Chapter 18

Mason's POV:

"Were you aware that CG had a child?" I asked pacing around the room. "Because no one knows that."

"Well, if he was married before we got married, he definitely had a child. I just don't know her name. But I told some assassins to kill them a long time ago. I even have a video with me while their house was on fire. Damn it! They must've fooled me!" She cussed into the phone.

"What's going to happen now? She has unknowingly found her way back, and it's just a matter of time before people start speculations."

"I don't know, I really don't. But I know I have to get her out with no one suspecting. But how?"

"Well, you'll think of a way. I have to go now. Left Alya in the living room. Might wonder where I am."

"Okay. Bye."

"Bye," I said and hung up. Gathering my looks, I took in a deep breath and walked out of the room, going to meet Alya, who was still watching TV. I joined her.

***

Nikita's POV:

Damnit! I cussed once Mason hung up. How dare they! Glancing at the screen and watching the girls dance, I took a proper look at her. She sure looks like CG. By now, they had finished their dance routine and were walking down the stage. I stood up and went to my cabinet. I opened a drawer which revealed a safe and punched in the password. The safe unlocked and I opened it and retrieved the CD that was in it.

Are they trying to say the video of a young girl being burned alive in this tape wasn't CG'S daughter? How could I have been so foolish! I broke it up and threw it in the dustbin. I have to confirm who that girl really is. I just have to.

***

(Beamlight Entertainment's temporary base)

Lila's POV:

We were all lined up out on the stage as the judges called out who would leave us today. With my hands behind my back and my head held down, I held my breath as the MC called out the names.

"Charlotte Jones, Megan fox, Nancy Scott, Lexie Cruz, I'm sorry, but your journey ends here. You have been disqualified."

Groans and murmurs of disappointment filled the air amidst cheers of joys of those whose names weren't called.

"For those whose name weren't called, congratulations. You have wowed the judges with your performance. But now is not the time to relent. Work harder as it's the survival for the fittest. The names of the girls who I've called here you may leave the stage and pack your things in preparation to go home. The rest of you once again, congratulations."

One by one, the girl ran out of the stage in tears while the others were left here, some of us feeling sorry and rest of us feeling elated. The judges left their table and after a while we all left and went backstage to continue with the celebration.

Paige immediately hugged me. "We did it, Lila!"

"Of course we did," I said and smiled. Zoey cut through the crowd and came to meet us where we were.

"I'm so proud of you guys! You did extremely well."

"Thank you. You weren't so bad yourself." I commented.

"Oh please… For a second there I thought I was going to be called out as well." Zoey muttered, and we laughed.

"So what should we do now? Celebrate? We're definitely celebrating our success!" Paige called out.

We all cheered and walked towards our room. Once in, I let down my hair that was imprisoned in the ponytail, I put it and cleaned up my make up. Just then my phone vibrated and without checking who the caller was picked it up.

"Hey! Congratulations!" a thick male voice boomed through. I instantly smiled.

"Hey Chad… Conner, how are you?"

"Conner?" He asked, and I chuckled.

"Well yeah, I'm in the room with my roommates," I whispered.

"Ooh…"

"Why'd you call?"

"I wanted to congratulate you. Saw your dance routine with the rest of the guys. It was amazing, and I liked the song you used."

"Aww… thanks."

"Plus, I'm taking you out this evening. So get prepared."

"Wait… You're what?"

"You heard me. I'll pick you up by 6 pm on the dot. Bye. He said and hung up before I could object.

Oh gosh.

"Um…girls, when are we having our celebration?" I asked as I turned towards them.

"This evening, at 6 pm. Why do you ask?"

"I won't be able to make it." I said slowly. "Someone is planning a celebration for me as well outside."

"Let me guess, it's this Conner, isn't he?"

"Well, yeah."

"And we're not invited?" Paige asked.

"Huh… No. I'm sorry guys. Didn't get to ask." I said.

"Well, okay. We're cool. You can go."

"Really, thanks," I said and checked the time. 3:35 pm. "Is any of you using the shower now?" I asked.

"Not yet." Zoey replied.

"Well then, it's been occupied by me." I said as I took my things and walked into the bathroom.

***

I was done in the shower and I came out and dried my hair. When I got to the room, Paige was nowhere in sight, and Zoey was in one of the chairs, quietly sleeping. I guess she must've been exhausted. I walked towards my wardrobe and brought out the most decent clothing I could find, a short pink floral gown and a pink denim jacket to go with it. Then styled out my hair by putting decorative clips on it. My hair was really thick, so I needed to use lots of it. Eventually I was done, and I heaved a sigh of relief.

Since it wasn't 6:00 clock yet, I didn't want to wear the dress yet or apply any make up so I brought out my journal and began writing in it.

