章節 2: The Return

Seattle international Airport

The bustling terminal hummed with voices and footsteps, travelers rushing past, absorbed in their own lives. Alice moved through them like an ice queen in a strong and detached posture, her daughter's small hand resting firmly in her own. She looked nothing like the girl her family had cast aside. Her once-scarred face was now flawless, her wavy black hair cascading over her shoulders, and her piercing gaze held a coldness that dared anyone to come close.

Many men had glanced her way, wanting to approach her but dared not to seeing her cold gaze.

Across the terminal, John lounged by the arrivals, his gaze wandering over the crowd. He'd come to the airport on a whim, to pick up a business partner. His eyes settled on a woman, a striking beauty with dark hair and an aura that drew eyes in her direction. Who's that? he thought, his curiosity piqued.

He watched her for a moment, oblivious to the little girl at her side as he took in her sleek figure and air of wealth. He adjusted his suit jacket, running a hand through his hair before strolling confidently over to her.

"Excuse me," he said, his voice dripping with the charm he used on nearly everyone. "Couldn't help but notice you must be new to Seattle?"

Alice's expression didn't flicker. She met his gaze briefly, her eyes cool and unreadable.

"No," she replied, her tone icy, as if dismissing a minor inconvenience.

John was taken aback but intrigued. He chuckled, clearly not discouraged. "Look, I'm just trying to be friendly. I could give you a ride," he offered, glancing at the small child beside her. "Doesn't look like you have anyone picking you up."

Alice felt a cold anger twist within her. The gall of this man, the one who had so easily betrayed her, who had ridiculed and hurt her he didn't even recognize her. But Alice didn't let the fury show; she maintained her unbreakable calm. She looked at him, her gaze hardening.

"I'm not interested," she said, her voice sharp as ice.

John blinked, still smirking, as he watched her turn away and stride toward the exit with the girl. He followed, undeterred. "Come on, it's just a ride. Don't need to be so uptight."

Alice was about to respond, but at that moment, a sleek black luxury sedan rolled to a stop before her. Her driver stepped out, moving swiftly to open the door. With a respectful nod, he looked to Alice, greeting her with a reverence that showed she was no ordinary client.

"Miss" he said, his voice low and professional.

John's smirk faltered as he watched her get into the car without a backward glance, her expression unreadable and unbothered. The door closed with a quiet finality, and the sedan glided smoothly away, leaving John in its wake, still staring after her, dumbfounded.

****

The Presidential Suite, Seattle's Elite Skyline Villa

The car pulled up to the towering villa, a landmark in Seattle known for its unmatched exclusivity and luxury. Alice stepped out, holding her daughter's hand, her gaze fixed on the towering structure before her. This suite was reserved only for those with both wealth and connections, and she had secured her stay with both.

The lobby was grand, marble floors gleaming under soft golden lights, as staff members bustled quietly in the background. Her arrival was met with hushed attention, hotel personnel snapping to attention at the sight of her. Without a word, she moved through the lobby, her every step exuding quiet authority.

"Good evening, Miss Willson," a manager greeted her at the private elevator. "Your suite is prepared as requested."

Alice nodded, saying nothing as she and her daughter stepped into the elevator. As it began its ascent, her gaze lingered on the city skyline through the glass walls.

They reached the top floor, the doors opening into a lavish, minimalist hallway that led to the two most exclusive rooms in the entire building. Only a handful of individuals in the world had access to this level of privilege and luxury.

As they neared the door, she noticed another suite across from hers, its polished brass plaque indicating it was also occupied. Her Aunt had warned her about the man next door the tyrant Jermin Hunt, the reclusive CEO of Hunts Enterprises and a powerful figure in the city's underground circles. But she wasn't concerned. She had no intention of mingling, especially with someone of his reputation.

She had told her that he was a very, dangerous man and she should avoid him. So all she wanted was to settle in, undisturbed, and set her plans into motion.

Inside Alice's Suite

Alice's suite was a masterpiece of refined luxury: dark wood, marble finishes, and sweeping city views from floor-to-ceiling windows. The rooms held a hushed elegance that mirrored her own cold beauty. She moved through the suite with practiced ease, making sure her daughter was comfortable before settling in herself.

Sitting by the window, Alice gazed out over the city she had once called home, a city where she was now a stranger. But it would not remain so for long. She had powerful allies, carefully built connections, and the knowledge to secure whatever influence she needed. Here, she would execute her plans, silently and ruthlessly.

The years abroad had transformed her into a woman who could command rooms with a single glance. She had developed skills few people knew about a proficiency in medicine that had earned her respect and wealth, and a strategic mind that would make her a formidable opponent to anyone who dared cross her. No one from her past knew of her transformation, they would see only what she allowed them to see.

As she sat, lost in thought, a soft knock interrupted the silence. Surprised, Alice rose and opened the door. The hotel manager stood outside, looking apologetic.

"I'm terribly sorry to disturb you, Miss Willson," he said, his voice low. "The guest in the adjoining suite, is an important figure and in other not to offend him we came to inform you, of the policy of complete privacy on this floor. We request that both suites maintain absolute discretion."

"Alright I understand."

