CHAPTER 29- A GHOST FROM THE PAST

THE NEXT MORNING.

7:15AM.

"Good morning Aunt Vera."

Allison said, cheerfully as she kissed her aunt good morning and joined her for breakfast in the dining room. A few servants could be seen in the background getting the house in order as usual.

"You look bright." Vera smiled.

"I'm happy Auntie, we've finally sorted the Valors out and Hamilton is back on board as usual."

"How come? So soon?"

"A little late night operation. It was all Karl's idea."

"Always knew that lad would come in handy someday."

"I'll be having an appointment with a Mr Croft today."

"New customer?"

"Yes."

"Big time?"

"He's very affluent and honestly I think there's more to his wealth."

"Isn't there always. Only the most crookedly wealthiest of them all can afford Hamilton. We're that expensive you know."

"I do."

"Which means you always have to be careful. Don't venture into any deal without proper research and planning."

"I know Auntie."

"Half of our customers are politicians and the other half are the devils of the underworld. People whose source of wealth have blood smeared on them so tread with caution darling. This business of ours can be very dangerous."

"I will. I always do."

"And make sure Karl goes with you."

"He will."

"I trust you Ally, you've come a very long way from the naive girl you used to be. You're now a strong woman with firm steps and for that I'm proud of you."

Allison smiled. "Thank you Auntie."

"Come with me child, there's something I want you to have." Vera said, getting up from her seat and leading Allison to her bedroom. Vera reached for a small velvet black box inside her cabinet.

"Here"

Allison gasped at the sparkling diamond necklace inside. "Auntie this is..."

"Yes, the very first Hamilton Jewel and now I want you to have it."

"Me? A family heirloom? This costs a fortune Aunt Vera not to mention your husband's gift to you on you wedding day. Auntie no I can't take this please."

Vera smile and held Allison's hand open.

"Keep it with you. You've earned it child. What did I tell you when you first came here?"

"That I had the world laid at my pleasure, under my feet and I should take big steps not minding the earthquakes I may cause."

"I'm so proud of you Allison and I know your father would be, wherever he is now."

"Thank you so much."

~~~~~~~~~~

"Pretty necklace." Karl complimented as Allison got into the car that morning.

"Thanks, my aunt gifted it to me."

"I see. I thought it looked familiar."

"Huh?"

"That's the H.Jewel. Only one in the world and worth a fucking fortune. The very first Hamilton Jewel."

Allison let out a sigh, caressing the heart shaped diamond stone at the base of the necklace.

"She must have been in a really good mood to let you have it."

Allison only smiled. "Indeed."

"Ah there she is. The diva herself, sparkling under the sunlight."

"You are quite a teaser, Mr Croft."

"It's an honor to finally meet you in person Miss Hamilton. Please do come in."

Allison made her way into the Man's residence. One of his many houses by the way. It was obvious that this one wasn't the one he lived with his family. Which meant only one thing. "Chances of crooked means of wealth" and "A cheat" Allison analyzed.

If he was purchasing this jewelry for his wife, she would have been here no doubt, since woman love to pick themselves but no this house was heavily guarded and there wasn't a single warmth in it.

More like for certain business dealings only. Just like this. Allison took her seat on a sofa, seating cross legged, shoulders straight, chin up, her presence alone was filling the room with a strong aura. Karl stood behind her, holding a briefcase with one hand and a rifle with the other."

"Glad you could make it." The man said.

"The pleasure is all mine."

"Shall we begin?"

"Ofcourse." Allison took the briefcase from Karl and presented it on the table. She opened the box which revealed several jewelry all from the latest Hamilton Models. From necklaces, to watches, to rings to bangles.

"Beautiful indeed." Allen commended.

"It is." Allison smiled. "I'm sure Mrs Croft will love it."

Allen raised an eyebrow and laughed.

"My wife? No this isn't hers."

"Oh!" Allison pretended to be taken aback.

"Yes, a little plaything that I own." He said with a smug smile on his lips.

Allison smiled back pretentiously. "You have a mistress. Well all the same, she'll love it."

All this for a whore when the actual wife stays back home and works herself to death. Men! She thought spitefully. So despicable!

Karl could see her fingers clench by her side. She was obviously trying to contain her anger.

"The payment now." She said.

Allen beckoned on one of his guard who came holding a briefcase.

"You seem upset, Miss Hamilton."

"I'm fine."

"Are you sure?"

She nodded.

"I would sure love to do business with you next time." He said getting up and shaking hands with her.

"Anytime." She smiled, faintly.

"You're indeed a beauty." He complimented, kissing her knuckles softly.

"Mmm" She smiled faintly.

"Such a wonder how a beauty like would still remain....untaken."

"Mr Croft I..."

"I wouldn't mind being that lucky one. If only you'll give me the chance." He said, pulling her close.

"The money Mr Croft, I didn't come here for this." She said, sternly, feeling disgusted. "Let's go."

"Ah don't be like that darling, it's just the two of us here afterall."

"She said let go!" That was Karl, corking the rifle and pointing it at Allen and in response, his guards immediately pointed theirs at Karl.

Allison smiled gently. "You have us outnumbered, Mr. Croft."

"I'm glad you're smart sweetheart."

"And would hate for such unpleasantries on our very first transaction."

Allen smiled. "You're indeed very spectacular."

"I do try my best. We should always aim for peace over war."

"If only Hitler had your mindset." He said finally handing her the briefcase of money over to her. "Until next time."

"I'll be looking forward to it."

