CHAPTER 30- ALL HER FAULT

"Was that your client?" Allison asked as soon as they got back into the car.

"Yes."

"I had no idea you knew Hades Lenshaw."

"Well I do. Is that a problem?"

"No, no it isn't."

"You don't fool me for one second Allison."

"What?"

"It's obvious you knew that man from somewhere. I could see it from the minute he called your name."

"Well actually..."

"Save it Allison, I don't want to know. You're no longer who you used to be and I don't want your past coming in the way of anything, especially business. As far as I'm concerned you just met that Man today for the first time in your life, am I understood Allison?"

She nodded. "I understand Auntie."

"That's good."

"How long have you known him?"

"A while now. You can say we're more than acquaintances. More like friends but solely on business terms."

"How?"

"You see Hades is actually a gold miner."

Allison's eyes widened"I had no idea."

"He is and he's also our only supplier of gold bars. They go a long way in the making of every of Hamilton's gold jewelries."

"How come I'm only getting to know about this now?"

Vera shrugged. "His transactions are very low key and private. For some reasons best known to him alone."

"Hmm I see and the lady beside him? She looks familiar."

"Lisa Valentino, I believe."

"The supermodel!" She gasped. "I thought she looked familiar. Wow!"

"Well that's for that."

"When are we leaving?"

"Tomorrow."

HAMILTON MANSION

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA.

2:00pm.

"Please be patient, Miss Hamilton will join you soon enough." Sera said to the two men sitted in the living room.

"Why does the little girl keep us waiting all the time?" One of them muttered, uncomfortably.

"I'd say she's grown pompous. They all do." The second one said spitefully.

"She shouldn't spend so recklessly when all this money is as a result of sheer luck."

"If you were born to a wealthy woman like Vera Hamilton why would you care about spending wisely? The money never runs out as they say."

"Oh to be in a rich man's world."

"I hear she's got this man all around her, everywhere she goes."

"Her bodyguard, you mean."

"The status is still hidden. He follows her everywhere, like a puppet!"

"I'd say more like a staff in the hand of a blind man."

"Gentlemen."

Allison called out as she walked down the stairs. Karl following behind her with a small briefcase in hand.

"Miss Hamilton" They both got on their feet beaming with smiles.

"Mr Asher, Mr Birling. Do have your seats."

"Thank you Miss."

The three personalities had their seats but Karl stood behind Allison, the briefcase clutched firmly in his grip.

"Lalita Collections had their debut a few days ago and it was a big hit." Allison said.

"Yes indeed."

"So I assume, you got me the best of the best from their collections haven't you?" She asked.

"Indeed Miss." Asher said, getting on his feet as He rolled a clothing rack into the room. One filled with designers upon designers.

"Do you like them Miss Hamilton?" Birling asked.

"Hmmm..I'll have to try them on first but for now....." Allison turned to Karl." Make sure they're secure."

He nodded, understandably as He walked towards the clothes with a scanner in his hand, checking for any signs of trackers or harmful devices.

"They're clean." He said.

"Good, I'll try them on." Allison said, getting to her feet. "Sera..."

"Yes Miss Hamilton?"

"Come upstairs with me and help me out."

"Ofcourse Miss."

She was about to leave but Karl held her arm back.

"What is it?" She asked, frowning.

"Do we really have the time for you to try on all these clothes?"

"I see no problem here."

"By estimation, they're over two hundred and not to mention we still have to get back to the planning of the company's anniversary. With such little time left, we can't afford you having divided attent..."

"The anniversary you said, now tell me if I'm not dressed in the best on that day then what's the whole point of even having an anniversary party in the first place?"

"What?" He was taken aback by her words.

"I'll try on just a few." She said, turning away and disappearing through the stairs. Sera following behind her.

Karl could see the bewildered expression on the fashion designers' face. They were probably having the same thoughts racing through his mind.

"Spoiled little princess."

LENSHAW CORPORATIONS

CEO'S OFFICE

1:35pm

"She used to work for you?"

"At the time."

"But they're not the same person Hades." Lisa said.

"I know."

"And there was nothing more between the two of you was there? Just an office relationship, right?" She asked.

"Stop probing Lisa."

"I can't help it. I need to know if there's more to the surface."

"Well there was nothing more, that's all there is. Happy now?"

