Establishment 1
“What do you think. It looks like we’re going to have to postpone our plan to get rid of Elice. I heard that-”
Ariel listened to the recording of a conversation between Farrah and Teddy. Because of the uncomfortable feeling he had had when he met Teddy earlier, Ariel could not resist the urge to find out what his mother and the man were talking about. He felt restless. His instincts were warning him. And he would listen carefully to all these recordings. He would not miss a word of the conversation.
There was a short pause in Farrah’s voice. Ariel blinked. He began to think, but a moment later his mother’s words were heard again.
“That there’s instability at Pacific Energy. According to what Garrett said, some people seem to be uncomfortable because Pacific Energy is now completely dependent on Garrett. Because as everyone knows. Garrett was able to be calm all the time at the peak of Pacific Energy clearly because of Mom’s influence. However, people still respect the late Mama.”
“So should we postpone our plan, madam?”
“It seems so. I want to see Garrett and Elice’s movements first. I don’t want us to act recklessly.”
“Very well, madam.”
That was all the conversation Ariel heard. It was short, but the relief he felt was immense. Until Ariel let out a long sigh with his eyes closed. His body instantly went limp. Releasing the tension that had gripped him since he left his parents’ house.
Ariel leaned back in his chair. With his head landing there, he looked up. Slowly, he opened his eyes and looked at the ceiling.
Truly. Ariel had never felt such a relief. And that made him sure that meeting Garrett had been the right decision.
Ironic. Pitiful. But unfortunately, Ariel’s sacrifice to humble himself in front of Garrett paid off.
Elice would be fine.
*
Carolus had just returned. Not on business with Garrett, but with the man’s wife.
“How was it?”
Elice turned when she saw Garrett approaching. Her eyebrows furrowed briefly. She looked at the door of her office and wondered.
When did Garrett come in?
Garrett smiled faintly. He took a seat in front of Elice and sat down, glancing at some files that covered the desk.
“It looks like you’re really serious.”
Elice let out a long sigh. She did not deny it, but confirmed her husband’s words with a firm nod.
The clock on the wall showed ten o’clock at night. Elice massaged her shoulders. It was not surprising that she felt tired there. She had been sitting and working for almost three hours.
“There are a lot of things I have to learn for tomorrow, Garrett,” Elice said wearily. “I don’t want to embarrass myself.”
Elice leaned her stiff back against the chair. Trying to relax when the shadow of tomorrow’s event was already looming in her mind.
“This is the first time I am speaking in public. And ironically, the first experience is at such an important event.”
Garrett reached out. He took Elice’s hand, which happened to be on the table. As Garrett gently stroked those slender fingers, Elice looked at him with a warm feeling.
“Everything will be okay.”
Elice considered Garrett’s words. “The good news is that I’ve seen Nana give her speech before.”
At first, Elice wanted to calm herself when she said that. But she did not realize that her words would suffocate her instead.
Garrett noticed. Instead of continuing to stroke Elice’s fingers, he now held them.
“I’m sure Nana will be proud to see you tomorrow.”
Surprised, Elice looked at Garrett. Then she nodded. At least Elice knew that tomorrow was not just about her. But she would not embarrass Daphne either.
Life in the upper class had never been Elice’s ambition. Especially after the unfortunate incident that happened to her during a relationship with Ariel, she promised herself not to step into the same world. But that’s how fate works.
Now Elice was not just back in the same world. More than that. She was even playing an important role in this world.
A world full of glittering luxury. A world that seemed fun and promised happiness. But in reality, it hid many intrigues and conflicts she had never imagined before.
And with all that, Elice had not thought that life could be manipulated so easily. As if someone’s life was something worthless.
Daphne’s death remained in Elice’s mind. It still felt unbelievable. But it had happened. And now, without Daphne by her side, Elice remembered everything she had taught her.
“Instead of wasting time on useless things, look at this. There are lots of events and activities we can do. After all, you’re Garrett’s wife. Eventually you will replace me.”
Daphne’s words echoed in Elice’s head. They brought a melancholic feeling that made her take a quick deep breath. Then she decided to get up from her seat. Inviting Garrett.
“It’s late,” Elice said. “We should sleep now.”
*
Farrah gestured to Teddy. To follow her footsteps to the bedroom. She sat down, a cynical expression clearly visible on her aging face.
“Ariel tapped me?”
Farrah asked Teddy. She snorted and stared at the man with a look of disbelief.
Farrah really wanted to deny it. But how could she? Because when Teddy showed her the bug, Farrah’s mind quickly spun around to show the reality of how Ariel often came to her house.
“Is that why Ariel comes to the house so often?”
Farrah was sure that no house assistant would dare betray her. Everyone who worked for her clearly knew that Farrah would not hesitate to retaliate against anyone who opposed her.
So, there was no doubt left. A bitter conclusion that immediately made Farrah furious. She looked at Teddy.
“How did you know?”
Teddy sighed briefly. “The same way madam thinks. Lately I’ve been watching Mr. Ariel, who comes to the house often. His behavior seemed odd. And ….”
“And?”
“My suspicion turned out to be true. For on the night of Mr. Garrett’s accident,” Teddy continued. “Mr. Ariel came to see him.”Exclusive © content by N(ô)ve/l/Drama.Org.
*