~~~~~~~~~~~

"I'm sorry you had to be embarrassed like that in there. I could see you were uncomfortable."

"Indeed I was but that gave you no excuse whatsoever to be rude to my client." She scolded.

"What?"

"You were rude Karl, what the hell were you thinking pointing a gun at a customer?"

"I thought..."

"You thought?" She scoffed. "You should have waited for a stress signal from me."

"Well it didn't look like you had much of a chance there." He frowned, not liking her ungrateful tone. A habit with Allison.

"Never act out of impulse again Karl. Never!"

He decided to let things be. Whatever the pompous princess wanted.

"I'm sorry, it'll never happen again Miss."

"It had better not. Now...drive."

Allison kept caressing the diamond stone on her necklace throughout the drive home. She was forever going to cherish this gift from her aunt and never let go of it no matter what happens. Back when she was little and her father had visited Vera a few months after her husband's death, little Allison had tagged along and that was when she first set eyes on the jewelry.

Aunt Vera had let her wear it all throughout that day and her father kept cautiously telling her not to lose it. Back then she had wondered what the big deal was but now she knew how much value such a small piece of jewelry had. She was determined to keep making her aunt proud. But then again she couldn't stop thinking about the odd part of their business like having to deal with men like Allen. Her mind flashed back to what her aunt had told her sometime ago.

"I could remember how many times people told me to quit this business after my husband died. That a jewel empire like Hamilton was not one a woman could handle and ofcourse it was risky but I was determined to make it work. So what am I saying? When things feel like they're going down the drain, do well to dwell on my words Allison."

"Yes Aunt Vera."

"Don't ever let anyone make you feel you're not up to a task simply because you happen to be a woman. Stand on those two feet you've got Allison and stand firm or else, you give way for society to cut them off."

"I won't!"

"Good! That's what I like to hear"

"I won't"....She assured herself once again.

A WEEK LATER.

"Good morning Miss Allison."

"Sera! You're back!"

"Yes ma'am."

The girl smiled.

Sera was two years older than Allison and her personal maid. However she had taken an urgent leave, two weeks before, to tend to her sick mother in Georgia. Her family had a long history working for the Hamiltons and Sera was the only person Allison let her guard down around.

"How's your mother? Is she feeling well?"

"Yes she is."

"Are you sure you don't need to spend more time with her? I told you could take the month off. I wouldn't mind."

"You might not but madam Vera wouldn't take it likely."

"That's too bad. Anyways you're welcome back."

"Thank you."

The next day was a Saturday and Allison usually worked from home on weekends. However, she could see that her aunt dressed up and ready to leave the house.

"You're leaving Auntie?"

"Ah yes, I'm sorry I didn't let you know beforehand."

"That's fine. A client?"

"Mmm"

"Where?"

"New York"

"That's a bit far, must be pretty important."

"It is. One of my biggest and oldest clients."

"Can I come along?"

"No Allison."

"Why not? I always go everywhere with you, what's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong sweetie, just this particular one is very important to me and our transactions are very private."

