Chapter 49

Jacob raced through the corridors of his office building, his heart pounding with urgency. He hurriedly pocketed his phone and made his way to the door.

The call with Noemi was satisfying, but he could not help but sense that something was amiss. It was already late before he realised he had seen the car before.

As he reached the elevator, he pressed the button repeatedly, waiting impatiently for the doors to open. He silently prayed that he was going to be quick enough to still meet James.

Finally, the elevator arrived, and he rushed inside. He pressed the button for the ground floor, the anxiety gnawing at him.

Noemi had sounded worried before he ended the conversation between them, but he needed to act fast.

As he descended to the ground floor and moved swiftly into the parking area, he immediately noticed that something was off.

And that was James's car, the one he had seen earlier from his office window, was nowhere to be found.

Instantly, panic began to set in as Jacob checked one row after another, but the car was simply gone. This was his worst fear.

"Where the hell did he go just now?" Jacob muttered to himself, frustration and concern mounting.

He had hoped to catch up with James, to address the unexpected tension between them, but now it seemed that opportunity had slipped through his fingers.

Jacob continued to search around, but there was no sign of James or his car. Did he leave without saying anything? Jacob asked himself.

He could not understand why James would be so elusive, especially after their recent encounter at the hospital.

With a feeling of frustration and helplessness, Jacob took out his phone and dialed Victor's number.

It rang several times, but there was no answer. He began to worry and wondered if something had gone wrong. Where had James disappeared to, and why was he avoiding him?

Jacob turned back, he was going to find out from his father.

The elevator ride to Mr. Lionel Gareth's office felt everlasting, the tension building with each passing floor.

When the doors finally opened onto the executive floor, Jacob found himself face to face with his father's imposing office door.

Taking a deep breath, Jacob knocked, and a voice from within beckoned him to enter. He pushed open the door and stepped into the spacious modern office.

Mr. Lionel Gareth was seated behind his desk, his stern gaze locked onto Jacob.

"Jacob, my boy." His father began, "I wasn't expecting to see you here. We spoke not quite long ago."

"I saw James and I know he came here to see you. What is going on, Father? What does he want?" Jacob faced why he came directly.

Mr. Lionel Gareth's expression remained indistinct, but his fierce composure was intact.

"James came to discuss some matters with me. And It is a private affair that has nothing to do with the company."

Jacob's eyes narrowed as he scrutinised his father. "Private affair you mean? Father, I know of a fact that James is intricately involved in our family's affairs. He has secrets, and I want to know what is really going on."

Mr. Gareth leaned back in his chair, listening to Jacob with a hint of annoyance. "Jacob, you don't need to concern yourself with James's actions. He has his own life and choices to make."

Jacob's patience was running thin, and he couldn't hold back his frustration any longer.

"I love Noemi, and I will not tolerate anyone to jeopardise our relationship. If James has anything to do with this, he has failed. And don't forget, you threatened to disown me if I married Noemi, but we are proceeding with our plans."

A flicker of tension passed through Mr. Gareth's eyes, but he quickly concealed it with a forced smile. "Jacob, I had my reasons for the warning. But if you insist on pursuing this path, it is your decision."

"I love Noemi so much, and nothing will change that. I will not let anyone come between us. Not even you, Father." Jacob declared to his father.

As the tense conversation continued, Jacob could sense where the conversation was leading to; no greenlight. He left his father's office.

Jacob went back to the parking lot to observe once more. Just as he was about to give up on getting in touch with James, his phone rang.

The incoming call displayed his best friend's name, someone who lived abroad and rarely had the chance to call. Jacob was relieved and quickly accepted the call.

"Hey, Mark my man." Jacob said, his voice was laced with a mix of frustration and gratitude.

"Jacob!" Mark's voice came through the line with eagerness. "It's been a while. I hope you are doing well man?"

"I have been good, Mark. It's been a bit of a hectic day." Jacob forced a smile, trying to shove aside the troubling thoughts about James for a moment.

"I can sense it in your voice. Something is bothering you. What is going on?" Mark's tone shifted, it became more serious.

Jacob hesitated first, he was torn between discussing his concerns about James and not wanting to burden his friend. But eventually, he decided to share.

"It's my fiance's ex-boyfriend. I saw his car in the parking lot, and I was about to talk to him, but now he's gone, and I can't reach him. Something feels off."

Mark paid attention intently. "What did he want, James? Maybe he is still in love with Noemi and aware you are in love with his girlfriend."

Jacob sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I don't know, Mark. I am not sure what he wants or what is happening but I'm working on it."

"Yeah, I trust you do." Mark said.

There was a pause on the other end of the line, and then Mark's voice broke the silence.

"Jacob, I want you to guess something. I have a feeling you won't see this coming."

Jacob was taken aback. "Guess what? What are you talking about?"

Mark giggled. "Just take a wild guess. It is something important."

"Mark, I have no idea. Just tell me already. I can't deal with riddles right now." Confusion and curiosity stirred within Jacob.

"Okay, here it is," Mark's voice turned serious once again.