Chapter 76: Chapter 73 (Part 1)

Note: I wrote a lengthy chapter (lengthiest so far) but due to Wattpad's word limit I have to split it into two parts to keep the flow going.

Please make sure to vote and comment on both parts as it helps the story with its reach. Do it, I'm counting on you guys.

Hope you'll like this chapter.

Happy reading y'all!

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Song: 'Keep Holding On' By Avril Lavigne

You're not alone, together we stand

I'll be by your side, you know, I'll take your hand

When it gets cold and it feels like the end

There's no place to go, you know, I won't give in (ah)

No, I won't give in (ah)

Keep holding on

'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

Just stay strong

'Cause you know I'm here for you, I'm here for you

There's nothing you could say, nothing you could do

There's no other way when it comes to the truth

So keep holding on

'Cause you know we'll make it through, we'll make it through

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ELIJAH’S POV

When I last visited this site, it was to tender a contractor and lay the foundation. The Smiths have been our tender suppliers for a decade now, so it’s not a big hassle to get timely supplies and labor and get things in motion without wasting time.

In the past two months, the first fifteen floors have been erected, the wiring and water supplies have been done, and the temporary elevators have been installed. The structure has already been done, which I oversaw from New York, but the rooms and sectioning of the particular areas like pool sites, clubs and malls, restaurants, etc. are yet to start, which is why I’m here. The interior process also begins, and Hannah has to be here. Once we leave, Nathan and Blake will take over, and the interior design process for the rooms will begin. This is how construction and design will continue simultaneously.

My goal is to complete this project in two years, which is a hard task considering the magnitude of this hotel. Natural disasters often create obstacles and cause delays. At best, this should not take more than 30 months to complete from start to finish.

As we reached the location, the first thing that caught our eye was the huge, heavy machinery that can be intimidating. There’s raw material scattered everywhere, from cement to concrete, wooden pallets to metal rods, plasters, and PVCs in abundance, almost uncountable, and hundreds of men working in yellow builder’s hats working their way through them. The land area for this project is approximately 10 acres, so it’s the only thing that you’ll see as far as the sight goes.

We were given similar hats and vests as those of the workers, and with that, our tour started. The golf carts were used to make the inspection more effective and efficient because no one can walk that many miles.

“Max, you sit next to me. I need a detailed report of everything that’s going on.” There was no way I’d let him sit next to her, which he was trying to do. He’s sticking to her side like a fly.

“Yes, boss,” though unwillingly, but he obliged. He had no other option.

We roamed around and discussed the progress of everything and what else needed to get done. It took us about forty minutes to complete the outside tour, as we stopped a few times to check on different things.

“Ms. Evans, you seem to be enjoying yourself,” Samuel asked her.

Hannah was taking it all in with piqued interest. It’s not any ordinary site; it’s massive, and therefore, it can be overwhelming. But I could tell it was fascinating to her by the look on her face. I’ve seen girls not be particularly excited about site visits unless they’re architects or engineers. They’re concerned about their skin and make-up, as under-construction buildings are extremely dusty and full of toxic fumes and chemicals.

“I certainly am, Mr. Fernando,” she answered the middle-aged Spanish man. “I’ve never experienced such a massive under-construction site before. The biggest I saw was when I was thirteen, and that was nowhere as big as this is.” Awe was evident in her words.

“So you’ve always been interested in this field?” The man was questioned further.

“Oh yeah, you can say it’s in my blood,” she answered enthusiastically, but when she saw confused faces, she explained, “My parents own a small interior design company, so when I was a kid, I would accompany them on their projects. I think my love for designing started just then,” she narrated proudly.

I didn’t know that about her. Is that why she’s so invested and passionate?

“Wonderful. What’s the name of your company?” Samuel was intrigued.

“IKEA,” she joked, putting a smile on the faces of people listening. “It’s Oath Interiors.”

See, now that I know already,.

“Are you…” Samuel’s eyebrows knitted with uncertainty. “Are you Zachariah Evan’s daughter?” Huh?

“Yes, I am.” Her eyes widened a little with surprise. “How do you know him?”

“We met a few years ago at a conference in Paris. No wonder you’re gifted; it really is in your blood,” he complimented, but it made her uneasy. Why?

“Thanks,” she masked her uneasiness with a fake smile before anyone could notice, but I’ve seen it already. I know the difference between when it’s real and when it’s not.

Without thinking much of it, we went inside. Derek parted ways as he had to get back to work; he accompanied us just for the meeting and to give us an on-the-ground tour.