Dear diary, It's been long since have written in you. It's mainly because I've been really busy. Can you believe I got selected as one of the contestants who has the potential of being a beamer girl? It's all thanks to Chad. If I never met him what would have happened?

Which brings me to Chad. Diary, he said he likes me. I don't know if that's a good thing or bad, but I'm guessing it's good. Oh diary, I don't know what to do or tell him if he asks for a definite reply or if he wants me to date him. I like him too, but it's just it.

So he's invited me out this evening and of course I'm going. I'm looking forward to it. I want to see him again. That's all I can take now, diary. I'll let you know if anything develops.

Love, Lila.

I closed the journal and put it in my drawer, locking it in there. Then I took my phone and began scrolling through my social media feed to kill time.

***

(5:45 pm)

Well, it's almost 6 o'clock. I had already on my dress and one of my shoes and began putting on makeup. Just some powder, lip gloss and eyeliner to make my eyes seem bigger. Some of my hair was already leaving its place, so I had to repack it. After some time, my phone rang and I picked it up.

"Hello."

"Hi Lila, are you ready yet?"

"Yeah… Where are you?"

"I'm outside the base now. I've asked for permission and you can come meet me at the garden." He replied.

"Okay, we'll be there soon."

"Will be expecting you. "He said, and I chuckled.

Just then Zoey woke up from her nap and, with sleepy eyes, looked at me thoroughly.

"You're going out?" She asked, sleep still in her voice.

"Yep."

"Oh… okay. Greet Conner for me."

"Will do," I said and stood up from the chair, taking my bag and the coat that Chad gave me. I don't know how long I might be out and I might get cold.

Not a bad thing, my subconscious muttered. Chad's there to warm you up. I frowned slightly at my own dirty thoughts and walked out of the room. Getting out of the building and into the garden and I met Chad there, with his back facing me.

"Hey." I called, and he turned. His eyes swept over me and a smile tugged his lips.

"See who's come prepared. You even have my coat?" He asked, amused.

"Well, I don't want to get cold… And you gave me this earlier."

"I see," he muttered and walked closer.

"Good evening." I greeted shyly.

"Good evening to you too," he greeted as he lowered himself to meet my eye level. God, he's so handsome! And his cologne smells amazing! I was tempted to pull his cheeks. He straightened up later on and held my hands.

"So, shall we?" he asked, and I nodded. We walked to the car, which I noticed was a different one, and of course there were bodyguards around. We got into the one that was already opened in wait for us and the driver got in and we started driving.

Hmm, butterflies dancing in my tummy.

***

After driving a while, the car stopped, and I looked out the window. As expected, it was another five-star restaurant but this one looked bought out as there was nobody in it.

The driver got out and opened the door and we both walked out as Chad held my hands. It was then I noticed how cold the wind had gotten.

"Why isn't there anybody in it?" I asked, as I looked up at him.

"There are people in it, but not customers,"

"Oh…" I trailed off. I wonder who is in then. We walked in and it was then I noticed that we're people in it as I could hear chatter… Male chatter.

Using the flight of stairs, we got to the very top floor and the scents of different food hit my nostrils. There wasn't time to savor the smell as my eyes were savoring the sight in front of me and my legs stopped working.

The entire Sparks were sat on a table, all talking to each other. Chad brought me to have dinner with the Sparks? What the heck!?

The second they saw me, they stopped talking and looked at me. Well, me and Chad, really. I gripped Chad's hands tighter.

"Hey guys." Chad called out as if it was the most normal thing in the word as he dragged me along. Yeah, my feet were still not working.

"Hi…" Came a mumbled response as everyone glances, speculative ones were on me. I swallowed the invisible lump in my throat.

"Who's she?" One of them asked, Jayden is his name.

"This is Lila Walker." Chad replied, and I glanced up at him.

"Oh… The girl with the killer steps?" Nico put in.

"I don't know about that but yeah, she is the girl with the killer steps."

They all relaxed and smiled at me.

"Hi… Welcome." They all greeted, and I could finally let the breath I didn't know I was holding.

"Good evening."

"Please sit." They gestured to the two empty seats in front of us and I gently lowered myself on it, still nervous. It was then I realized Dean hasn't said anything since we arrived, and I glanced at him as I was sitting directly in front of him. Remembering our first encounter, a blush crept up to my cheeks.

"How are your bruises?" I thoughtlessly asked, and he raised his brows.

***

Dean's POV:

Soo… Basically I've been trying to mind my business ever since Chad walked in with Lila, keeping quiet and trying to pretend I didn't exist until she sat down and seriously had to ask that question!

"What bruises?" Nico asked, and I glanced at him. Chad was already suppressing a chuckle.

"Oh it's nothing…" I began, but she cut me off.

"You didn't know?" She asked, surprised. "Didn't Chad tell you?" She added, and the rest of them shook their heads. I glared at her, but she kept on talking, anyway.

"I spilled hot coffee on sir… Dean one day."

