After a brief respite, Nathan emerged from the basement, cradling Lucinda in his arms as they headed to the bathroom for a much-needed shower.
Methodically, he retraced the familiar routine they had perfected over the past few days, finding solace in its familiarity and the peace it brought to their lives.
For two successive days, they adhered to this routine.
This routine had nearly solidified into the fabric of their daily existence.
Aware that Lucindaâs manic episodes typically surfaced only at night, Nathan moved them both to the basement until her episodes subsided.
Finding the solution useful, Nathan and Lucinda brought Colby and Destinee back from Nortonâs villa, returning to the tranquil haven of N&L Fairy Land.
Their lives appeared to have regained stability, save for the setbacks during the nocturnal relapses.
In the afternoon, Lucinda resumed her customary routine, heading to the Simmons Group for work.
Yet, as she settled into her chair, preparing to immerse herself in her work, the tranquility was shattered by a commotion outside the CEOâs office.
Disregarding the commotion outside, she powered on her computer, fully prepared to dive into her tasks.
However, the individual outside was determined to intercept her, leaving Lucinda with no opportunity to evade meeting her.
âMiss Diaz, Iâm afraid you canât enter! Youâ¦â
Just as Lucinda poised her hand to grasp the mouse, the door swung open with a push from Nala.
Noticing the anger etched on Nalaâs face, Lucinda smiled awkwardly and quipped, âMiss Diaz, with your prestigious education from Cadieredâs top university and your esteemed position as the business director of the AN Group, one might expect a touch more refinement, wouldnât you agree? Donât you realize itâs considered rather impolite to barge in unannounced?â
With each step resonating softly in her high heels, Nala strode purposefully to the chair opposite Lucindaâs desk, gracef
ully taking her seat.
âMiss Simmons, youâve been present in the office and seemingly available, yet youâve instructed your assistant to deny me access on multiple occasions.
Might I inquire if this avoidance stems from a sense of guilt?â
Lucinda chuckled lightly, adopting a relaxed posture as she rested her chin on her hand.
âGuilt? Why should I harbor such a sentiment?
Youâre merely a sales director, whereas I am the CEO of the Simmons Group.
My days are occupied several times over compared to yours.
Naturally, there are moments when Iâm unavailable.
And as for guilt, Iâm afraid itâs not my turn to bear that burden.
â
As Lucinda concluded her statement, she fixed Nala with a meaningful gaze.
Nala appeared oblivious to Lucindaâs sarcasm.
âOf course, Miss Simmons, itâs only natural for you to feel guilty.
Repeatedly sending individuals to obstruct my affairs hardly seems appropriate, wouldnât you agree?â
Lucinda smiled.
âWhy not? Is this your first day in the business world, Miss Diaz? Itâs natural for individuals to vie for projects in a competitive environment.
However, impatience hardly befits a leader.
â
Nala was left speechless.
Lucinda pressed on, her tone measured yet pointed, âFurthermore, Miss Diaz, letâs not forget your eagerness to assist the AN Group in securing the project I successfully brokered with the DoWeier Group.
It seems I achieved what you couldnât.
Are you perhaps harboring resentment?â
Nala fixed Lucinda with a stern gaze.
âAt least I had the decency to address you directly.
Unlike you, who resorted to underhanded tactics.
Mere hours before I was set to finalize the contract, you swooped in and snatched the project away.
â
Lucindaâs smile took on a more mischievous edge.
âHow could you call it underhanded tactics if I simply snatched the project away? Tell me then.
How would you perceive these actions of orchestrating a car accident and deploying forty assailants from the shadowy underworld to unleash gunfire?â