Alice's face remained impassive,she understood the implications of the request. She gave a curt nod, dismissing the manager. The last thing she needed was anyone infringing on her plans, least of all a man with a reputation as notorious as Jermin Hunt's. She had no interest in his affairs,so the policy wasn't a hard thing to handle. They would both coexist here, without any interactions she believed.

Late Night, In an underground place.

The underground warehouse was silent except for the quiet dripping of water from the pipes above, echoing through the dark, shadowed space. The single dim light bulb cast a thin circle of light, illuminating the scene a figure on his knees, blood pooling on the concrete floor beneath him. He was trembling, clutching his side where the shirt was torn and stained red.

Jermin Hunt observed the man with a calm, detached gaze. Dressed in a sleek black shirt that hinted at the dark tattoos curling over his chest and onto his arm, he looked every bit the ruthless king of this hidden world. A silver earring glinted in his left ear, the only hint of brightness against his sharp, chiseled features and the cold, ruthless look in his steel-gray eyes.

The man on the ground whimpered, words stumbling out in a desperate plea. "Please… Mr. Hunt… I didn't mean to… I swear it won't happen again—"

Jermin lifted a hand, the slightest gesture, but enough to silence him. He lit a cigarette, the orange glow briefly lighting up his hard, unreadable expression. Taking a slow drag, he exhaled, letting the smoke curl around him as he considered the man's fate, every second of silence stretching the tension in the air.

"Your choices have consequences," he said finally, his voice smooth and composed, but holding an edge that cut deeper than any blade. He glanced down at the man, his face unreadable. "And you've already run out of chances."

At his words, one of his shadow-like guards stepped forward, his face expressionless, and in one swift movement, the man's final pleas were silenced. Jermin gave a brief, approving nod as his guards efficiently handled the aftermath. His expression remained untroubled, almost indifferent, as if this were just another meeting on his calendar.

Flicking the cigarette onto the ground, he crushed it under his heel, casting one last look over the scene. Satisfied, he turned, his tall frame cutting an imposing silhouette as he strode out, his silent entourage of shadowy figures following in his wake.

Back at the Presidential Suite, Seattle's Elite Skyline Villa

Moments later, Jermin arrived at the private elevator to his suite, his image reflected back at him in the polished doors as they closed. In the world outside, he was Jermin Hunt, CEO of Hunt Enterprises a powerful, influential man who commanded respect. But behind that public persona, he controlled Seattle's darkest corners, and he wielded that power with absolute ruthlessness.

As the elevator doors opened to the private top floor, his assistant, Marcus, a sharp-eyed man with a tablet in hand

"Sir" he greeted him in a respectful tone "today's deal went as planned. Everything is set"

Jermin gave a Court nod "Good"

His voice low and controlled matching his cool demeanor. For now he had what he needed both his business empire and his underground network firmly under control.

Without another word, he moved towards his suite, the only light in the hallway as he entered his word of luxury and isolation.

"And there's something else," Marcus continued, hesitating for just a moment. "The room next door has been occupied by a woman and her daughter."

Jermin arched an eyebrow, an imperceptible spark of intrigue flickering behind his stoic expression. "A woman with a daughter?" he echoed, skepticism lacing his voice. The notion of motherhood in his realm seemed absurd. "What business does she have here?"

"I'll need to look into it," Marcus replied, glancing down at his notes. "Shall I have someone investigate?"

"Of course you should," Jermin commanded, dismissing the thought with an impatient wave of his hand. A woman in his vicinity was rarely a mere coincidence. "Find out who she is and determine if she poses any threat."

"Yes, sir."

As Marcus turned to leave, Jermin's mind shifted gears. Tomorrow was shaping up to be busy, but not with the usual business deals. He had family obligations to fulfill the Hunt family held a gala held to introduce their adopted daughter to the world, a lavish event meant to showcase their wealth and connections. Despite his disdain for such gatherings, he had little choice. The attendance of Dr. Anti, the physician he'd been searching for, had been confirmed.

" This event better be worth my time," he muttered to himself, already strategizing how to navigate the evening's events. Maintaining appearances wasn't crucial he could choose to engage with those who could further his interests and keep his enemies close. But, for now he didn't care as his only goal was finding Dr Anti.

Picking up his phone, Jermin scrolled through his contacts. He needed to ensure that everything was set in place, and they would catch Dr Anti they needed no mistakes. He dialed a number, his expression cool and commanding.

"It's Jermin," he said, his tone clipped and authoritative. "Has the invitation to the gala been sent to Dr anti?."

"Of course, Jermin, it's been sent" Lucas replied, eagerness threading through his voice. "You seem so eager to find this doctor"

"That's because I need treatment"

He replied curtly "Make sure they are no mistakes I want the shadows guards stationed around the Hunt's Villa in case of any change of events"

"Alright then I will" A sighing and sleepy Lucas replied.

With that Jermin hung up, leaning back in his chair, momentarily distracted by thoughts of the woman next door. What secrets did she hold? He wondered how she managed to reserve a suite here, because it was almost impossible for ordinary people meaning, she wasn't ordinary or so he thought.

With a slight smile, he took a moment to unwind, savoring the moment and glancing ahead... before gracefully walking into his room.