Chapter 45 HIDDEN PLAN
I knocked on Elisabeth's door, trying to open it, but, as usual, it was locked.
“Mrs. Lis, are you still sleeping?” I asked softly. “We're going to dinner at a nearby restaurant; come with us.”
“Is it work-related?” Lis's voice was heavy, almost palpable in her sadness.
“No, it would just be nice to have your company with us!” I replied subtly.
“Thank you, Mr. Morgan, but I've already ordered my dinner here in the room and it will be delivered shortly. I want to rest.” She replied curtly.
I sighed, feeling uneasy about the situation, and decided to leave her be. I would take the opportunity to invite some contacts to join us. Furthermore, I went down the elevator, finding Greg flirting with a guest who was blushing and laughing, tapping his shoulder shyly. They became more serious when they saw me.
“Am I interrupting?” I raised an eyebrow.
“Always!” My friend smiled sharply.
“I'll see you later, Greg...” The woman spoke seductively, dragging her voice. “Gentlemen, excuse me.”
She walked away, leaving us, and we headed to the restaurant not far from there.
“I like it when you follow my advice; even your aura feels lighter.” I teased him, mischievous. “I invited some contacts to find out exactly what's going on.”
“My aura is tainted by your mischief.” He retorted. “Isn't it too early? We should stick to the plan.”
“I'm afraid we might have to speed things up...” I sighed, my hands trembling, taking the pill and swallowing hard. “I want to clear my schedule and enjoy the company of my guest next to me.”
“Hmm... Why didn't she come?” Greg glanced in the rearview mirror, staring at me, concerned.
“Don't make that face.” I stuck out my tongue at him, and he shook his head, laughing. “Lis's past still haunts her. Did you know she locks all the doors, even the bedroom door, before sleeping and sleeps with a bat under her bed?”
“I knew; she almost hit me with one while I was keeping watch in her apartment.” Greg replied, exhaling. “Where are you going with this?”
“You know, we saw a lot of this in the war with the rebels' women or prisoners...” I looked out the window, enjoying the view. “We're going to free Elisabeth's life and mind, so she can have peace and live intensely what she desires.”
“Patrick, is she worth all this effort?” Still staring at me, he clicked his tongue before continuing. “Is that why you want to speed up the plans?”
“After Gabriel, you and Lis are the only people who really matter to me.” I sighed, turning to face my friend. “Now, step on it; you're driving like an old lady.”
“And in the war, you used to tell me to slow down with the tank; what a fickle man.” Laughing, we arrived at our destination.
We were led by the waiter to the reserved space, which was in the open VIP area with glass windows on the balcony, offering a stunning view. Our contacts were already at the table, waiting for us with broad, formal smiles.
“Hello, Mr. Diego and Mr. Eduardo, thank you for accepting the invitation so promptly!” I said it cordially in Spanish, firmly shaking their hands.
“It was a surprise, but we couldn't refuse.” Eduardo replied, more excited.
“Your Spanish has improved a lot since the last time we spoke, Mr. Morgan.” Diego said, with a firmer handshake. “So, why were we invited so suddenly?”
“Straight to the point, not much has changed since our last meeting.” I smiled, assessing each person's posture. Diego seemed to be the one inclined to cancel with my company. “Your concerns have been taken seriously, and I have come personally to address what is troubling you so much regarding our commercial work.”
“What an honor; your reputation truly precedes you.” Eduardo smiled as the waiter approached with some wine bottles. “I hope you don't mind; we've already placed our order.”
“Not at all.” I said, with the glasses filled, while Greg stood beside the table. “So?”
“In a hurry, Mr. Morgan?” Diego raised an eyebrow. “Any commitments after this?”
“As a matter of fact, I do. You know how it is; I'm an extremely busy man.” I smiled elegantly, taking a sip of the wine, while Greg looked at me disapprovingly.
“Is your friend not going to sit?” Eduardo sized him up. “He seems like excellent company, even with that grumpy face.”
“It's part of his charm!” I winked at Greg, laughing. “Come on, Greg, don't be rude; sit with us.”
Rolling his eyes, he did so in silence.
“My, are you always this talkative?” Eduardo teased, receiving an annoyed sigh from Greg.
“I'm not paid to chat.” Greg retorted.
“Greg isn't known for his humor.” I interjected. “So, what about it?”
“Such a shame, such a handsome face, and such a rustic sense of humor.” Eduardo smiled, amused. “Just like the woman who came to talk to us, what was the name of that beauty?”
“Heloise, if I'm not mistaken... Blonde, ample bosom, blue eyes, tall and slim, angelic lips, if I may say so.” Diego suggested. “We heard she is very close to you, sir.”
Greg was on alert after my ex's name was mentioned.
“And what did this beautiful woman say to you two?” I tightened the glass in my hands, trying to contain the anger without showing it.
“Those things are about to change; all the resources provided and stories are being converted and taken as copyrights in full for SoundStory Press.” Diego continued, savoring his wine. “We heard that you will soon retire, leaving the industry at your mercy.”
“As you can see, we cannot allow our work to fall into the wrong hands, Mr. Morgan.” Eduardo intervened. “Furthermore, if all the rights belong to Sound, how will we receive our profit shares?”
“Let me see if I understand.” I leaned forward, keeping my posture upright, and clasped my hands on the table, staring at them firmly. “A woman appeared out of nowhere telling a story, and you, after six years of partnership, believed in a stranger instead of investigating and questioning the veracity of her information?”
“Well, it wasn't exactly like that.” Diego squirmed uncomfortably. “She presented evidence along with her company's lawyer; the contracts were laid out on the table with your signature.”
“With Mr. Patrick's signature?” Greg spoke abruptly. “They were surely forged!”
He looked at me, and I raised a finger for him to be quiet.
“Do you have this contract in your possession so that we can evaluate it together?” I kept a casual tone as I leaned back in my chair. “I am offended that such gossip is circulating, and if the issue of my signature is true, we will have a case of fraud within my own industry.”