Chapter 16
Cherise was reaching for her phone to message Dora when she noticed an email and a text had already come through.
Dora: [Crow’s search on Morris turned up little. He’s the Chivers family head, raised by his grandmother Phoebe after his birth mom’s death. His father’s current wife is his stepmother.
[Single and detached, Morris is recognized for his ruthlessness and assertive business methods. He’s said to wield considerable clout in both the mainstream and the underworld, with a formidable business presence rivaling the Chivers Group]
Cherise quirked an eyebrow, seeing a bit of herself in Morris’s family saga.
Despite the file’s depiction of Morris as an icy figure, she recalled his face with its charm and attractiveness and even detected a sense of security in his eyes. Yet, she didn’t expect their paths to intersect again.
Bergen Club, the classie joint in Betrico, was in full swing. The lush decor, the flashy lights, the bass–thumping music, and the frenzied dance floor all spelled out one thing: money to burn.
In an exclusive VIP area, a bevy of alluring women surrounded a nonchalant man who bore a striking resemblance to Morris
-his half–brother, Joseph Chivers.
Upon the stern–faced assistant’s arrival, Joseph promptly cleared the room.
“Mr. Chivers, Morris didn’t sign the contract or board the plane. The operation’s failed,” the assistant announced, lowering his head.
Joseph drained a shot, his gaze seething with rage. “Morris is one lucky guy, but he’s got to have a weak spot,” he snarled, a wicked smile twisting his lips.
“Also, the Regalflow Group has been raided. The authorities are all over it,” the assistant added, monitoring Joseph’s reaction.
Joseph’s face darkened, and the snifter in his hand ended up against the TV wall, glass shattering everywhere. With a bellow, he stormed out, his assistant trailing behind.
Cherise wasn’t fussy about beds, but she hadn’t slept a wink. As soon as the first light of dawn broke, she was up and dressed for her morning run.
She never took her phone on these runs, and when she got back her phone showed over twenty missed calls–more than ten from Trent, the rest from unknowns.
She called Trent back, and he picked up on the first ring “Cherise, why didn’t you answer? You had me thinking the worst. At my age. I can’t be stressing like this–I need to keep my nitroglycerin close at hand!”
Cherise coughed, cutting him off. “I was out running, phone left behind.”
That explains it. You’re always on the move at this hour. So, youre in Betrico now. How’s your place? Comfortable? I’ll drop by soon, Trent asked.
“Glenshire Gardens, set up by Dora. It’s not bad.”
“That’s a relief. With your grandmother gone and me nearing the end, my own family doesn’t rely on me as much. But I worry about you. Keep away from the Leach family. Here in Betnico, I can still protect you,” Trent said, his voice warm with
concern.
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Chapter 16
Cherise’s voice wavered slightly. Tll manage. But I must visit the each family to resolve some matters.”
“I trust you can handle it. Well.. there’s something else… Trent used.
“Go on,” Cherise prompted.
“You’re in Betrico now, and you’ve always turned me down befog. I don’t have much time left. Would you finally think about my proposal?” Trent inquired with a hint of anticipation.
Cherise sighed and agreed, then quickly ended the call.
Trent was ecstatic and immediately called Isaac Jenkins, his assistant. “Cherise has agreed! Our Traditional Medicine department is looking up.”
