Chapter 31 Chapter 31
"Here's the little girl who says I have all under my control." Sierre mocked.
"Hey, don't use that nickname, anything but that." Luna prickled at the audacity of her best friend. They were currently strolling through the garden, and being acutely aware of being monitored, she shushed Sisi. "Hey, don't just go around rambling everything out this loud. You never know what might happen."
Sisi was quick to catch the hint and stopped laughing at once. "Alright. I wanted to discuss something with you." Sierre was sombre now.
"Really, what is it?"
"About the Vasperins..."
Luna's expression turned ugly at once. They were the family responsible for her family's downfall. If not for them, her family wouldn't have to sign those papers. They wouldn't have to suffer such a backlash, and they wouldn't have to give her away.
If not for Daimen stepping in, today the family would be bankrupt, ending up on the streets.
"Spill the beans. What did you find out?"
"Your guy Jack here told the truth." Sierre spilt the beans. "I had my father investigate the Vasperins. And we have even found the spies they planted in your family business." Sierre revealed, then said slowly. "It's actually Katherine who got close to us during college days to get a guy recommended for the company."
Luna recalled something, and her eyes widened. "Don't tell me..."
"Yes, she used you."
"In the end, it's me who caused all this."
Sierre and Luna walked in silence. Luna contemplated the past events while Susu gave her the time to digest the intel. When they were once within the safety of the room, Luna closed the door.
"Sisi, I have been thinking about something."
"What do you think?"
"I have explained to you how his attitude been so good with me, I mean Daimen's. He didn't harm me. And I know you asked me not to fall. I am not falling. But I see an opening. An opening to ask him for permission for the John Iv Hopkins."
"Don't you think it's too soon?"
"Yeah, but I want to be there." Luna justified. "And I think he won't reject."
"But given his history, he won't accept without asking anything in return."
"Well, as long as it's not my virginity, I am fine with anything," Luna said as a matter of fact.
Sierra thought for a second. Then all of a sudden, she said. "Why don't you go and give it a try?"
"Like, right now?"
"What's wrong with right now?"
Luna appeared unassured. Sierre patted her like an encouraging mother. "Better today than tomorrow."
"That's not it. The cooking plan failed. On what basis am I gonna ask this of him? I'm afraid that..."
"...that he's gonna reject?"
"No, he's gonna ask something really big in return."
...
In the indoor pool area, Diamen was entertaining some diplomats from the embassy. Jack stood just outside the entrance with a stack of files that might or might not be needed. He fixed his glasses. His white shirt was crisp and pristine.
At that moment, he heard nervous steps directed in his direction.
He turned his head and found Luna headed their way. His eyes narrowed.
"You are not supposed to be here."
"Yeah, I know. But it's kind of urgent." She pressed, fidgeting with her hands.
"I am pretty certain it can't be this urgent for you to interrupt a high-stakes meeting going on inside."
Luna glanced at the entrance, uncertain. She had asked around about Daimen's whereabouts from Harlan. Harlan told her he was busy. But the thing was, today was the last date for the application. It was now or never. Luna didn't want to apply without informing Daimen at least. She didn't want to risk angering him.
At the same time, she hoped that they would come to a compromise.
Jake glanced at her. "You are playing with fire."
Luna was taken aback. "Weren't you the one who spurred me to action?"
"Yes," He adjusted his glasses. "But you are going way too fast."
"I don't have a choice." Luna defended herself. "I don't want to rot inside for a year."
"Careful." Jake interrupted. "Daimen has done a great deal for my family and me, but I have to admit one thing. He is unpredictable, and no one knows what goes through his head."
Luna was caught in a dilemma. This man first pushed him towards the Devil. Now he was pulling him back from the Devil. What exactly did he want?
Jack closed the files in his hand with a snap. "I'll go convey your arrival."
He walked inside and whispered something in Daimen's ears. Daimen, whose expression had been neutral and unreadable, revealed a twinkle of interest. "Let her in."
Luna walked inside. Once again putting herself under the scrutiny of important men. Men who could prove dangerous by aiming to use her as leverage against Daimen.