Third Person's Point of View
How many points did Emerald lose when Jude left her dumbfounded? Emerald's hands turned into a fist as she glared upstairs-exactly where Jude's office was.
"That shithead, diabolical disabled man!" Emerald couldn't stop from cursing him a lot.
Meanwhile, Jude is inside the said office. He was in a deep thought, contemplating whether Aileen is an ally or an adversary. He did not like what she had spoken back at the office earlier. If Aileen could bully him right now, what more is Emerald's mom willing to do?
'Disabled?' Jude remarked in his head, smirking to himself.
He watched Emerald closely. He saw Emerald's gentleness regardless of their past discussion. Despite Emerald's anger fueling her madness, she remained compassionate towards him.
He didn't know he's already smiling whilst watching Emerald cook in the kitchen. Jude immediately erased the smile on his lips by tapping his mouth, forced to straighten his lips as he admired Emerald's beauty.
His office is on the second floor. It wasn't made up of solid blocks but rather glass. Jude can see the whole mansion just by peeking at it but people who are outside couldn't see what's inside. Jude personally picked these glass barriers so he can check his visitors who's worthy enough to entertain.
"I can't let you go, Emerald," Jude affirmed to himself whilst his wife was already preparing for their dinner.
Emerald is the type of person who's quiet, and doesn't fight back. That's a trait Jude hates a lot about her. She couldn't stand tall and fight for herself. At first, Jude doesn't care about it but as her bullies began to come back everyday, Jude constantly fought for her.
When they were still children, their relationship was perfectly fine. Jude often tutors the Campbell sisters specially Emerald who's weak at math. Their relationship went off the brink when Jude was proclaimed to inherit his father's company and shocking events about business, marriage went public.
Jude didn't know he's staring at her for a while now. He was disturbed by a mere appearance behind. Aside from their family, one person also knew his marriage with Emerald Campbell and it's his secretary who worked for him a long time.
Antonette Andrews stood firmly behind, disturbing the peace Jude wanted.
"You called for me, sir," Antonette affirmed.
Jude turned around and saw the woman. Slowly, he got up from his seat and took a glass. He poured a small amount of alcohol in it then shook the glass a bit.
His tie was loosened. Jude took a step forward towards Antonette and her face showed no confusion and astonishment.
"Your legs are getting better, Mr. Sanders."
He smirked. "What do you mean? My legs have always been better."
Antonette chuckled. "My apologies. Perhaps I got used to the news saying you can't work after the accident."
Antonette has been working for five years under Jude's wing. She became a trusted and loyal employee under him. No one would last six months as Jude's secretary. He could have eight secretaries in one year until he met Antonette. There is something she has that Jude couldn't let go off.
She works according to Jude's likes as if Antonette studied his every move. Jude was suspicious of her a little but Antonette effortlessly showed she just works professionally and has no emotional grounds against him.
"Is it really advisable to walk freely here in your office when Mrs. Sanders is downstairs?" Antonette expressed her worry.
Emerald and Jude have boundaries they must abide by. Jude emphasized it beforehand Emerald moved in with him. He clearly knew Emerald wouldn't barge inside his office unattended, it's not her thing and she wouldn't like it if Jude would do the same.
Both of them equally respected their privacy. All of these are for their companies though.
Jude shook his head and glanced at Antonette. "Recently, a kidnapping happened. Emerald was attacked by an unknown man. Have you already located the perpetrator? Use my connections as much as you like. I want an answer as soon as possible."
Antonette bowed a little and said, "Not yet, Mr. Sanders. The team is still working on it."
Jude gently closed his eyes. His veins protrude in his neck- a sign that he might lose his temper. Antonette already got what he meant.
"I'll try to have an answer within this day." She affirmed, bowing her head, a little anxious about the problem.
"You can go."
Emerald and Antonette interacted as his secretary made his leave. Aside from business related matters, his secretary also has some jobs out of her scope. Aside from all the people he has around, only Antonette he can trust. She's a loyal employee, and she's clean when she works.
There is some debris of doubt inside Jude's heart at first. He ran a background check and nothing appears to be suspicious aside from Antonette having brothers and being an orphan at a young age. Day by day, he began to start trusting him as Antonette does a great job.
***
Thirty minutes had passed, Jude immediately received a call from his secretary. Unfortunately, an incident occured at the West Bridge Virginia- an under construction site.
"No wonder the perpetrator decided to take her there because there's no CCTV around. It seems like it's planned, Mr. Sanders."
Jude's hand turned into a fist. He clenched his jaws as he closed his eyes gently.
"Anything else?"
Antonette spoke. "A lot of cars are still pushing through the bridge as it has been tagged as under construction in the morning. But the construction workers made sure to clear the vehicles before they could pass the bridge. We noticed something unusual too."
"What is it?"
"We haven't seen anyone leaving the site even a day after the incident."
It was excruciating to hear about it. Jude drove Antonette to continue investigating until they could find a lead about Emerald's perpetrator. He ordered Antonette to send the CCTV to him so he could examine himself when he was cut mid short due to a knock on the door.
"Dinner is ready. Can I come in? Your dinner is ready." Emerald's soft voice behind closed doors made Jude bear a heavy heart.
Jude spoke between the lines. "We'll talk tomorrow," and immediately ended the call.
Jude went back to his wheelchair. Instead of telling her to come in, Jude himself opened the door for Emerald. Her eyes widened, astounded as to why would Jude open the door. Normally, Emerald is the one who comes inside and drops his food. It's so unusual for him to open it up.
"I'll eat downstairs." He affirmed that Emerald's heart raced fast.
