Chapter 96 - HEIRESS'S SECOND CHANCE BILLIONAIRE

Chapter Ninety-Six “Veiled Secrets.”

Christian Kingston.

I had already anticipated what awaits me. Hence, why the very minute I stepped out of the elevator that directly links to the penthouse I am currently staying in England, and was instantly welcomed by that scolding voice, I was not taken by surprise.

“Mr. Kingston!” Carter’s voice was a mixture of scolding and worry, a heavy fog of so clouding his tone as he perked up from where he stood in the middle of the living room, the two guards I had brought along with me standing in front of him with stoic faces, no doubt getting the brunt of his scolding.

I released a small breath, my expression remaining the same as I pushed myself further into the room while Carter rushed over to my side. Like a mother chicken, he extended his arm out, taking a hold of my arm so he could help me.

“Where have you been, Sir?” His question was rushed, and still laced with that worry that seemed to be a permanent part of it. When instead of answering I gave him a look that screamed whether he really just asked me that, he realized how stupid it sounded and then corrected himself. “Sir, I understand what you had to do but you are in no condition to be walking, much less flying out of the country and--”

“Shut up,” Those two words were supposed to be enough to have him tight lipped. The low tone was supposed to make him do just as I asked so I can deal with one issue alone, but he seems to could not care any less for it.

I seemed to have forgotten he tends to care less about my words in this condition.

Still, I tried to push his hand away from my arm so I could walk further in myself, but Carter was having none of it and if I am being honest myself, the support is very much needed but I refuse to lean on anyone. So, I used the little strength I have and pushed him away, this time around, he did not try to aid me again.

I made my way further into the living room, taking off the black coat I had on top and keeping it aside before slumping on the nearest couch, my head thrown up as I heaved heavily, my eyes closing shut for a few seconds to regain control of my breathing, evening it.

Carter must have realized something then, because his startled voice came, “Christian!” This time around, he did not bother with the formalities. I tried to peel my eyes open, but the exhaustion of everything seemed to weigh on me then, for my eyes became blurry and a loud, distant ring began which tuned out the voice in my surrounding slowly. “Call Dr. Payne, now!” I heard Carter’s voice over the ringing, and through my blurred gaze I watched as one of the guards rushed away no doubt to bring the doctor.

I tried to part my lips and dismiss the order, wanting to tell him that I am okay, that I do not need a doctor and that a little bit of rest might be all I need but my lips felt too heavy. I could not move a limb, and ultimately, the ringing overtook all sounds and black spots covered my vision…the last thing I saw being Carter’s frantic and worried voice in front of me.

The next time I peeled my eyes open, admittedly, I felt a bit better than I did earlier. That stabbing pain I had been ignoring was down a notch, and my head no longer pounds like crazy. I turned my head to the side, and through the pulled close curtains, in between the cracks, I could tell that it was night time, meaning I have been unconscious for longer than I would have wanted.

And my thoughts were confirmed when my gaze fell on the digital clock that read the time 9:20pm. It is indeed night time. Letting out a heavy breath, I pushed the duvet off my body and pushed my legs off the bed, the movement of my body sending aches all over but I ignored it. Picking up the water cup beside my bed, I took a sip from it before slipping into the shoes there and padding my way out of the room.

As I stepped out, I heard hushed voices coming from the living room, which became clearer as I neared it. One voice stood out, Carter’s familiar voice softly filling the space as he gave out instructions in my absence.

“Tighten the security around here, no one should be let in no matter whom—not without my permission. Mr. Kingston’s safety is our top priority especially now that he is in a delicate state…”

The guards, now triple the number I had originally brought along with me when I flew here from America the night before stood in a straight line in front of Carter. They noticed my presence first, bowing their heads in respect and the action had Carter turning around, realizing my presence.

“Mr. Kingston…” He released a sigh of relief upon seeing me, then dismissed the guards. With them gone, and I only a few feet away from him, I could see the line of worry on his face. The light stubble that he never keeps and dark eye bags under his eyes are testament of how difficult the past few days have been for him. Still, he was worried about me. “…you are supposed to be in bed rest. Dr. Payne said you should not move around.”

“I am fine,” I grumbled the words out as I settled on the couch again, another pang of pain filling my veins.

“No, you are not.” Carter’s tone was firm, uncaring that he is going against my orders which he normally would not. The desire to put some sense into me, something I have been neglecting overpowering I being superior. “You tore your stiches open earlier, you were bleeding and even passed out.” He pointed out. “You are not supposed to be moving around, heck you are advised to stay in bed for at least two months to fully recover. Not everyone survives three gunshots in the chest. You are lucky to be alive since it was inches away from your heart, and instead of recuperating, you are moving about. You have been slipping in and out of consciousness for days, barely knowing where you are at. You only regained complete consciousness yesterday and first thing you did was fly out here.”