"Oh gosh!" They all exclaimed, and I face palmed myself. I could hear Chad's chuckle in the chaos.

"And you're still alive?" Jayden asked, and she gasped, pouting that cute little lip of hers. Why am I thinking of her lips!?

"Is something supposed to happen to me?" she asked worriedly.

"I don't know. You're supposed to get arrested or something," Nico added.

"Oh no…" Then she turned to Chad, shaking him." Oh please, you have to beg sir Dean, I don't want to get arrested!" She said, but he only laughed louder.

"Don't worry, he will do nothing." Then turned to me, mock seriousness on his face. "Or will you Dean?"

I shoved a cookie in my mouth and did not answer.

"Forget about Dean's bruises. I brought you out here to celebrate you not to talk about Dean's bruises. So cheers to Lila!" He said as he poured out some wine for her.

I hate the fact that I can't leave this place until we're done!

***

Nikita's POV:

After being buried in thought in the office about who that girl might be, I decided it was better for me to make some research before it becomes too late. So I got out and drove to the Beamlights temporary base. Hopefully she's still unaware of who she is, and I can use it to my benefit.

Once I got there, I drove in and the officials immediately welcomed me. Not wanting to waste any time, I walked to one office there and sat on it.

"Give me the list of all the girls that are in that training with their picture." I ordered one of the officials.

"Yes ma'am." She said and left. After a while, she came with a load of files.

She dropped it on the table and I began looking through it. After a while, I found her file.

Lila Walker, it read. Well, at least she's not using her real name. Even I don't know what her real name is, CG never told me. Adopted daughter of Mrs. Stella Walker. Twenty-three years old. Just a year older than Ximena, interesting. I turned to the official that was standing close by.

"Can you get me this girl? Lila Walker?" I asked.

"Yes ma'am." she said and walked away again. I waited again. She returned, but there was no girl with her.

"Where's she?" I asked.

"I'm sorry ma'am, but I was told she isn't in at the moment."

"Oh…" I muttered, but internally I was panicking. What if she's gathering information? I looked at the files again and found one that I recognized. It was the girl who danced with her.

"What about this one?"

"She's in ma'am."

"Go get her."

"Yes ma'am." She said and walked away. Hopefully I'll be able to use her to my benefit.

A young lady walked in and I instantly recognized her.

"You sent for me, ma'am?" she said cautiously. Obviously, she was worried about why I'd called her. I smiled reassuringly.

"Don't panic, please sit down." I said calmly. She seemed unsure at first, but gently lowered herself on the seat.

"Your name is Paige Carter, isn't it?"

"Yes, it is."

"How many roommates do you have?"

"Just two. Zoey Martinez and Lila Walker." She replied.

"Are you close to them?"

"I guess so, we're roommates."

"Good, very good," I said and rubbed my temples. "You're going to do something for me," I announced.

"What is it?"

"I need you to gather all the possible information you can about Lila Walker, for a reward of course.

"Why, is Lila bad?" She asked, confused.

"No, not at all. But she might be a threat to all of you contesting to be beamer girls. It's why I need to know everything I can about her."

She thought for a while and then looked at me.

"What is it you want?"

"Amazing. I'm glad you asked that question." I said, and shifted my chair closer, staring into her eyes.

"I want you to…" I whispered to her as I watched her eyes widen.

***

Zoey's POV:

It was boring at the celebration we'd organized for ourselves. Lila had already gone out, and Paige was nowhere in sight. Seemed like an official called her or something.

I waited for her but when she was yet to return, I went and look for her. Ambling out of the dining area because of the alcohol in my system, I went in search of Paige. I had almost given up when I saw her walk out of an office, lost in thought. I wanted to call her but stopped when another woman, much older, walked out as well.

She held Paige by the hands and was whispering things to her. I wish I could hear them. After some time, held her cheeks and walked away, and left Paige standing there.

After debating whether or not I should go there, I went to see Paige.

"Hey," I called out as I got closer to her. She seemed startled by my car as she didn't expect anyone in the hallway.

"Oh… Hey Zoey. What are you doing here?" She hurriedly asked.

"I came looking for you. Who's that woman?"

"Which woman? Did you see any woman?"

"Yeah, I think I saw one come out of that office and talk to you."

"Oh… That woman." She muttered. "She's nobody, just a friend." She quickly replied.

Hmm, Paige seems too hasty for my liking.

"She's a nobody?" I asked again.

"Ye… ah." then she stifled a yawn. "Oh gosh, Zoey, I'm so tired. I'll think I'll go to sleep now." She said and walked out on me.

Paige, wait!" I called, and she stopped, but she didn't turn.

"Are you okay?" I asked.

"Of… Of course I am. Why would you ask that? I'm just tired, that's all. Off to sleep." And hearing nothing more, she ran off.

Hmm, I don't think she is.