CHAPTER 68: LONGEST DILEMMA

"What did you say? Someone had been lurking around the house for a week now?" Suzette raised her brows questioningly. 

"Yes, madam." The head security reported. "I got a photo of him, just a minute." The man took his phone at his pocket and showed her the photo.

The old woman widened her eyes in dread. "Since when did you saw him around the area?"

"I'm not sure but one of my men said, they once saw him the other week lurking around the area. They often caught him looking at the house."

"No!" The woman was perplexed. "Barry!" She muttered within her. Although she could only see his side, she could still recognize the man. But why is he watching the house now? The death of the whole family became the hottest topic during those days so Barry should have heard that even Vista's daughter didn't survive the accident.

He doesn't have any reason to break into that house, unless… She held her breath in dread. Did he possibly find out that the lady was alive? No! Impossible. She destroyed all evidences that could lead to that girl and although her death records were all fake, no one should discover about it unless those people who knew about her existence speak up.

Her lawyer would never dare to betray her. They've been good friends for such a long time now. 

"Can you find a certain person for me?" The woman asked the head security.

"Yes madam."

"I only have her name and an old photo." The old woman walked towards a small room, look like a secret room since it was hidden very well among the walls. A few minutes later, she came back with a photo of a middle-age woman. "Find her as soon as possible."

"Yes, madam." The head security left immediately as soon as he got a hold of the photo. It looks urgent so he doesn't want to waste any more time.

As soon as the man left, Suzette was about to leave her house and go somewhere when her house phone suddenly rang. Her maidservant rushed to answer the phone. 

"Madam, mother Tess wants to speak to you." The maid servant informed her before handing her the phone.

"Tess, it's been a long time since the last time you called. Is there a problem in the orphanage?" The old woman asked.

"I'm sorry to disturb your peace madam, but I just finished talking to Jade a while ago."

"Jade? Why? Did something bad happen to her?"

"She's perfectly fine, madam. It's just that…." She paused.

"Tess, what is it?"

"She was suddenly asking me about her childhood days."

"W-what?" The old woman was surprised. Jade never asked about her past before, but why is she asking suddenly? Now she's perturbed. 

"I don't know why she was asking all of a sudden, she didn't tell me her reason either but she said she'll visit the orphanage this weekend. What should I tell her?" The old woman over the phone was worried as well.

"You can only answer the things you could answer. But if she asked about her identity, be careful not to say anything that could trigger her curiosity."

Mother Tess sighed nervously. "Right… just like before…"

"Yes. But try to know why she was suddenly asking. I hope her memory won't be coming back."

"I understand, madam."

The call ended but not in peace. Suzette became extremely worried at the thought that Jade's memory might come back one of these days. It has been her longest dilemma every single day. 

No, she also needs to do something to prepare for that day when that comes. After a few minutes of thinking, she decided to call for Jade. 

"Sweetheart, can you visit me this weekend?" She sweetly talked to the young lady over the phone.

"Grandmother, I'm sorry but I don't think I can make it this Saturday, but I'll try to visit you on Sunday. Would that be okay?"

"Sure, sweetheart. I'm sorry, I just miss your sweet smile."

"I love you, grandma. Sorry, I have to go now." She apologized before hanging up

Jade placed her phone back to her pocket and sighed deeply. 

"Jade?" She heard Jasmine's voice behind her so she turned around and was about to hug her best friend but Jasmine stepped backwards.

She's holding three cups of coffee.

"You don't want this to be poured on you, right?"

Jade grinned playfully before opening the door.

"Mr. Hanes, Jade is here." Jas shouted but seemed like Marcus didn't hear her. Though Jackie waved her hand gently to greet the newly arrived guest.

"Thank you for the information, miss Long. Don't worry, your parents are safe so you should stay here until we fixed the problem with the KSAN." He assured the woman. 

"T-thank you, Mr. Hanes and I'm sorry." Jackie apologized. 

Jade was about to go and seat beside the man but he immediately stood up and went near the window to make a call. 

"What's with him?" Jade muttered softly while watching the man talk to someone on the phone. "That face of him, I've seen it before and I must say I don't like this chilling atmosphere." She unknowingly bit her lower lip.

"Thank you for your time but I must go now." With a blank face, he exited the room. Jasmine on the other hand pushed Jade motioning her to follow the man.

"What are you still doing here? Go!" Jaz glared at the woman whom she just pushed out from the room. 

Jade faked a smile before rushing to the elevator. However, the man pushed the close button without waiting for her. The door was about to close when Jade stopped it by inserting her half body inside. 

The man was only looking at her emotionlessly and look like he doesn't have any plans to let her in. Good thing the lift opened voluntarily.

She faked a smile and stood beside him. She wanted to talk but the icy atmosphere was holding her back. What is it now? She thought. Was he mad at her? But why? What did she do this time? 

She's supposed to be the one ignoring him but she doesn't understand why she suddenly felt a bit of guilt.

Guilty of what? She doesn't understand herself as well.

"M-mr. Hanes, are you going somewhere?" She tried to break the awkward silence between them.

He didn't response at all.

"Mr. Hanes, Ar----" Jade couldn't finish her statement since she suddenly heard the sound of a hungry stomach. 

Grruuuuttttt…..

She unknowingly raised her brow while trying to stop the taunting laugh wanting to escape from her mouth.

Marcus on the other hand clenched his stomach annoyingly. He wanted to curse but he tried to show off a strong façade in front of the woman.

"To the office." He nonchalantly uttered. Good thing the elevator opened so he stepped out immediately. He was walking towards the lobby when someone suddenly held his arm.

It was Jade smiling playfully at him.

"Not that way. This way!" She grinned before pulling the man towards the hospital cafeteria. "Even if your too busy, you should not skip a meal. That's not good to your health."

"Tsk! Whose fault is it?" He hissed softly. 

"Did you say something?" The woman stopped and face the man who shook his head as a response. 

"I clearly heard something. But look like it was your stomach talking." The woman chuckled teasingly as she continues to pull the man. 

Tsk! The man hissed within him. He's mad at her but why is he letting the woman get on his way like that? He cannot even stop himself from being pulled. And worst, at the hospital cafeteria!