บท 50: Interlude

Following her back as she exited the café, the CEO was left blank for a moment.

In fact, even Jenny had gone blank because she had never seen someone actually reject the man who was dreamt about by countless people.

Indeed, William actually felt shocked at being rejected like so. Yet, he knew that it was justified because of his actions.

Sighing, he turned to Jenny.

He had a decision to make. He could either end this woman's life right now, or he could exploit her worth and make her a double agent who would feed information to Sylvex.

The latter was the logical decision, but Will made the former because she was the reason behind him remembering those old memories which hurt so much.

Taking out his phone, he authenticated his identity using a fingerprint before dialing a number and putting it back in his pocket.

Without saying anything, he sat while continuously looking into Jenny's eyes.

Fear for the future. Panic. Regret. Anger.

These emotions were clearly visible, and they flitted across her face while she fidgeted in place because she couldn't handle the CEO's intense gaze.

From these observations, William understood that this was a woman who held grudges close to her heart. And, from the way she had accepted this offer to change allegiance, it couldn't be guaranteed that she wouldn't do so again when someone offered a higher number.

Not more than 10 minutes after he made the call, a whirring sound could be heard from outside before a man in army fatigues opened the door and greeted him, saying, "Hello, Mr.William. Orders?"

"Scrub all evidence in this place. Also, remand her and squeeze out each and every detail she has about Sylvex before tossing her out."

"Noooooo! Mr. Will, I'm useful! I'll be your mole in Sylvex! I'll do anything you want! Please, give me a cha-"

Midsentence, Jenny was cut off as she had been hit across the back of her neck by the army man who had walked forward.

Raising her and slinging her over his shoulder, the man left the premises while Will also walked outside and looked up to see the clear sky.

"So she really is special…", he mused to himself, before climbing the helicopter which was waiting for him in front of the café.

All the dislike he had felt for her due to the incident dissolved away, but the voice inside which had made him lecture her in the Mayor's office still rang strong, warning him to stay away and stay alone.

Although he agreed with it, he just couldn't push away this thought as he headed home.

...

The drive back to Liz's house in Luke's pickup truck was filled with smiles and laughter.

"I mean, did you see her face when she realized that the gig was up? Priceless! Serves her right… She just didn't know who she was going up against. And she actually called you brainless!"

"Oh, enough sucking up. I couldn't have done it without you. Great job, Mr. Security."

Punching Luke's shoulder, Liz said these words before finally trying to stop the smile that had come on her face since the moment she had left the café.

That instant when she had rejected the CEO had felt so damn good that the smile had refused to leave even if her cheeks were beginning to hurt by now.

She had actually considered not giving any explanation, but she had decided to do so anyway because she wanted to show once and for all that she was someone very capable. After all, it was capability that decided the opportunities that one could get. Besides, the feeling she had gotten when she had watched the expressions of the two during the explanation was something that felt SO DAMN GOOD.

After getting home, Luke parked the truck inside the house but didn't switch it off.

Knowing that this meant that he had something to say, Liz paused and waited.

True enough, after a few seconds, he started to speak.

"Seriously though, great job, Liz. But I really hope that you will never let anyone put you in a condition like that again. You are stronger than that. You know I'm always there for you, right?"

In his eyes, Liz saw the pure care he had for her.

Yet, she didn't notice that that last line had been said with an additional emotion.

"I know. And it won't happen again. Thanks for having my back."

Bending forward, Liz quickly hugged Luke tight.

"Let's go. We still need to cook chocolate pizza for Derek.", she said, getting off the truck and heading inside the house.

Of course, because her back was turned, she didn't see that Luke's eyes followed her closely up until the moment she entered and was gone from his sight.