Chapter 98: Shadows Among Us

Chapter 98: Shadows Among Us
Chapter 98: Shadows Among Us
As Icarus drove into the driveway, the other cars that followed also parked. Lac glanced at the villa then the surroundings. The gardener has trimmed the flowers and everything seemed normal.
“Do you think leaving Vera in the villa with Elora is a good idea?” Nico asked, his voice piercing the silence.
“She knows better than to disregard my warning,” Lac replied, stepping out of the car as Icarus opened the door. Nico also alighted from the car, standing beside Lac. “Are they all present?”
“Yes, boss.”
They made their way to the building and as they entered, they were welcomed by the sweet scent of freshly plucked flowers and the warm glow of the white hanging chandeliers.
The present guests all kept quiet as he walked towards their table. As Lac took his seat, they adjusted their seating positions.
“Good morning everyone,” Lac said, studying their expressions.
“Good morning prince.” They answered back.
Lac cleared his throat and then started. “There has been a lot going on lately and that’s the reason I’ve not called for a meeting. I’m sure you all must have heard about my…mistress kidnapping and the shooting that happened days back?”
They all nodded.
His eyes lingered on every face before he continued. “As you know, Elora is safe now and the incident has raised concerns as well as questions about our security measures.”
Sofia shifted slightly, her eyes darting to Lac’s face. “What about Jaxon, Prince? I heard he’s the one who kidnapped your mistress.”
Lac nodded, his expression unreadable. “Jaxon is nothing but a pawn in this game. He was sent by a superior named..Ophelia.”
The room fell silent as Lac’s stern gaze swept across the room, the tension palpable as his words hung in the air.
“So this Ophelia despises your mistress that she sent Jaxon to abduct her? Moreover, her name seems familiar.” Marco stated, furrowing his brows.
One of the guests, a chubby woman in a brown gown raised her hand making everyone turn their gazes to her. “I think I've heard about that her…is she not the one that's nicknamed ‘the ghost?’”
Lac looked at her thoughtfully. “She is. Tell me more, Willa.”
“I don't really know much. The rumors I heard about her are that she has branches everywhere and workers who carry out her commands. She's known for her ruthlessness and perfect undercover.” Willa answered back calmly.
Lac leaned back in his chair, crossing his legs. “I guess I'll have to do my findings myself.”
Marco placed his palms on the table. “I heard that Vera is in the city, Prince. How true is that?”
Others shifted their gazes to him so they did not bother the lac.
“Yes, she's in the city and presently in my villa.” Lac retorted, his expression unreadable.
Sofia widened her eyes. “That is great news! If Vera Ozias is in the villa currently, that means the wedding plans are in motion.”
“No wedding plans are in motion.” Lac declared firmly. “She will go back to her father’s house soon, don't get your hopes high.”
Their excited expression changed immediately.
“I do not intend to question you, prince but this is the perfect opportunity to provide for the heir. Once you show your rivals that you now have a healthy heir from the Ozias family, they will bow their head. No one would dare question your authority.” Marco advised.
Lac’s jaw clenched, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes. “Who dared question my authority before?” He asked and the room fell silent. “I will be the one to decide when to have an heir and even if I decide to have one, it won't be with Vera Ozias. The marriage contract between us ended years back, get your facts right.”
“I apologize for my uncouth behavior, prince.” Marco let out in a low tone.
“Ya’ll should stay out of my personal life.” He stated firmly and they all nodded their heads in reply. “I called this meeting to discuss our next steps. We need to ensure that each one of our operations remains uninterrupted and…
He stopped, noticing the empty chair in the corner of the table.
“Where is Gianna?” He questioned his gaze on the chair.
“She sent a message to me that she would arrive late, I'm not sure if she’s still coming.” A tall man with dark shades replied immediately.
“Good morning fellas.”
They all turned their gazes to the entrance. Gianna was smiling, clad in a leopard print dress with a fluffy hat on her head. She had a cat in her arm and a brown file in her other hand. Her male bodyguard stood behind her, his fierce gaze sweeping across the room.
“Gianna,” Lac started. “Tell me you have a good reason for arriving late.”
She stepped forward, her strides graceful while her guard followed her closely.
“My apologies for arriving late, prince but trust me, I’ve a reason for coming late and you are going to love it.” She answered back as she reached Lac’s side. She handed Nico the file and he handed it over to Lac who collected it.
“Who is this?” Lac questioned curiously as he pulled out the picture in the file.
“You had helped me when I needed help the most, prince and I shouldn’t watch as you investigate things yourself.” She said calmly, everyone listening attentively. “I heard about your mistress kidnapping and I did a little research about Ophelia, Jaxon and that sniper.”
Lac furrowed his brows as he glared at the picture then shifted his gaze to Gianna.
She nodded her head slightly in response.
Lac looked back at the picture in his hand, his thumb tapping on it gently. It was her…Ophelia in the picture! He knew he had seen her before!
••••••
Lyra knocked on the door again, grinning from ear to ear. There was no response, getting impatient, she raised her hand to knock again but this time, the door opened before she could even knock.