My eyes flicked close slightly against my will—no doubt the effect of the drugs they have been injecting me with for the past week, but I peeled them open, needing to stay away. “Stop making a fuss,” I waved it off, like it is no big deal. It is, but he of all people should understand I have issues that I consider bigger than the life I almost lost. There are things I need to make up for.

Before he could go on further to scold me, I changed the topic to something of more interest to me. “Have you found him yet?” I asked, my gaze on him and my tone cold.

His face hardened, as he shook his head. “Not yet,” He released a heavy sigh. “The police are out searching for him as well, but we have no idea where he disappeared off to after attacking you.”

My eyes narrowed slightly. “What am I paying them for if they cannot find him still after a week?” My voice dropped, anger coursing through my veins. “How many places is there in the country that James Donnelly can hide in?”

Carter released a deep sigh, then shook his head again. “I am sorry, Mr. Kingston but it appears it is not his work alone. There appears to be someone of higher influence behind him.”

“Alexander Montague?” I arched a brow, for he is the first person that crossed my mind. He seems to be the one with the most intention to go after my life after the Donnelly family.

Carter gestured no, “It does not appear to be him,” He admitted “The prosecution have been investigating him since his arrest but there seems to be no link between him, and James’ attack on you.”

“His wife then,” I stated as a matter of fact, “Have someone look into her case deeply. Perhaps we can get a lead on how to locate James through her.”

Carter nodded. “On it, Sir.”

“And his family,” I continued, “You still have them closely under observation, right?”

“Yes, Sir. But, he has not made contact with any of them yet. They seem to be unaware of his attack on you as well but we have them under observation. I have tightened the security around your family as well, despite them being unaware.”

A slight hum escaped me, as the wheels in my head turn as I tried to put the pieces of the entire incident together. “And Isabella?” Her name rolled off my lips smoothly, my heart aching for a different reason aside from the bullet wound pain inflicted beside it, “You do have her guarded, right?”

Carter gave me a firm nod. “Of course, Sir. I have guards following her in the shadows. She is a potential victim as well since James holds grudge against you both.”

My hand fisted by the side as I focused my steel gaze on Carter, “Listen to me, Carter. I want you to make sure no harm comes to Isabella, under no circumstance shall be in danger and especially with James on the loose, I cannot stand any chances.”

“Noted, Sir. I will make sure Mrs. Kingston is safe.”

“Good,” I released a small breath. “Did you get me a new phone as I instructed?” I need to make a phone call to Shadow, only he can give me the information the police could not seem to have and I do not have a phone to do so. Mine went missing during the attack a week ago and I was not in the right mental state to get another.

Carter slipped a hand into his pocket and retrieved a new phone, before handing it over. “We’ve cancelled everything on the other phone in case it will be used by someone. Mrs. Gloria called earlier, but I told her you were with Miss Montague. Said she will call back later. There are lots of missed calls and messages from your sister as well.”

“Handing mom is the most important. If she finds out, I cannot fathom how she will react,” I grumbled instead. Luckily, during one of the few times I slipped back into consciousness, I was able to speak to her on Carter’s phone during her never-ending instant calls to assure her that I am fine, and that I am just busy with work.

To be honest I am not sure how I managed to pull that off, given I was still high on the medications and slipped right back into the darkness after that call, but she bought it—mistaking my looney state for me being exhausted from work.

“Miss Rutherford has been calling as well,” Carter pointed out, though seeming less enthusiastic to share the news. “She has been blowing up my phone with calls.”

I waved it off, “Leave her,” It is already bad enough that she is the only one aware of my condition—given she was there when it happened. I had an emergency meeting that morning that involved her company as well, and we happened to arrive at the same time.

Before we could even make it up, the shootout occurred in the underground parking lot, and she was the only one there. From what Carter told me, she called him and has not left my side since no matter what he does, for she threatens to inform my family if she is forced away.

We have kept it away from the media and my family for a reason, especially from Isabella. She already had her father’s issue to handle, I did not want to add to her troubles. Which would she handle? Her father, or I? Both on our potential death beds?

Up until yesterday they weren’t even sure I would make it, but here I am.

Before either of us could continue with the conversation, Carter’s voice came, and judging from the look on his face when he saw the caller ID, I knew it was serious. My thoughts were confirmed when I heard his response.

“...wait, what? How could you let that happen? You had one job, fuck!” He ended the call, then turned to look at me with guilty and worried eyes.

My eyes narrowed, my heart hammering behind my ribcage. “What is it?”

Carter let out a deep exhale. “It is Mrs. Isabella Kingston,” He swallowed thickly. “She has gone missing out of radar.”