She smiled, hugging him. "Yes yes I am. You can't blame me for being clingy. I just love you too much."

"I'm supposed to be working Lisa."

"Am I being a bother?" She asked, frowning.

"No you're not." He sighed. "I'll see you later today."

"You're not just trying to chase me away are you?"

"No." He smiled, faintly.

"We should go somewhere." She suggested, her eyes bright.

"Where?" He asked.

Oh, finally getting his attention on something. She wasn't expecting that.

"Like a restaurant? Let's say....tonight? Any where at all, just as long as you're there."

"Fine, I'll be there."

"Really?" Lisa smiled, happily. "Thank you."

"Now run along, I need to work on a few things."

"Can't I stay?" She pouted.

Hades shook his head. "Not unless you want me to cancel our evening together."

"No no no. I'll leave then." She said, giggling.

Our evening together.

She thought, dreamingly.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Going somewhere?"

Fiona walked into the room, seeing her best friend in a hurry. Lisa was in a slightly revealing straight black dress, that accentuated her figure perfectly.

"Yes."

"Care to share?"

"I'm having dinner with Hades. It's a date."

"A date?" Fiona's eyes widened In surprise. "Since...when?"

"Don't know, don't care. Infact I'm too excited to think right now."

Fiona chuckled.

"What's funny?"

"Nothing." She shrugged. "Just don't bugger things up like you did the last time."

Lisa stiffened. The last time.

Everything was going so well back then, they were even to be married in three months, only for all her expectations to come crumbling down like a house of cards. Sighs. Never again. This time, she was determined to make him hers.

"I won't Fiona. Urgh! You're so irritable."

"Just one of my many talents."

"I guess I'm used to it. Umm...have you heard about the Hamiltons?"

"The most famous Jewel Company in the country? Who hasn't?"

"Hades got me three of their finest collection last week."

"You don't say. What else have I missed?" Fiona groaned.

"Just about that. And I got to meet the brains behind the company."

"Vera Hamilton herself? Gosh! That woman is such an inspiration."

"Then you obviously haven't seen her daughter."

"She has a daughter?"

"Allison Hamilton. I guess she's very private or something."

"Wait I know that tone, why do you sound so irritated Lisa?"

"She's sort of a lookalike to someone Hades knows."

"But certainly not in a romantic way. Lisa you worry too much. You should be happy you have Hades. For someone with a rock for a heart, if assurance was a person, it would be Him."

"I guess you're right. Maybe I'm just being paranoid."

"Work on it girl. Don't ruin things again."

"I won't. I have to go now, it's almost time."

"See you soon.....or not, that's if things choose to get spicy." Fiona teased, laughing.

"Oh Fiona..... I certainly hope so to."

Meanwhile, Allison who had been working her ass off all day at the office finally gave up to fatigue and fell asleep on her work desk.

"Wake up"

"Hmm?"

Allison yawned as she lifted her head from the office desk. There he was, standing beside her.

"Karl? My gosh! When did I fall asleep?"

"It's time you go back home."

"I don't think so!"

"You dozed off, that's not healthy."

"Screw healthy! I swear I wasn't sleeping...I just...wanted to rest my eyes a little and...urgh! Fine! Maybe I dozed off but I can't leave now."

"It's almost eleven."

"Well I still need to send off a few invites. I can't leave yet, there's still so much to..."

"Up! Up! Up!"

Karl scowled, having just about enough of this princess's stubbornness as He pulled her away from the desk.

"What the hell are you doing? I'm not going home until everything is done with."

"The anniversary isn't until a week."

"That's less time than I've already got. This is my job!"

"Well yes and I'm being paid to keep you sane. Apparently we all have our jobs and Vera wouldn't be pleased seeing you like this and you know it."

Allison let out a tired, sigh, finally giving up.

"It's Hamilton's hundredth anniversary. I have to make this perfect. If it isn't I'll be letting not just my aunt but a whole other past generation down."

"Well working yourself to death, certainly is a very terrible way to begin. Why don't you go back home. Sit this one out and I'll tie up all the remaining loose ends for you." He offered.

"What? Really?"

Karl nodded.

"That's a relief." She sighed. "Thank you so much." Allison picked up her bag. "And don't hesitate to call me if you can't figure something out."

"Ofcourse."

