Chapter 5 Astute Observation
The next morning, a cold, slimy sensation dragged me out of sleep. It felt strange at first, soft, wet, rhythmic. I groaned, scrunching my face, but whatever it was didn’t stop. Instead, it pressed even closer against my cheek, as if insisting that I wake up. When I finally forced my eyes open, I was greeted by a pair of bright, curious eyes staring right back at me. An orange cat was perched on my pillow, licking my face like I was some kind of early-morning dessert.
The moment I opened my eyes fully, it meowed at me with the most innocent expression.
I blinked, then chuckled as I gently rubbed my hand over its fluffy head. “Good morning to you too,” I muttered.
The cat licked its little mouth dramatically, as though savoring the taste of my face. Honestly, I had no idea what Rudy fed this cat yesterday, but it definitely wasn’t scared to show affection. Rudy had given him to me last night, he called it a gift and even though everything happening in my life felt chaotic, holding this tiny, warm creature had made things feel a little less heavy.
“What name should I give him…” I mumbled, letting my fingers scratch behind his ears. He purred loudly, leaning into my hand.
Suddenly, a name popped into my mind. “Wheezy,” I announced. “Your name will be Wheezy.”
Immediately, almost like he understood, the cat meowed again and started licking its paws, as if pleased with my decision. I laughed softly. “So you approve.”
With that settled, I gently pushed myself out of bed. Wheezy climbed onto the comforter and curled up, apparently deciding that he had done his morning duty by waking me.
I went to freshen up, then began my early morning routine,stretching, breathing exercises, and yoga. As I moved into my first pose, the maids entered my apartment like clockwork. They greeted me politely before beginning their cleaning routine, moving around silently and efficiently so as not to disturb me. It was their daily responsibility, and they carried it out diligently.
By the time I completed my routine, my muscles warm and my breathing steady, I walked toward the window. When I looked outside through the glass, the sight that greeted me made me pause.
Rudy was outside sparring with one of the Blade clan fighters.
They were both extremely fast, so fast that I almost couldn’t follow their movements. Fists moving like flashes, feet shifting with precision, bursts of energy reinforcing each strike. It was like watching an action scene from a movie, except this was real and right outside the estate.
Hand-to-hand combat seemed to be the first phase. Rudy had the upper hand from the very beginning; his reflexes were sharper, his stance firmer. Even from up here, I could see the confidence in every movement of his body.
Then suddenly, the fighter sparring with him stepped back, inhaled deeply, and released a burst of fire straight toward Rudy’s face.
I flinched.
Rudy’s expression changed instantly, slightly irritated, but not angry enough to lose control. In response, he summoned fire of his own. Except his was stronger. Far stronger. He whipped his arm, releasing a swirling tornado of flames that engulfed his partner in seconds.
My heart jumped into my throat.
But before I could panic, Rudy dropped his control, extinguished the fire, and hurried toward the guy, clearly worried he might have overdone it. Luckily, the sparring partner stood up a moment later, coughing out smoke with singed eyebrows but otherwise fine. Rudy ran a hand through his hair in relief. They exchanged a look and then burst out laughing like two idiots who enjoyed almost killing each other.
I sighed and stepped away from the window.
That was when I noticed a maid entering with a food cart. “Your breakfast, ma’am,” she said politely before leaving.
I looked at the dishes, spaghetti and meatballs on one plate, and a full barbecued chicken on another. The smell was strong enough to make my stomach rumble. But before I could even touch the fork, the door opened again.
Eric stepped inside.
He looked serious.
“Ma’am,” he began, “please… do not eat this food.”
I blinked at him. “Why?”
He closed the door behind him, lowering his voice. “Because, given everything that has been happening with the Blade clan recently, there is a possibility the food may be compromised. Poisoned, tampered with, or otherwise unsafe.”
The realization hit me hard. “You’re right. I didn’t even consider that possibility.”
Eric nodded. “It’s my job to consider these things. And right now, you need to be extremely cautious. Anyone who brings anything into your apartment should be someone you trust.”
I frowned. “But all the maids here work for the estate. I can’t fully trust any of them.”
“That is exactly why I advise you to get a private maid,” Eric said firmly. “Someone who does not belong to the Blade estate’s staff. Someone hired directly by you.”
“And what if the new maid gets compromised too?” I asked.
Eric shook his head. “You will make the maid aware of the entire situation before you hire her. Explain the dangers. Explain the politics. That alone will serve as a deterrent, because she will know she’s walking into a sensitive environment. And then,” he added, “you pay her a good amount of money as salary. A very good amount. Enough to make loyalty easier than betrayal.”
I crossed my arms. “You make it sound like I’m hiring a spy.”
“In a way,” Eric replied, “you are. But a spy for your side. Someone whose wellbeing depends on your safety. Someone who has no reason to betray you because loyalty benefits her more.”
I exhaled slowly. “You’re making too much sense.”
“It’s the safest option,” he insisted.
I nodded. “Fine. Handpick a few candidates for me. I’ll choose from them.”
He gave a small bow. “I’ll start working on it immediately.”
Before we could continue discussing, the sound of knuckles tapping against the door filled the room.
Eric’s posture straightened instantly.
“Who is it?” he called out.
A familiar voice replied from the other side, soft but edged with tension.
“It’s Diana.”
Eric and I stared at each other at the exact same time.
Why was she here? Again?