Chapter 18 — A Cup of Poison

Hell is empty. All the devils are here, donning suits and ties. Behind all the glitz and glamour lies devious smiles and honey-laced spikes built to trap and kill. Auburn City is full of these demons, presenting a cup of poison for you to take over and over until you are swallowed up by their darkness.

The new information of my parents owning the Grand Mari Hotel for three months prior to their deaths shook me to the core along with the documents given to me. It is proof that Hattie has been telling me the truth all along while Cedric lied to me.

I had to bear this dizzying thought as I boarded his private jet bound for Italy that night. And even as he smiled and tried to make me comfortable during the duration of our flight, I couldn’t help but question whether it was genuine or not.

Cedric has been nothing but good to me in his silly ways. He may not be the average guy you come across daily, yet he was still a normal person earning more than any ordinary man could. Money is what made his world go around. His money is what made me be his private secretary. His money lavishes me with every grandeur the world has to offer as his girlfriend. His money brought me here to Italy, spending Christmas in a villa facing the sea instead of celebrating it alone in an empty house on a winter night. However, money is the root of all evil. And although I have yet to find evidence that he is behind the car accident, Cedric may have wanted my family killed because of money.

“Reese, are you all right? You look exhausted.” Cedric’s tone dripped with all the sweetest things as he caressed my cheek. We were now in the master bedroom, hoping to sleep the jetlag away but all I could do was stare at the ceiling. Wondering what to do and what to believe in. It seemed like I didn’t know anybody and myself. Seeing Cedric in a new light caused different emotions to spring up and I’m not sure to rule it as a good or bad thing. But what continued to circulate in my mind was one question.

If he wanted my whole family killed, why didn’t he do it the first chance he got once he saw I was still alive?

Seeking the answer to it was like unlocking a secret passageway to the goal. Pathways open and shut at every turn, leaving only confusion as you wonder where you are. Where is the goal and are you going down the correct path? I didn’t want to believe Hattie’s words, but they seem to ring with truth every passing moment I spent with Cedric. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve, and I didn’t want to ruin such a holiday by bombarding him with questions. But it proved to be painstakingly dreadful not knowing as I laid there in bed, with him next to me. Beating heart pounding its rhythm close to my ear. My first impulsive thought was to bring out the scissor I saw in the kitchen earlier and just stab him. Stab into his fair skin and watch it bloom red like the roses decorating the vase on the nightstand. It scared me how the mind comes up with such vivid images, proving it hard for me to lull back to the nap I had earlier.

“I’m… having a hard time sleeping.” I replied softly, turning to face the window instead of his worried features. What terrified me was him finding out that I knew something he didn’t know—or a secret he fought hard to keep. If anyone asked me who Cedric Dixon was before Hattie came into the picture, the answer would have stayed the same. My employer and at the same time, my lover. A man egotistical to a point he would buy out the whole restaurant to have dinner with me in peace. Flaunting his wealth here and there to impress me. A man whose handsome features I would want to wake up to every day. The man who claimed to love me and showed it every time we made love. Passion and ecstasy in a golden cup, having me sip it every time we were together despite driving me mad in other opportunities. I was sure he truly was my boyfriend, in the past and to the present.

But now? I don’t know him. I don’t know this Cedric Dixon, but I still want to.

“Is that so? Come here then.” He whispered as he wrapped his arms around me. My back facing him, I dare not look on whatever expression he had on once he started running his fingers through my hair. Moments ago, he and I had sex on this very bed. Stressed and worn-out, I let him touch my intimate places as soon as we arrived, making one thing led to another. Amidst it, I found out I wasn’t repulsed by his kisses which only fed my confusion. I didn’t know why I let him. I should be angry at him. Demanding an answer on what happened before the car crash and everything else that led up to this moment. Wanting to question why I proposed to him that night and what his answer was.

Why, why, why?

But I found it so hard to push him away.

“Cedric, can I ask you something?”

Yet, I shouldn’t expect him to be an honest man all the time. Even the most righteous person who walked the earth had secrets to keep—secrets that can kill and cause social disorder. Perhaps it is my fault I let myself fall for Cedric. For all I know, he may have been putting on a show the entire time we were facing each other. Lying through his pearly whites along with that dashing smile for good measure.

“Anything, darling.”

And I, a fool… believes in him.