She stopped at the door and turned to look back. He was already seated behind the desk, tapping away on the keyboard, eyes focused. She was grateful she had someone like Karl in her life. He was a life saver and at the right times too.

The D-day was finally here at last. Hamilton's one hundredth anniversary. The hall was packed full of only the wealthiest of the wealthiest. Friends and business associates alike. Her aunt was beaming with smiled in her ruffled sleeved, blue dress and Allison in an equally matching one only it was sleeveless.

She kept mingling amongst the guests, smiling and chatting, all night long. Her aunt had given a thirty minute speech on stage. The media couldn't stop clicking away on their cameras. A little while later, Allison caught a glimpse of her aunt waltzing away with some younger gentleman.

Oh it was Hades. She didn't remember sending him an invite but oh well, trust her aunt to personally invite her closest partners and wasn't him her biggest one yet? Everything was perfect that evening and congratulations were more rampant than they could ever be.

"Congratulations princess, you've outdone yourself this time." It was Karl approaching her with a wine glass.

"Thank you." Allison smiled, accepting the offer.

"Dance?"

"I'm afraid I've got two left feet."

"I doubt that." He let out a small laugh.

"Some of us are just not meant to dance."

"But you're happy aren't you?"

"Happy? Contented is what I am Karl and that is much more than being just happy."

True to her words, all these years all he had seen of her was a young lady trying to please her aunt and at the end of the day, contentment was the only paycheck that meant the world to Allison. She had built her life around business so much that He felt her existence was somewhat pathetic.

Happiness? He wasn't sure if she knew what that meant or if she even wanted to feel what it was given the number of suitors she had rejected in the past but as long as business went well and successful, Allison Hamilton could live another day.

Everything was going fine and disaster-proof just towards the end of the ceremony a blast could be heard right in the middle of the hall. Chaos immediately followed! People screamed and ran here and there, scattering for shelter. It was a bomb. The building was in flames and it was obvious there would be casualties.

"Oh my God! What happened?" Allison gasped, frightened.

"Are you okay? We need to get you to safety!" Karl said, putting an arm around her and leading her out of the building through all the smoke.

"No! Aunt Vera! Where is she?" Allison asked in a fit of panic.

"I don't know but you need to get out of here."

"I have to find my aunt." She said, trying to leave but Karl held her back.

"Are you out of your mind?"

"Let me go! I have to find her!" She yelled, tears clouding her eyes.

"You really think you can find anything in this cloud of fumes? You'll only endanger yourself! Will you come back to your senses Allison!" He yelled at her.

He raised his voice at her and called by her first name for the first time. Allison realized.

Tears trailed down her eyes and He felt sorry for her. She had put so much into this day and for such a big disappointment to happen. The disappointment she feared would happen. Nevertheless, He had to get her out of here, the building could collapse any second and there was no telling if another blast wouldn't happen again.

"Call the cops Karl, I'll get an ambulance." She panicked.

"Alright." He said, dialing into his phone.

She looked different, for the first time, He saw someone beyond a strict boss lady the world was used to, she didn't even care about the physical loss suffered. For the first time all He could see was a girl that feared the loss of her most loved one.

"Hello! Aunt is that you! Oh thank goodness. How did you get out? Where are you? Yes I'm with Karl. Okay we'll be there."

"She's safe?" He asked.

"Yes, apparently Hades was with her during the blast and He helped her out through the fire exit."

How convenient! She thought irritatedly.

"Thank God for that."

"We have to go home and see how she's doing. She doesn't sound okay. Come on..." She hurried away to the car and Karl followed behind, trying to keep up her pace.

"Allison Hamilton....so you are just human afterall."

He thought with an amused smirk.

A few hours later, the family doctor was already in Vera's bedroom, attending to her.

"Aunt, aunt are you okay?" Allison worriedly asked.

"I'm fine, child."

"She inhaled a little too much of smoke into her lungs but nothing too serious. She should be fine after a few days." The doctor said.

"Thank you so much Doc."

"My pleasure. I should be on my way now. Rest well Mrs Hamilton."

"I will, thank you."

And with a slight bow, the doctor was gone.

"I'm so sorry for today auntie, I screwed up didn't I?"

"What are you saying Allison, how was the blast your fault?"

