Chapter 13: The Invitation

The silence inside the hospital room was unbearable. Kisha sat motionless on the edge of the bed, her fingers tightening around the white blanket.

She could still hear Brenda’s voice. “Corey will probably be waiting for me.” The words echoed in her mind like a cruel melody. She laughed bitterly.

“So this is what heartbreak feels like.” She wasn’t angry, not anymore instead she was exhausted. Her heart had simply grown too tired to fight.

A soft knock interrupted her thoughts.

“Come in.” The door opened slowly. It was the nurse. “Miss Prime, the doctor has discharged you. You’re free to leave whenever you’re ready.” Kisha nodded while whispering, “Thank you.”

The nurse hesitated for a second, there is… one more thing. She handed over a small cream-colored envelope. It was delivered about twenty minutes ago, but it doesn't have a sender’s name.

Kisha nodded as she received the envelope. “For me?”

“Yes.” The nurse smiled politely before leaving.The room became silent once again. Kisha stared at the envelope, no stamp, no address, only three words written in elegant black ink.

Miss Kisha Prime.

Her heartbeat quickened. Slowly…She opened it. Inside was a single folded sheet stating, some truths cannot be buried forever. Nothing else, no signature, no explanation. She folded the paper again, “What kind of game is this?”

Across Stark City, Legacy Woodwork Headquarters. The atmosphere inside the executive floor was unusually tense. Employees hurried through the corridors, no one dared speak louder than necessary. Everyone knew that whenever Corey Lawson looked this cold…Someone always paid the price.

Inside his office, Corey stood before the windows overlooking Stark City. Rain clouds gathered over the skyline, his reflection stared back at him. Tired, restless and angry.

A knock sounded. “Come in.” Shawn entered carrying several files. you wanted today’s reports.

Corey didn’t turn around. “Leave them.” Shawn placed the folders on the desk but remained standing. There is something else.

Corey finally looked at him. “What?”

I investigated the merger with Prime Anchor and Ash Furniture.

“And?”

There are several inconsistencies. Corey’s expression hardened. What inconsistencies? Shawn opened one file. Three shell companies have recently purchased large quantities of imported timber.

“So?”

They’re all connected. He slid another document across the table, and every payment leads back to one person. Corey looked down, Robert Prime. His jaw tightened. “What is he planning?”

I don’t know yet, but he’s moving money faster than normal. Corey closed the file. Keep digging, I want every transaction, every meeting, and every phone call. “If Robert Prime breathes…I want to know why.”

Meanwhile, Robert Prime sat alone inside his private study. The room smelled of expensive cigars and polished mahogany, old family portraits decorated the walls and his walking stick rested beside him.

A knock echoed.

“Come in.” The heavy doors opened. Mylo Trevor entered confidently, you sent for me?”

Robert smiled. “I did.”

She took a seat. I’ve completed everything you asked.

“I know.” He poured two glasses of whiskey. But now, the real work begins. Mylo accepted the glass, “What do you need?”

Robert leaned forward. “I need Kisha exactly where I want her.” Mylo frowned, She will get suspicious.

“Good.” Fear makes people predictable. He took a slow sip of his whiskey.

“And Corey?”

Robert chuckled. “Love makes him even more predictable.”

At the same time, Brenda parked outside a luxury café. She removed her sunglasses before stepping inside. A private investigator stood waiting. You asked for information about Miss Kisha Prime.

Brenda smiled. “What did you find?” The investigator slid a thick envelope across the table. “You’ll want to sit down.”

Brenda opened it. Photographs, hospital records, university records, business documents. Then…One old photograph showing two teenagers holding hands and laughing. Corey Lawson and Kisha Prime. Brenda’s smile disappeared. So they weren’t strangers.

“No.” They were lovers. Brenda slowly closed the file, her eyes became frighteningly calm.

“I knew it.”

Late evening…

Kisha finally arrived home. The mansion felt emptier than ever. She kicked off her heels, dropped her handbag onto the sofa. Then she froze. Another envelope rested neatly on the coffee table. Her house was locked, no windows were open, and no alarms had gone off. She stared at it for several seconds before carefully picking it up. This envelope was older and the paper had yellowed with age.

Inside, an old photograph slipped onto the floor. She bent to pick it up but the moment she saw it…Her breathing stopped. A little boy and a little girl standing in front of an old timber mill. The little girl looked exactly like her then the little boy…Corey.

On the back of the photograph were six handwritten words. You met long before you remember. Beneath those words was one final message. Tomorrow. 8 p.m at Lawson Timber Mill. Come alone if you want the truth about Morgan Lawson.

Kisha’s fingers trembled. “Morgan…” Her voice barely escaped her lips. Right outside, hidden across the street, a black SUV remained parked in the shadows. Inside sat Shawn. He lowered his binoculars and then immediately dialed Corey’s number.

“Sir…” I think someone is watching Miss Prime. “Corey’s voice became deadly calm, don’t lose sight of her.” Shawn continued watching the mansion.

Just then…

Another vehicle pulled into the opposite side of the road. Tinted windows, no license plate then three men stepped out,each wearing black suits. One of them looked directly toward Kisha’s house, then spoke quietly into an earpiece.

“Target has received the invitation.”

Shawn’s blood ran cold. “…Sir,” he whispered into the phone.

“I don’t think we’re the only ones protecting her.”