CHAPTER 22 Chris Duvier heard the news. His brows furrowed with annoyance. He cannot believe his trusted friend just disobeyed his orders. He was angry, and most of all, felt betrayed. He slammed the document on his desk and punched the intercom. His secretary entered the door, notebook and pen in hand."Sir?""Make sure you informed me when David arrived from the island," he said coldly. Joan Rogers, his secretary, looked at his boss. Shivers ran from her body. If he is in this mood, it's a clear sign of danger. She must inform the staff to thread gently today."Anything else, sir?""Cancel all my meetings today.""Huh..." she stared at him. David is in trouble!"Well, of course, sir." The secretary hurriedly left and sent emergency news to the staff.David Bern entered the office and noticed the silence right away. He had just arrived from the island, the frantic message and missed calls already piling up on his cell phone. David sighed and

CHAPTER 24      Agnes watched the approaching man with anticipation. The last time he visited her was weeks ago. This time, he looked more relaxed. David's smile was friendly and happier. He has also dressed appropriately this time. He wore white shorts with a matching V-neck stripe shirt and a pair of topsider shoes. He looked like one of the models she saw in the magazine -casual and chic. Atty. David Bern is a successful lawyer, rich, handsome, and single. She wondered if he had girlfriends too. Women will find him a good catch. Jose followed him closely, pushing boxes of goodies that David brought to the island. She is pleased to see him. Agnes was living on the island with only Jose and Maria as a companion can be dull. Of course, she has the mini cooperative that was immensely growing with islanders' help. At tim

 CHAPTER 26           The meeting was long and critical for their plan to acquire an old factory. The old owner wants a bigger pie on the buy-out.     Chris Duvier's acquisition officer was reporting to him about the demands of the owner of the property. "The man wanted to increase the price 10 million more. He said he was not selling if you wouldn't give the additional amount. Chris, are we going to give in to his demand?"

CHAPTER 28- PULLING ALL THE STOPS       She strategically seated herself from across the room to see the incoming guest of the restaurant. According to her very reliable source, which she paid a hefty sum just to get the information, Barbara Barry will be dining in the restaurant with friends.     Lea Walden tried her sources just to get an invitation, but it seems everybody wants one. Everybody had a bidding war to get that Masquerade Ball invitation. A little bird told her that Barbara Barry could get her inside.      She waited patiently, but it was already very late. Lea rechecks her watch, but it seems her informant has conned her. She was getting tired of waiting when a flurry of guests came,

CHAPTER 30       Agnes woke up late in the morning. Her body felt sore and her hand aching due to the cut from the shrub she tried to avoid as she ran away from the mansion. Her feet, too, have bruises and cuts. Last night, Victoria and David were waiting for her when she returned from her walk. She took the back door to avoid seeing anyone. It was already dark, and the guest was already sleeping or winding down towards their apartments assigned to them. Agnes tiptoed to the stairs to not disturb the owner and the guests who stayed with them in the mansion. Upon seeing her when she entered her bedroom, the two were horrified to see her condition. Both gave her a warm hug and comforted her. David asked Victoria to help her bathe and change her clothes while asking the servant to bring her warm milk and medicine. She was too tired to refuse their help. Agnes was dozing in between bathing, and Victoria had to force her to drink the mixture an