"I was so anxious, I forgot to go over everything I did. I wanted to get all the credit for today, I wanted you to be proud of me for making Hamilton's Hundredth a huge success sole-handedly.

"Sole-handedly? Allison? You took the whole program on yourself?"

She nodded, regretfully. "I thought I could, so I limited any other human assistance to the barest minimum. I guess it slipped my mind to check for dangers such as this one. Forgive me auntie, I'm so sorry." She sobbed.

Vera frowned, upset. "I taught you better Allison."

"I know, I'm so sorry."

"An apology won't fix this. Have you seen the news? Our event caused major casualties and death. My phone is blowing up with messages every second. People are losing trust in us. Our partners are withdrawing one by one."

"I'll fix this aunt Vera, I will." She pleaded, tears trailing.

"You can't fix people's minds. They're losing faith in us Allison and If Hamilton comes crumbling down because you decided to have a little greed....then I hope you understand that this was all your FAULT!"

True to her aunt's words, the company started declining. Their competitors took this is an opportunity to promote fake news about Hamilton and with the recent events, the public was quick to buy it. The media was literally trailing them wherever they went.

"I'm so stupid Karl, so so fucking stupid!" She cried out, that afternoon in her office.

"No you're not."

"I am. Just look at what I've done. Aunt has been in and out of the police station more than I can count. She's been paying off compensations to the victims of the blast and I fear for our financial status. We're going down the drain Karl, all because of me." She sobbed.

"I'm sorry Miss Hamilton...but it's no use beating yourself up."

"What else can I do?"

"Start following my instructions for starters."

She stared at him, confused. "Are you trying to say if I did before, this wouldn't have happened."

"Not to say I told you so but I remember warning you about overworking yourself."

"Screw you!" She frowned.

He smiled.

"I'm sorry."

"No I'm sorry. You're right. Oh crap! I can't even look at her in the face anymore. I've let her down so much."

"You'll get through this Allison."

"I might but will Hamilton ever get on its feet again? We used to be top one but down we've been thrown off the charts in just a few weeks. We're not even among top twenty anymore."

"It might be overwhelming yes but it'll be fine."

"Will it?"

"It's difficult to get rid of a good name and your family has worked in all honesty to make Hamilton what it is today. I believe it'll all be fine. All it'll take is time."

Allison couldn't help but feel better at his words. She locked eye contact with him for awhile.

"I think I'd better start paying you extra for the pep talks."

"What the hell?" Karl laughed.

"If there's one thing I hate, it's been entitled to someone."

"Oh? Is there a reason for that?"

"My father died from a debt he couldn't pay..." She said, her heart rented at the memory. "..... so now, I make sure never to repeat his mistake. No entitlements, no relationships, strictly business."

She said, her fingers clenched and her face void of every emotion.

You pathetic little brat! You think you're loved? You think anyone will ever love you? Hahahaha! If anything you might as well just end up like me!

Mommy no, mommy please.

HAMILTON MANSION

2:00pm

"I'm glad you could honor my invitation Mr Lenshaw." Vera said, exchanging handshakes.

She lead him to the balcony where there was a table and two sofas. The view was a nice one, cutting across the wide expanse of land and the modern busy street.

"Please have a seat. These are critical times and desperate times calls for even more desperate measures."

"I heard about the current situation. My sincere apologies." Hades said.

"It's everywhere ofcourse." Vera sighed wearily.

"You shouldn't work yourself too out much Vera." He said, noticing the woman was turning pale.

"I'll do just fine son." She sighed. "My company seems to be connected to my heart, if business goes well then my body will equally be fine."

Every businessman's life. Hades thought.

"I need your help Lenshaw." She admitted. "You're the only one I can trust now. Apparently I've been deserted by others. Right now I'm a desperate woman and the last thing I'll do is see my late husband's empire turn to ash."

"What would you like me to help you with Vera? Our partnership has been a long standing one and I'd readily help you in any way."

Vera smiled. "I knew I could count on you Lenshaw. However, Hamilton has been so battered that throwing money at the problem won't work this time around and I think my little Allison hasn't realized that yet."

"You need to gain the people's trust once again. All from the scratch." He said.

"I'm glad you understand. I knew you would."

"How do I help out? I could have my team..."

Vera shook her head.

"You have a totally different plan?"

"Yes. I do and one so foolproof."