Chapter 4 - Aware

EDWARD

Isabella Marie Swan.

Isabella.

Isabel.

Isabel Dwyer.

Was she announcing her comeback to the world? Out of a million names, she chose one that's a smidge away from her birth name.

From what I could gather, she never really mingled with anyone else apart from the ones who were in the same training program. I walked her home twice - although she has no knowledge of it - her head and face was covered by a cap or hood most of the time. It was pretty obvious she didn't want to risk anyone seeing her. She was living in a dingy, worn down building that I am absolutely sure would not have passed any of the building codes and city permits. Which was good, it meant no one would be paying any attention to her at all… except for me since I track and monitor her every move, but considering her routine's been the same ever since she started working at my hotel, I laxed slightly. I assigned Hip and Shaw to keep an eye on her closely and report any deviation from her daily pattern.

Not knowing what kind of intentions Marcus has with her, it halted me when my finger hovered over the call button. Her innocent face popped up in my mind and I wondered what they wanted. It's concerning since a lot of very wealthy and suspicious people were hunting for her like an animal about to go extinct. This job was a thousand times more complicated than any other job I've ever done before.

This woman was going to have her life completely changed. And for some reason I needed to know if it was for the better or worse.

Peters ushered in a frowning Marcus into my office as I tapped the button under my desk to secure my office just like the way I did when our first meeting occurred.

I gestured for him to take a seat, "Thank you for coming again, Marcus. I have a few questions that need to be answered and I'm certain you're the only one who can provide them."

"Anything, Mr. Cullen." He replied instantly. I noticed he kept wringing his hands. Was he this nervous the last time too?

"I have a reliable source on the whereabouts of your Isabella Swan," he made a move to talk but I continued, "I want to adjust our deal. I'll strike the cost of my services in half, if in turn, you leave her protection to me. You can't know where she is and how she is doing."

His mouth stayed agape for about a minute before clearing his throat.

"How can I be assured that it is really her that you found? Are-" I slapped a zoomed-in photograph of Isabella Swan's face on the table and slid it toward him. It was taken when she was walking her way to work.

"It's her. We have never been mistaken." I've got one of the best IT specialists in the whole damn country and he has never made an error.

I saw a tinge of relief and concern on his face as he studied the picture. He held it tightly in his hand as he looked back at me, all stony-faced. The slight display of emotions is added to the curiosity folder I have produced in my mind. Looks like this one is not out for blood after all. However, it's too early to assume.

"You've never offered security before. Why now?"

With a brow raised, I replied, "Felt like the right time to expand Requiro." And to expand my information regarding the Families.

"You come highly recommended, Edward, and with what you've shown me, it's easy to say yes to your terms. Don't make yourself known to her yet. In two weeks, I plan on hosting a dinner party to introduce her to the Swan group."

"That quickly?"

"I've been looking for her for ten years." His gaze dropped as he fidgeted with his hands again, "Ever since my dear friend Charlie Swan passed away, the family has been in shambles. I need to set things right. Right now, and right away." We set the date he plans to reveals the truth to Isabella and Peters escorted him out.

Charlie Swan. How have I not connected the dots? I attended his funeral, for fucks sake! There really might be more to this than what they've said.

The Five Families were looking for the heir to the Swan group of companies, you don't even have to mention their intentions because it was plainly evident they plan to obliterate the entire Swan line.

She might be the key to unraveling the secret behind my family's destruction.

I'm sure you've noticed by now that these are very short chapters. 😅 As much as I love reading thousand-word chapters, I can't churn out that many. So the rest of the chapters will be about this length.

The story is already outlined and will be about 25 chapters. I hope I can keep you all interested until the end! Thank you so much for all the love you're giving this story.

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