mood became brighter — which only happens when she's trying to cover up something, I felt there was more to It than meets the eye. It could have been that she was having some stress thinking about Axel. If only he was fit for her to put in charge of Shriz-Plaza, then I'm sure things would have been better. It could be, but mother was hardly stressed about Axel's case literally because he's not her only son — but what could have been the problem.

"Ma'am, we're here." My driver signaled as one of my security men opened the door of the car for me to step down.

"Thank you," I said, almost without thinking. It wasn't like me to thank someone just for doing their job, but the man's face lit up with surprise and joy like his true love had just agreed to marry him.

I walked into the airport and sat on one of the waiting seats as instructed. My two security men stood by.

I tried to keep thinking about Mum, but then I noticed a man sitting opposite me.

He'd been staring at me like a hawk since I walked in. Obsessive fan? Maybe. But no! he sat too still. Too calm. Dark shades covered his eyes, but I could feel them penetrating into me on a different note. I felt uncomfortable for a while, staring back as his gaze grew haunting by the minute.

He held a newspaper, pretending to read it while actually using it to hide his face.

His long blond hair caught my attention. At first glance of his hair, one would think he was a woman but his build said otherwise. Broad. Defined.

It was strange the way he watched only me, as though I owed him something. Or worse as if I were his next mission.

I knew I had to say something. I hated spies. I hated being watched like prey. I stood up to confront him.

But then a voice interrupted.

"Ma'am, you can move now. This way. Enjoy your journey," said the same woman who had told me to wait.

Her voice was sharp and clear, pulling my attention for a moment — just a moment. And the next second, I shifted my gaze back to the blonde guy.

He was gone!