𝟸𝟺. "... 𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚍𝚒𝚜𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐"

PEARL'S P.O.V

“Mr Cassian is dead”

The room erupted into gasps, and whispers spread like wildfire. I let out a slow breath, my gaze lifting to scan the room. My eyes lingered on Aziel—he looked the most shaken by the news.

Everyone was still in shock. Mr. Cassian was a major business partner, after all. But is that what this meeting was really for?

Aziel’s gaze flickered to me, but before I could read his expression, he looked away and cleared his throat. Sitting up straighter, he addressed the room.

“This is a crushing situation, but I hope everything… can return to normal.” His voice was even, but the murmurs around the room didn’t die down.

I sighed inwardly. I had expected this meeting to be about something else.

Aziel said a few closing words before standing. Then, unexpectedly, his eyes found mine.

“Miss Vega”

I stiffened slightly but kept my expression neutral. “I need you in my office.”

The room fell into a hushed silence as all eyes turned to me. I forced a polite smile and nodded. Without another word, I followed him out, aware of the lingering murmurs from the staff trailing behind.

Just as I neared his office, a familiar voice called after me. “Umm...Miss Vega”

I turned to see her, her red hair catching the light as she hurried to my side. “I… I was just wondering if you—”

“Not now, Annabel,” I cut her off, quickening my pace. My thoughts were elsewhere. Was this about that night after dinner? That was my last encounter with him.

I took a steadying breath as I reached for the doorknob. Nothing seemed off. But still, something felt… off.

Pushing the door open, I stepped inside. Aziel looked up from his desk, his expression unreadable. “Mr Aziel, you called”

“Take a seat.” He gestured toward the chair across from him. I complied, still unsure of why he had summoned me.

He leaned back, studying me. “Miss Vega,” he began, his tone careful. I straightened instinctively.

“I imagine this morning’s news must have been… difficult for you.”

I blinked. “Because…?”

He exhaled, tilting his head slightly. “You and Mr. Cassian were somewhat close.”

Oh.

I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. So that’s what this was about. Why would he suspect anything else?

“I… I know,” I murmured, shaking my head. “I’m still in shock. How did it happen?”

Aziel hesitated. Then, clearing his throat, he finally spoke. “He was found dead in his hotel room yesterday. He was…” He paused.

“Shot. Twice in the head.”

A sharp gasp left my lips as I instinctively shut my eyes.

Aziel leaned forward slightly. “I don’t want this to take a toll on you or hinder your work,” he added quickly, his voice softer.

I inhaled deeply, forcing myself to steady. When I looked up, I found him watching me intently, his brows slightly furrowed in concern. His fingers twitched, as if he had almost reached for me across the table but stopped himself.

I tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear, straightening my posture. “It's okay, Miller”

His expression didn’t change. “Are you genuinely okay?”

I held his gaze, lips curving into a small smile—that I didn't show.

Moments later.

I flipped to the next page of the magazine, my mind still on the event from earlier. Aziel must have thought I and Cassianwere really close, he wasn't even bothered by the loss of the contract now he was dead.

He was…somewhat worried about me.

Maybe I have already began breaking Mr cold and indifferent.

My eyes made way to the red hair girl opposite me, she had volunteered to help me out with my work, she's always helping out and who was complaining?

“Angel” I called, sitting up and she looked up from the documents in her hands. “It's...it's Anne—”

I rolled my eyes, shut the magazine before leaning on the table. “I heard there is an event coming up”

“Yes” her eyes lit up immediately. “It's a Corporate Crossover Event between RedCo and Kings group. RedCo Converge”

She explained and I nodded. “And who should be in attendance?“

“Everyone invited. Perhaps Mr Aiden will be back "

Bingo!

That was what I wanted to hear!

I leaned down further, my interest already piqued but she hadn't noticed. “Mr Aiden?“ I acted clueless.

“Yes, he used to be the head but there was a hand over few years ago and Mr Aziel took over”

“What happened?“ I probed for more answers. “It was a lot, I mean I don't know much. I began working when the handover happened. But some has said...there's been quite a difference since he left, things are better now”

“Is that so?“

“Yes, he was involved in so much scandals, especially his divorce with former super model, Nina”

That one made me chuckle, I couldn't help myself. “He sounds like a hassle”

“He was” she agreed and my smile widened. “I'll love to meet him"

“Then I can't wait for the Converge” she beamed and I leaned back on my seat as she returned back to work.

Everything was rolling in place, I couldn't get the party started without the celebrant.

➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣

Josephine continued to laugh as I leaned back on the railing, letting the breeze weave through my hair.

“So, you...just killed him?“ She asked again and I let out a breath and looked up at her. “Cassian was always an anomaly "

She still sighed and I sighed and leaned away from the railings before walking to the other side. “So, what's on your mind?“ She called out, already sensing I was in deep thoughts.

I turned back around and glanced out to the city. “I want answers”

“You seem like you already know how to get it” she said and I turned to her, a small smile making way to my lips. “In a way”

“Do you mind me asking?“

“Yes, I do”

“I think I deserve to know. Ending Cassian was never the option. You have everyone on their toes, the Society keeps thinking it's...Ferrari "

“How disappointing”

“Well, I knew it wasn't him” she went on, walking to where I stood. “Travis doesn't act without a reason. And so do you. You put one of those pricks down, I'm genuinely impressed "

“You're always impressed by what I do” I corrected and she smirked, “And that's why I want to know what you have planned next”

There was a moment of silence between us before I answered, “The Labyrinth. I want it”