"I thought so, you barely go on deals alone but auntie, I'll be taking over soon enough after you, wouldn't it be right I knew all your clients before you retire?"

Vera smiled. "Smart child. Okay just this once."

"Fine by me." She smiled.

The flight to New York was a pleasant one. The last time she had been to the city was a few months ago to sign in the establishment of a new Hamilton branch here in the city and so far business had been doing wonderful.

As the plane touched down at JFK Airport, Allison felt a rush of excitement mixed with a hint of nervousness. She had been away from the hustle and bustle of New York City for a while, and she was eager to dive back into the fray. But as she made her way through customs and emerged into the bright lights of the city, she was quickly reminded of the chaos that awaited her.

The paparazzi were waiting, their cameras and microphones at the ready. "Miss Hamilton, Miss Hamilton, over here!" they shouted, as they snapped photos and asked for her attention. She smiled and waved, trying to navigate through the sea of flashing cameras and shouting reporters.

"Urgh! How do they even know where I go?" She asked, frustrated.

Vera laughed. "Paparazzi can be a nightmare."

"They're literally stalkers Auntie, how is this not illegal?"

As they made their way to the taxi stand, Allison was welcomed by the sheer energy of the city. The sounds of car horns, sirens, and chatter filled the air, and the smells of hot dogs, pretzels, and exhaust fumes wafted through the streets.Soon their designated driver arrived.

As they sped through the city streets, Allison stared at the towering skyscrapers, the bright billboards, and the endless stream of people rushing to and fro. She felt a sense of anonymity in the crowded streets, yet at the same time, she was aware that she was being watched and recognized by many.

The driver, a gruff but friendly New Yorker, chatted with her aunt about the latest news and sports, but Allison was rather indifferent to engage in the conversation. As tapped away into her phone.

"Still working dear?"

Her aunt asked, peering into her screen. Allison only smiled.

"Someone has to keep things running."

As the taxi driver pulled up to the curb, Allison's eyes widened in awe as she gazed upon the grandeur of the mansion before her. The driver had brought her to a sprawling estate that seemed to stretch on forever, its elegant facade gleaming in the soft evening light.

The mansion's entrance was a sweeping archway of marble and glass, flanked by towering columns that rose like sentinels from the manicured lawn. The driveway, lined with perfectly trimmed hedges and vibrant flowers, curved gracefully up to the entrance, where a gleaming black limousine was parked, its engine purring softly.

"Are you coming?"

Vera asked, noticing how engrossed she was in her work.

"I think I'm getting a call from the office, I'll join you when I'm done." She said.

"Don't take long, my client doesn't like waiting."

"I understand aunt."

The air was thick with the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, and Vera could hear the soft chirping of birds and the gentle burble of a fountain somewhere in the distance. As she approached the entrance, a liveried doorman stepped forward, his face a mask of polite courtesy, and swung open the door with a white-gloved hand.

"Welcome, Mrs Hamilton," he said, his voice low and smooth. "Please, come in. Your host is waiting for you."

And with that, Vera stepped into the opulent foyer, her eyes adjusting slowly to the warm, golden light that seemed to envelop her like a soft embrace. She felt a sense of wonder and excitement wash over her, as if she had entered a different world altogether - one of elegance, refinement, and luxury.

"Good day Mrs Hamilton, I trust your flight went well."

A voice welcomed her once she got into the living room, followed by a handshake.

"It always is when I'm doing business with you."

"Shall we begin?"

"Ofcourse. You said you wanted something unique this time around?"

"Yes."

"A necklace so I assumed it was for a woman."

"Yes. Well you see my...He hesitated."

"Your girlfriend?" Vera chuckled lightly.

"She's obsessed with your brand. Well to be honest, she's obsessed with anything that happens to be top tier."

"Ofcourse women love pretty things and you should always spoil them. In that case I have just the thing." Vera lay her suitcase on the table.

"Aunt Vera..." Allison walked briskly into the room, apologetically. "...I'm so sorry I took awhile."

"It's okay? Well you're just in time we were about to..."

"Allison?" Hades corked a brow In surprise.

She finally took the familiarity in. Almost immediately, she could feel a tight knot in her stomach. What? Was he the "oh so overly important client" her aunt cherished so much? Urgh! This was going to be a long day.

"Yes? Allison Hamilton, pleased to meet you."