“Do you love me? Really love me?”

The mattress shifted as he sat up, peering to my hidden face. I didn’t bother to glance at him, knowing fully well his undivided attention was on me. All I received was a light-hearted chuckle with a kiss on the cheek.

“Of course! You know I do. Why the silly question? Besides, you know the answer to that, Reese. Did you have to ask?”

You’ve never told me you loved me in words… And I doubt your actions.

“Then, let me rephrase the question…” Averting my gaze from the window, now staring right into his blue hues as the skies, I asked. “Do you love me enough to die?”

Cedric smirked, reaching down to take my hand and kiss it. The same pride and confidence in that devilishly handsome face.

“Enough to kill, my darling.”

***

Bright lights dappled around the ballroom as the man holding the saxophone played out a song suavely on the platform. Dozens of couples danced on the floor, giggling and whispering to themselves on this fine evening. After having two glasses of champagne, I decided to sit on the empty table instead of joining my parents speaking with the businessmen across me. Tipsy and tired, I couldn’t trust myself to hold an intelligent conversation. The last thing I want is to end a good night by embarrassing my family.

Eyes roving around to spot anyone I know of; I spotted a lock of blond hair illuminated by the chandelier below him. The dark suit he wore looked smart on him, accenting his fit body and amplifying his classy aura. Out of all the young men that came to the party, he was the most interesting one with the way he carried himself around the other socialites. I knew then and there, I had to meet him. It was as if it were my last chance of ever finding a man like him.

Taking my empty glass, I stood up from my seat as I sauntered over his way. My white evening dress glowing against the light, catching eyes as I walked. It wasn’t soon that I caught his, blue eyes sparkling as he took in my appearance as I smile at the handsome man and the company he was with. Luckily, one of them had a bottle of wine.

“Good evening, gentlemen. May I have a glass?”

“Miss McKenzie! So, kind of you to grace us with your presence.” The middle-aged man holding the bottle grinned, then opened the liquor. “Of course! This is such a fine wine I bought from Greece that I had to bring it here. You must have heard about its great taste to even speak to us old men.”

I laughed at his remark, observing the red liquid filling up my empty glass. “Yes, I did! How did you know? And my god, if you think I’m another snobbish young lady who only talks about the latest fashion and makeup, we might have a problem, Sir.”

A round of laughter erupted around the group, except from the man I had my eye on. He rarely smiled or chuckled along the old men vying for my attention. Everyone always wanted to speak to me considering my parents’ rise to fame for how they met high-class socialites over the years. From humble beginnings that led them to sipping wine with an ambassador and a congressman. They all want to know their secret.

“Always exceeding our expectations, Miss McKenzie. Perhaps you can take care of this young lad?” Gesturing to the handsome stranger, he smiled. “He’s kind of lost. He has never been to parties like this, you see. Would you be a dear and show him the ropes? I’m afraid he is not having too much fun.”

“The pleasure is all mine.” I smiled, then turned to the man who has interested me the most. “So, you’re a businessman? This is the first time I saw you here.”

He nodded at my inquiry. “Yes, M-Miss McKenzie. My name is Cedric Dixon, CEO of Dixon Enterprises. I launched my business a few months ago.”

I quirked an eyebrow. “Oh, so you’re still new. How did you get invited to a party like this? Surely, you must be busy trying to keep your business afloat. Unless… it’s already quite successful?”

Cedric laughed finally, but it was barely audible. “Hardly. It’s still in its early phase. There’s a lot of competitors in the field of machinery, especially automobiles. The car series we’re about to sell isn’t finished yet.”

“I see.”

“And, as for your question on how I ended up here of all places…” He leaned close, whispering his response into my ear. “The Grand Mari Hotel is a great place to gather rich friends and investors. I’m trying my luck here.”

Giggling at his reply, I nudged him on the side with a playful wink. “Oh, is that so? You must be thankful to the Richardsons, then? They’re the ones organizing these parties.”

“The Richardsons?”

I nodded. “Yeah, them.” Pulling him close by the wrist, I then pointed at the Richardson’s daughter dancing with who seemed to be the famous lawyer in the city. “That’s Francesca Richardson. She and I used to be friends in elementary until she dropped out of high school due to her declining health. Once she returned, she became another person. You can still befriend her, but I’d advise not to.”

