Chapter 165 Mariko's Visit

Chapter 165 Mariko's Visit

Arden's POV

I got to my apartment and I dialed Mariko's number. The phone rang for a while, I paced the small lounge section, I needed those photos to somehow be destroyed. I was worried about that on Lana's part. At least she will be safe where she will be.

"Hello," Mariko finally answered.

"Mariko, I need your help with something," I said, with a bit of panic.

"What is up?" he asked.

"Brady is back in Seattle, he assaulted Lana when she was in her final senior year of high school, he also ruined my reputation in New York ...but I just need you to come over. He wants to expose photos of Lana and I need those photos before they get out," I let out a breath.

"I will be right over. You're at the apartment?" he asked as I heard him walking.

"Yes." I said.

"See you soon," he hung up.

I just hope that he can help. I didn't want to say anything to Gray yet. I don't know how long I have been pacing and been lost in thought of worry. The knock on the door snapped me out of my thoughts. I hurried to the door and opened it. Mariko looked at me with concern. "You look like crap," he said.

I opened the door wider as he entered. Closing the door behind him, I turned around. He was now in the lounge and I moved closer. "I am worried about a student of mine, Lucy, and Lana. But Lana is safe for now. This assh^le who assaulted her is back and he has photos. He ruined my reputation and he wants to ruin Lana's reputation too if I lay a hand on him. My student is his sister and he is abusing her. I need help," I said as I run a hand through my hair as my other hand rested on my hip.

"Well, I didn't know that...Where is your student now?" he asked.

"She is moving to the Stern hotel and she got an intern position at Sternpoint."

Mariko nodded, "I will have to ask security to keep an eye on her. Lana does have two security guards with her but they usually just blend in with the people to give her a sense of a normal life. I doubt she knows about it," he chuckled. He stood with both of his hands in his pants pockets. "I will call Pedro, he will take care of it for us. You won't need to worry about anything, he will destroy those photos too," he said.

I nodded. "I just couldn't ask my uncle Jona to help because I no longer trust him due to the fact that he is married to my mother."

"Well, they will be safe. Don't stress too much though," he said.

"How are you and Amber?" I asked to focus on something else.

"Um, we are fine," he said, giving me an awkward smile.

"Lana saw you and Maddie before she left work yesterday. I was just wondering if Maddie was okay?" I tried to figure out what was happening.

"She does have some issues, I guess," he shrugged, but he didn't convince me enough.

"Perhaps Lana can help with anything that she needs? After all, Lana is willing to help anyone," I said. "Would you like to stay for coffee?" I asked.

"No, I have it under control with Maddie. Nothing to worry about." Yeah, right. "I have to go and call Pedro concerning this matter with Lana and your student. I will keep you informed," he said as he walked past me towards the door.

"Thank you for the help, I appreciate it," I said, turning around to face him.

"Anytime," he replied with a nod and then he left.

I just wanted this to be sorted. I plan to call Lana tonight. I will also call the hotel to find out if Lucy is fine. Mariko is a terrible liar, there is definitely something. I just hope that he isn't doing anything to Amber. He has two kids with her. My phone rang, I took it out of my pocket. It was Lana.

I answered. "Lana, are you okay?" I asked.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" she asked.

"Just making sure that is all," I replied.

"I'm still in the air in my dad's private jet. I just couldn't wait until I was in Zanzibar for our call. How was your day so far?" she asked.

I was relieved to hear that she was okay and safe. "My day is hectic, just a lot of papers to grade and Lucy is thankful to you for allowing her to stay at the hotel." I lied about the papers that I had to grade. I didn't want her to know about Brady, it would probably freak her out and I didn't want her to get a possible panic attack.

"I'm happy to help where I can. I miss you so much," she said, her voice putting me at ease.

"I miss you more, please be safe and I look forward to your calls every day. And to hear all about your vacation," I said.

"I will, I wish that you were with me. But soon you will be with me for our elopement and honeymoon," she said.

"Let's not forget about the baby making once the doctor gives the go ahead," I reminded her.

"Yeah," she said hesitantly, "I can't wait."

"Me too."

"I have to go. I will let you know when I am safe at my destination. I love you," she said.

"I love you more," I replied and she hung up.

I have to keep myself busy for this whole month without her seem that this situation would be out of my hands and in Pedro's hands. I am just happy that Lana has such incredible people in her life. Uncle Jona was always that kind of person for me all the years when I had no one to be a support system, but now that he is married to my mother. I cannot trust him at all.