Making the First Move


    A wave of relief washed over me with Celine’s departure from Foswood. Maybe things would be


    more manageable for us to investigate. From a particr perspective, this was good news.


    I asked Grayson to monitor the situation at ATL Empire. Celine leaving would have set things in motion.


    Even though As was injured, thepany had to keep going.


    Then it struck me–As’s home, the grand estate on the hills. It had been his private haven. I wondered


    if he might be there. After finishing my work at thepany, I hopped in my car and headed for the


    estate.


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    The season was just right, with lush scenery to the south. This area was still considered on hold, and I


    noticed construction activity over at the scenic area. It indicated ATL Empire was developing it.


    I turned onto the private road leading to the estate, and my heart began to race. I had a strong feeling


    that


    my hunch was correct. In my eagerness, I hit the gas.


    I could drive right into the estate on previous visits, but this time, I was stopped at the gate. Even after


    several honks, the gate would not open. I got out of the car and approached the guard at the


    gatehouse.


    “I’m here to see Mr. As.”


    “I’m sorry, miss! Mr. As isn’t here,” he replied.


    The guards here were specially trained.


    It was impossible to glean any information from their expressions, but I couldn’t leave without trying.


    “Can I go in for a moment? I’m his friend, and I was herest New Year.”


    “Sorry, miss, I can’t let you in if Mr. As is not around. He has given explicit instructions that no one is


    to


    enter in his absence. I apologize, miss. Pleasee again when Mr. As is back.”


    “Please, I just need to find someone to pass the message to Mr. As,” I persisted.


    “I’m sorry, but you can’t stay here even if you’re a friend. Mr. As is not around, and no one can reach


    him. Please don’t make things difficult for us.”


    The guard’s tone was conclusive, and I stared at the estate helplessly. It was right there, but it also felt


    so


    far away.


    I was sure he was here.


    The guard politely signaled for me to leave. A wave of heartache washed over me. Perhaps I would


    never


    walk in here openly, let alone dream of being its mistress.


    For now, all I wanted to know was that he was safe. I spoke softly, “I’m sorry for the intrusion.”


    Even as I turned to leave, i could not shake the feeling that he was very near. I looked around the area.


    did not see any other cars. The once–busy private parking lot was empty.


    Reluctant to get in my car, I looked at the estate. I drove away from the gates with gritted teeth, feeling


    like someone was watching me.