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My clothes were still badly wrinkled but at least, my face looked clean now.
The headache knocking on my forehead also receded. All I needed was a second cup of strong latte to make me feel better.
Feeling more confident than before, I stepped out of the restroom.
Within minutes, I’d found my way into the luxurious lounge of the hotel. Several comfortable-looking couches were set up around mahogany round tables, filling up the vast space.
I patted my jacket’s pocket, feeling the hard edges of my phone inside it. A relieved sigh escaped me. I wasn’t completely lost and penniless.
Sitting down at an empty table, I took my phone out.
A passing waitress smiled at me. I waved at her, gesturing her over to come to my table.
“How can I help you, ma’am?” she asked politely.
“Bring me your strongest coffee,” I said, looking up at her hopefully.
“Do you like it black?”
I shook my head. “Plenty of sugar and milk, please.”
She grinned. “Got it. I’ll be back with it soon.”
I relaxed and leaned against the backrest, feeling more in control.
Taking my phone out, I checked the screen, finding over fifty missed calls from Tom and Greg. “Ugh!” I muttered, having almost forgotten about them.
The clock display on my phone’s screen showed that four hours had passed since Corey and Caleb took me away from the headquarters. Tom and Greg had to be worried sick when they realized I was missing.
I dialed Greg’s phone.
He picked up right after the first ring. “Azalea?” he answered in a tight, anxious voice.
“Hi,” I said, feeling guilty.
“Are you okay?” he asked in the same deep, worried tone.
“I’m fine,” I said, cringing internally. “I’m sorry I left the building without telling you guys. Something urgent came up.”
“Where are you right now?” he asked. “Tom and I will come to you right away.”
“There’s no need. I’ll be fine on—”
“Where are you, ma’am?” Greg urged.
“I’m sitting in the lounge of The Orchid,” I said. “But I won’t be here for long. I need to do something personal, Greg. You guys can’t come with me.”
“How do I know you’re safe?”
A soft chuckle escaped me. “I’m okay. Would I be calling you if I wasn’t?”
“What’s this place we aren’t allowed in?” Greg asked. “You even take us inside the board meetings.”
“I’m going to visit my mother’s grave,” I said in a low, gentle voice. “I need to do this alone.”
“Oh.”
“Yeah...I’ll see you guys in a few hours. For now, go back to the apartment and rest up. We’ll be out again in the evening for the dinner party.”