“Why’s that?”

I grinned at how curious the handsome man has become, wrapping him around my finger. “You want to know?” Excusing us both, I led him to a secluded corner where a few flower arrangements were placed to create more space for dancing. Seeing that no one could bother us here, I gave one last glance at our surroundings before answering. “Well, I’ll tell you what. It’s because she is a fake. She’s been telling everyone how she’s going to inherit the hotel, but everyone knows she isn’t capable. The Richardsons should pray harder for George to live longer before handing the business over to his incompetent daughter.” Pointing at the direction where George and Richardson are, I grinned. “There are her parents. They’re the ones running this hotel and organizing these lavish parties for the elite.”

His eyes widened a fraction, then chuckled. “Wow. You seem to know a lot about them, Miss McKenzie. But, how?”

Lips against the cold shell of his ear, I mumbled. “Rumors and selling information, Mr. Dixon. It is what my family does.” Lifting my glass of wine at the look on his face, I continued to explain. “The McKenzie family, despite coming from a humble background, has sold multiple information to socialites in exchange for money. Everyone in this room has become our customer, don’t tell anyone I said that though.”

“Doesn’t anyone fight or put the blame on your family? I heard selling information is tough business, Miss McKenzie.”

I shrugged, laughing. “No one has blamed us. They have secrets to keep and they know better than to agitate us. Since you’re new here, I’m offering you a… discount, of sorts. If you’re interested, that is.”

A smile made its way along his lips, one so dazzling that it could blind those not careful or prepared to see it. If he weren’t a businessman, he would have made a fine model if he wished. I felt like I won the lottery upon seeing and being able to chat with him. And who knows, he might become a liable asset to Auburn City.

One that I know of and supported if he ever wishes for our family’s services.

“Why are you giving out a discount, Miss McKenzie?”

“Don’t be dense, Cedric.” When he didn’t say a word, I scoffed. “Simple. I like you, Mr. Dixon. You’ve piqued my interest. Understand?”

He seemed surprised at my bold confession. “Really? I did? Isn’t it a bit early? And I don’t even know your name other than to call you by what those old farts said.”

Ignoring how he dismissed the president of a company and his other colleges as old farts, I held out a hand for him to shake. “It’s Reese, Cedric… Call me Reese.” The charismatic aura of Cedric Dixon has indeed charm me. The little quirks and teasing tone he often put on were a breath of fresh air in a stifling party where everyone had to act dignified. At that moment, I realized we were sort of the same.

“Please give me a tiny bit of information? Just answer this question I have.”

“All right. Shoot away, Cedric.” Winking at him, I chuckled. “But I have to charge you next time.”

He laughed before clearing his throat when he garnered a few stares. “The Richardsons… how did they come to own this hotel?”

It was my turn to laugh, albeit softly, at his question. “Cedric, that’s barely anything new! Anyone who knows the Grand Mari hotel knows that the Penvelon family used to run the place… Well, until they filed for bankruptcy that is.”

“Right.” Cedric nodded softly. “What about the Penvelon family? Do you know anything about them?”

“As much as I want to charge you by answering that question, there isn’t much known about them other than the deceased Carter Penvelon who died before paying the loan he took to continue operating the hotel. The rest of the members were nowhere to be found since they don’t live here in Auburn City.”

“I see…”

Not wanting to be left in an awkward situation, I took my phone out of my purse and held it up in the air. “How about we take a photo? To commemorate our first meeting?”

Cedric hummed in agreement, standing close to me to be in the frame. His intoxicating scent wafted in my nostrils as I took our photo. However, see that it did not encapsulate the memory I wanted, I spotted Hattie standing in the corner with the other hotel staff.

“Hattie! Could you please take our photo?”

The youthful girl wearing her uniform hurriedly walked towards us and took my phone carefully. “Are you two ready? One, two, three… Smile!”

The sudden flash of light blinded me for a moment, disorienting me. But instead of greeting the dashing Cedric Dixon by my side as soon as my sight cleared, everything went dark and silent except for a light focusing on a now bleeding Hattie Johnson, clutching her bleeding throat as she glared at me with blood dripping down her eyes.

“Miss McKenzie, you did this to me!”

I took a step back in horror. “No… I couldn’t. I didn’t mean for you to die—”

This is all your fault.

“Reese! Wake up!”