Chapter 64 THE FEAR OF THE PAST
POV: PATRICK
I transported the nurse's family out of the country, using my contacts to ensure their protection. The bastard always seemed to be one step ahead, and to make matters worse, Heloise was back in Seattle, ready to play.
“Forbs, I need you to contain her for now!” I nearly shouted over the phone, furious.
“Patrick, if I could control my siblings, don't you think I would have done it already without bothering you?” He sounded fragile over the phone, sighing. “I'm sorry you guys ended up like this. I didn't expect my sister to be as sick as our mother.”
“Unfortunately, old friend, she seems worse to me. She's lucid in her actions. I'm afraid Heloise's only mental problem is her obsession with me.” I clenched my fists. “What is she doing in Seattle?”
“She acquired 40% of Forbs News Times shares.” Coughing, he cleared his throat. “My mind isn't what it used to be, Morgan. I need you to prevent them from taking over everything I fought to achieve. Stop Heloise and Celdric, take over the publisher, and make the merger. I've already sent you the contract transferring my share to you.”
“How did she get such a high percentage? Celdric only has 10%.” I pondered over the phone. “Damn it, Forbs, I'm not ready to lose another friend.”
“Neither am I.” Forbs seemed to have held his breath heavily. “We don't have control over life, but we can organize everything now and ensure our dreams don't die.”
“It was by listening to your idiotic advice that I’m in trouble now!” I sat down, pouring myself whiskey and swirling the glass back and forth. The silence settled for a moment.
“Is the situation very serious?” he asked, tapping his fingers.
“My enemy is unknown, cunning, financially well-off, and has many allies.” I punched the table, frustrated. “With Heloise trying to destroy my reputation and empire, the war we’re facing seems like child’s play.”
“You’ve always liked challenges, Morgan. I’m sure you’ll manage to take them down, just like you did.”Forbs fell silent for a moment, letting out a scream before resuming speaking.
“Forbs? What happened?”I was alarmed, catching Greg’s attention as he entered the room with a furrowed brow. “Go to his residence immediately!”
“No need...” I heard Forbs’ voice on the other end of the line. “As I said, my mind isn’t what it used to be.”
“Who did you see?” I leaned back in my chair.
“My mother.” Forbs went quiet. “Patrick, fulfill your promise, sign the contract, and validate your share. My medical report will be out soon. Until then, I’m considered a man of sound mind. We need to speed up the process.”
“Consider it done, my friend!” I looked at the printer that was printing the contract. “Take care; don’t lose it yet.”
“I’ll say the same to you.” He laughed sarcastically, then abruptly stopped. “In the end, we’re all a bit crazy.”
“That's the fun of it!” I joked, hanging up and quickly signing the documents. “Take these to the lawyers we recently hired. Keep a close eye on the transaction; you know what to do.”
“Even if she tells us her real name, we know it won't be worth much. He has surely become a nameless ghost, just a number in the records, if that even exists anymore,” Greg pondered. “Anyway, we'll be ready.”
“Count on it!” I stood up, patting Greg on the shoulder. “But we need to resolve this as soon as possible.”
“You're timing?”
“Yes, she will need to take over. The signed contract will not only assume Forbs, but it is also being transferred to Elisabeth in my absence. Include her signature on the papers.” I looked at him firmly. “Keep it confidential.”
“Consider it done!” Greg left the room.
I headed towards Mrs. Eva's room, hearing the conversation between grandmother and granddaughter. It was beautiful to see the love between them. I heard her calling me cheeky and couldn't help the smile playing on my lips.
“Hey, you can't judge a man by his art!” I called for her attention.
Taking care of her grandmother until she fell asleep, we left the room in silence. Elisabeth's fear was evident; I knew I needed to resolve this before any harm happened.
“Patrick, this fight isn't yours... I can't ask you.” Lis began to speak, but I bit her lips, interrupting her.
“What nonsense? Since when do I do what I'm asked?” I teased, smiling. “The decision has already been made. Now it's up to you to tell me what you know so I have an advantage over the enemy, or let me do it the hard way.”
“You don't understand.” Releasing herself from my arms, she stepped back, hugging her own body. “I've seen him kill for much less. What do you think he'll do to you?”
“The same thing I intend to do to him!” I clenched my fists, irritated and huffing. “Today has been very hectic. I don't want to argue with you. How about we relax in a hot tub together while we indulge and drink wine?”
“Indulge in the wine, you mean, right?” She turned with an arched eyebrow.
“No, nothing is more delicious than you, my apprentice!” I approached, whispering in her ear. “I want to show you just how cheeky I can be.”
“Not even Heloise?” She crossed her arms, staring at me. “When were you going to tell me?”
“There's nothing to tell... I was married; it was a major romantic disappointment, the biggest regret of my life, and we went our separate ways.” Annoyed, I bit the inside of my mouth, irritated by the mention of the name.
“It seems to me there's more to this story than you're telling me, Patrick.” Lis bit her lips, catching my attention. “It was secrets that led me to the worst person in the world; I can't handle anymore.”
“Elisabeth, like I said... It’s been a tough day. Can we at least enjoy the rest of the day together?” I pulled her into my arms, lifting her chin. “Does it help if I say please?”
“Will it change anything if I say no?” She looked at me nervously, her cheeks flushed, looking even more beautiful.