She stretched her hand for a formal handshake before taking a seat, almost sparing him no attention that made Hades wonder. The resemblance was so uncanny but yet hadn't Allison Doreen died in a car accident three years ago. Could two cousins really have such a resemblance?

"Let's began sorting the jewels now." Vera's voice broke the silence. "No doubt you'll find them hard to resist."

"The jeweler's here already?"

All heads turned to the lady emerging from the stairs. Tall, curves worthy of worship, deep black hair, as she walked with strides only befitting of a panther. She took a seat beside Hades just opposite the two.

"Darling you should have woken me up." She said, pouting and holding his hand which was thrice the size of hers."

"Lisa..." Hades sighed. "...compose yourself, would you?."

"Why should I?" She smiled, brightly, turning her gaze to the two women.

"Miss Vera Hamilton, I've truly heard a lot about you and... oh wait! Her gaze peered at the red haired.

Aren't you Allison Doreen?" She snapped all of a sudden.  "I'm sorry aren't you supposed to be dead?" Lisa further asked.

"My name is Allison yes, but not Doreen. I'm Allison Hamilton."

"Oh the resemblance is just so striking. You're like a ghost from the past."

"I get that all the time." Allison smiled, faintly, wishing the topic would change.

"Forgive me Mr Lenshaw, where are my manners? Please meet Allison, my daughter." Vera said.

Daughter? Didn't she just address her as aunt a few minutes ago? Hades thought, confused.

"Pleased to meet you Mr Lenshaw." Allison smiled, stretching a hand.

"The pleasure is all mine." Hades said, taking her outstretched palm in a handshake.

"Now that the misunderstanding has been settled, let's continue please." Vera said, saving the awkward situation.

"Ofcourse." Hades said.

Vera wasted no time in opening the small briefcase which housed three of Hamilton's finest.

"They're all so beautiful Hades." Lisa gasped, her eye's glistening.

"I knew you would like them." Vera smiled.

"Like? That's absurd, I most certainly love them. At this point I don't think I can pick just one Hades." She said, turning to face him.

"Lisa we agreed you'd pick just one."

"But how can I pick just one when there are two others, equally as beautiful?"

"What would you have me do now?"

"I want all three of them!"

"Oh...Lisa." He sighed.

"Pleaseee...I must have all three. I mean look at them!"

"Fine, we'll have all three necklaces Vera." Hades said.

"Excellent." The woman smiled.

"You should get the payment in a few minutes."

"Alright that's okay. We'll take our leave now."

"It's been a pleasure doing business with you Vera."

"I could say the same. I only wished you'd call more often. Ever since the last time you had me make you that one special necklace, you stopped making patronizing me. I had feared, you started to lose trust in my brand."

"You know that's not true Vera."

"You still wear it on, I see." She said, taking notice of the shiny sliver necklace disappearing down his neckline into his shirt.

"Yes." He said, briefly cutting the conversation short.

"Thank you so much darling."

Lisa smiled sweetly at Hades who seemed to be lost in thoughts. Could two people really look so alike? He thought. They may look alike but their personalities were as different as orange and lime. Same coverage, different personalities. While the old Allison couldn't stand eye contact this one was rather too bold and composed and something else struck him. "Her glasses." They were...gone!

I..I can't see, My glasses...I don't...I can't find them...He...He threw them away.

They should still be around here somewhere.

I'll look.

The Allison he knew, couldn't do without her glasses but this one...this one has no glasses on and could see just fine. Maybe there was nothing to it. He should just drop the suspicions all togethe.......Interrupting his thoughts was the feel of Lisa's fingers on his necklace. She fiddled with the small glass tube at the end. She was fascinated by the shiny silvery power inside.

"It's...beautiful. Did Vera Hamilton make you this?"

"Mhmm." He said, taking her hand off and returning the jewel back into his shirt.

"You two must have a close business relationship."

"We do."

"You always keep the necklace hidden, why?." She looked perplexed.

"That's because I don't like people complimenting or touching it. Emphasis on touching." He said, getting up.

"That's fine. If you don't want me to touch it, then I won't."

"I got you what you wanted. When do you intend to leave?"

"Oh don't be so sour. You won't get rid of me that quick. I'll be back as soon as I get the chance."

"Mhmm and send my greetings to Marcos."

"Ofcourse I will."