You can’t make much of the insides, as so far they are just empty spaces with concrete walls and pillars. The doors and windows are yet to be installed, so it's extra windy too. We got straight to work.

Hannah opened her MacBook and started inspecting her design aspects as she explained them to Max and me. She took pictures of the room from different angles and made a few anecdotes about what we discussed. Not once did she hold back from addressing me or show any signs of grudges because we were not on speaking terms. It is bothering me, but at the same time, I can’t help but admire her more and more for it.

After this inspection, we have to get back to the office and start working on the changes today so we can set things in motion over the weekend, and by Monday, the implementations can start. I decided that since we’re here, we’ll make a quick stop on the rest of the 15 floors so if anything needs changing, it can be done in the initial stages.

“Umm, you guys go. I’ll wait here,” Hannah said, looking not so enthusiastic all of a sudden.

“Everything’s okay?” I asked, trying to read her face.

“Yeah, all good.” She avoided my eyes.

“Then there’s no reason to stay behind; let’s go.” What’s up with her all of a sudden?

“I’m… I can’t. I’m not feeling too well.”

“All of a sudden?” I questioned not buying her excuse; she looked perfectly fine.

“If you want, you can stay in my office, Hannah; it’s furnished already,” Max suggested. “Samuel can show you around, Mr. Norman; I can take her,” he offered generously.

Over my dead body. There’s no way I’m leaving her with him alone.

Feeling a little protective, are we? Or is it possessive? Hard to tell!

And Hannah? Since when are they on the first name basis?

“I’d like that,” she nodded.

“Don’t be stupid!” I snapped but realized how harsh my tone was right away; she, on the other hand, didn’t seem one bit shocked at that, like she was used to it. I don’t want her to get used to it, but for the two men around us, this was s certainly new.

“Ms. Evans, can I talk to you?” I asked in a gentler tone, “Alone?” I looked at our company, and they nodded and stepped away.

“What’s the matter?” I asked.

“Nothing,” she said, looking me in the eyes this time. What’s with this pseudo-behavior?

“You just said you’re not feeling well; now tell me what’s wrong.” With hands on my waist, I demanded.

“Can’t you let it slide for once without knowing?” she retorted.

“Not if it means leaving you alone here,” I said it as a matter of fact.

“Why do you care so much if I go or not?” she asked in a hushed but irritated voice.

“I know you think I’m a moron, and probably I am, but I’m not a fool to leave you alone in this huge place filled with hundreds of stranger men. You’re my responsibility!”

“These are not strangers; these are the men that work for you,” she pointed out. “They’re professionals, Mr. Norman. I’m sure all this has nothing to do with my safety, as you’re implying.” Oh boy, when she’s quiet, it’s a problem, but when she talks, she gets on my nerves so much. Urgh, I’m doomed.

“These men,” I pointed outside, “won’t care one bit for whom they work if they’ll see a girl alone; they’ll pounce on you like a piece of meat, and if you think they won't, then you’re the most brainless and ignorant woman on the earth, not that I had a doubt before.” I can’t believe I really have to lay it all out for you.

“Well, then it shouldn’t come as a surprise to you. Also, I can defend myself if what you’re implying actually happens, which it won’t.” Oh man, I can’t; I just can’t with her.

“Are you hearing yourself right now? You think you…” I resisted the urge to aggressively rub my face in frustration. “I’ll tell you what,” I said, losing my temper, “they might be professionals, but right now you’re not being one. This is a part of your job, so unless you have a valid reason to opt out of it, Stop acting like the bratty child that you are and stop this tantrum right now!” She really is a child.

“Of course, that’s what you think of me, right, a child, mediocre and incompetent,” she repeated back to what I said to her.

Is she being serious right now? Is she deliberately trying to offend me? Because if so, then she’s succeeding.

“Hannah, I don’t have time for this argument right now.” I racked my hands in my hair. “I have to get this assessment done today at all costs." Either you’ll tell me what’s wrong or else you’re coming with us,” I said with finality, leaving no room for further argument.

“I’ll go,” she said all of a sudden, without putting up any further fight. Her eyes turned bleak and distant.

So after all this squabble, she'd rather go with us than tell me what’s bothering her?

“So, instead of telling me you’d rather choose to go?” I voiced my despair.

“I don’t want to talk about it anymore,” she said, moving away, putting an end to our heated conversation.

Well, that didn’t sting at all.

*Hurry up, go to part 2 to continue!"