“I’m heading to work now.” Blanche Griffiths dodged out of the foyer and escaped into her office before anyone could stop her.
“Hey, Blanche, you dropped a keychain…” Rebekah McCarthy started to call after her, but Blanche was already inside. A “No Admittance” sign hung on the door–this was the most restricted area in the whole building.
Rebekah hesitated. She couldn’t barge in, not here, but her mother had given her a task, and she was determined to see it through. So she decided to camp out at the main entrance, ready to intercept Blanche after work and escort her home.
Meanwhile, Eddy Simmons stationed himself outside Fernando Reese’s mansion, waiting for Fernando to return.
Blanche, unable to resist Rebekah’s persistence, allowed herself to be shepherded home after work. Rebekah delivered her safely, then headed out again, her mission accomplished.
Inside thé McCarthy home, Rebekah’s mother Wilhelmina greeted Blanche with a warmth that bordered on overwhelming. The whole family watched her with eager anticipation, and for a moment, Blanche wasn’t sure how to begin.
“Ablett called,” Wilhelmina said, squeezing Blanche’s hand. “He’s been so busy at work, he doesn’t have time for a wedding at the moment. I’m so sorry you have to
wait, dear.”
Relief washed over Blanche at those words.
“But,” Wilhelmina pressed on, “we can still start preparing things in advance.”
“Will you two be living with us after the wedding, or moving into a house of your
own?”
“Would you prefer a townhouse or a high–rise apartment?”
“As for the dowry, I’ve made some inquiries…”
Blanche was nearly overwhelmed by Wilhelmina’s enthusiasm. “Mrs. McCarthy, could we maybe leave these decisions for a bit later?”
“Of course, dear… of course.” Still, Wilhelmina’s concern lingered. This whole situation felt almost too good to be true. Ablett was notoriously reserved–how could a man like him, without so much as an introduction, end up with such a gentle and beautiful girl? The odds seemed slim.
Wilhelmina exchanged a glance with her husband, Gaylord. Suddenly, Gaylord
spoke up, his voice stern. “Laney, you and Ablett aren’t just pretending to be married to fool us, are you? You know, these days, people will hire someone to play the girlfriend or even a wife–just for show.”
His directness startled Blanche, sending a cold sweat down her back. “How–how could that be?”
“Ablett and I have already registered our marriage.”
“Really?” Gaylord and Wilhelmina’s faces lit up in surprise and delight.
“Absolutely! I’ll have Ablett send over a photo of our marriage certificate.” Blanche pulled out her phone and opened their chat, noticing a message from Ablett’s blank–profile account sent late last night. Hoping to put their doubts to rest, she put on her sweetest voice and said quietly, “Honey, could you take a picture of our marriage certificate and send it to me? It should be in the safe at home.”
The word “honey” made both Gaylord and Wilhelmina beam with satisfaction. Before long, the certificate arrived–personal details obscured, but their joint photo clearly visible.
With that, the couple’s anxieties melted away.
“Our Ablett, so cold and reserved, somehow managed to find himself a wonderful wife like Laney,” Gaylord said, pride seeping into his usually measured tone.
Then, he stood and made for the door. “I’m off to the neighbor’s for a game of
chess.”
Wilhelmina watched him go, knowing full well he was off to brag about their good fortune.
Blanche couldn’t shake the lingering sense that something was off, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on it.
Given his status as Director–General, there ought to be scores of women vying for Ablett’s attention–like Leda Harvey, whom Blanche had met just yesterday. Surely Gaylord and Wilhelmina should be reacting differently.
“Why don’t you stay the night here?” Wilhelmina urged. “Hotels are crowded and not always safe.”
“Thank you, Mrs. McCarthy, but I’m staying with a friend right now–it’s really no trouble.” Blanche had promised Terrell she’d keep him company for a few days, and she didn’t want to let him down.
Chapter 2011
Blanche’s insistence left Wilhelmina with no choice but to let it go.
After all, they still barely knew each other, and with Ablett away, it didn’t feel right to push harder. If he were home, though, they’d insist she stay under their roof–if only to keep an eye on her and perhaps, soon, welcome a grandchild.
But that would have to wait until after the wedding, when things would be official. No need to rush and make the girl uncomfortable.
After a brief visit, Blanche called a cab and headed over to Fernando’s mansion.
A Rolls–Royce sat cloaked in darkness outside. Inside, Eddy lounged in the back seat, keeping watch.
Not long after, Fernando arrived with Terrell in tow and a young woman by his side. The house quickly filled with laughter and voices.
Just then, the head bodyguard’s phone buzzed. “Sir, our system has tracked the suspect’s IP address.”
“Mr. Jordan is very pleased–this could be the perfect time to gather intel.”
“Shall we move in, sir?”
But Eddy was stubborn. He had a gut feeling his wife would return here. “We wait.”
