Chapter 67: A VISIT FROM A FRIEND
Two legs strode through the opulent halls of a luxurious hotel, purposeful and steady, until they halted before an elevator. In one hand, he held a card, and in the other, a discreet leather bag.
With two clicks, the elevator began its ascent to the topmost floor. Gus adjusted the collar of his meticulously ironed suit, the fabric fitting perfectly over the artificial bulk of his disguise. Underneath the façade of an old, overweight old man was a sharp assistant, now heading toward his master’s bedroom.
Alanis had insisted on the old man’s disguise to hide away from his family, especially his overbearing stepmother and sister. They are both furious about him ruining his marriage with Claudia. He couldn’t understand his mother’s obsession with the Blackwoods. He needed time to deal with the mess he had created.
It was a mess, indeed. Alanis had singlehandedly sabotaged their best chance at growing the business. A strategic marriage to Claudia would have secured the partnerships and resources they desperately needed. But now? Now, they were back to square one.
First, there was Harlow. Now, Claudia. Alanis seemed paralyzed between the two sisters. All Gus wants is for his boss to be able to make a decision and stand by it. The indecision was dragging the business down.
When the elevator doors slid open, Gus stepped into the penthouse. The suite was immaculate, its luxury marred only by the scattered papers and empty coffee cups on the marble table. At the far end, Alanis stood shirtless, engrossed in the stack of files Gus had sent earlier. He’d been holed up here for days, ignoring the incessant calls and texts from his stepmother.
Gus sighed, shaking his head. "Sir, it’s been two weeks now. Your wife hasn’t returned, and your second attempt at marriage was a disaster. We’re running out of time."
Alanis finally looked up, meeting his assistant’s gaze with calm confidence. "Don’t worry, Gus. She’ll come back within the month. Mark my words."
Though his voice seemed more confident, Gus wasn’t convinced. He has said this the other times and his wife never returned, what makes him think she’ll return this time? "And what makes you so sure?"