Author's note: this is from John's point of view

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~ London, HQ of the Giantshade Industries ~

I slumped into my executive chair, happy that another stressful day in the office is nearing its end.

With Magda and my father out of the picture, I'm able to focus on the business and the company is gaining a steady footing with an array of solid partnerships and big projects.

If I'm going to get into Seraphina's eyes, I need to improve the reputation of Giantshade Industries.

Unfortunately, I've spent most of the last few weeks auditing work my father did and patching up the gaps he left behind, but I'm able to see the end of it, so that's a relief.

My work would be much easier if not for several old farts who still see me as a green youngster who should hide behind my father. If they lower their bruised egos and accept that I'm the new boss, things would be much easier, but I've never had it easy.

"CEO Thompson, I brought you your coffee, just how you like it.", Cynthia, my secretary, said with a warm smile. "Is there anything else I can do for you?"

I know that gaze. She would do anything, and I mean ANYTHING, and there was a time when I would accept her offer to ease my stress with carnal pleasures, but I'm beyond affairs at the office.

Having a secretary warm my bed will only cause additional complications when the right woman makes an appearance. And I already have so many people waiting for me to make a mistake, getting a reputation of sleeping with my employees will only work at my disadvantage.

"Thank you, Cynthia, for your hard work." I dismissed her with a wave of my hand and her smile didn't falter even though she couldn't hide disappointment flickering in her eyes.

The rich chocolatey aroma from the coffee soothed me to relax and I reached for the cup when my phone rang.

I checked the caller ID and frowned. Why is Kim calling me? She should know better than to disturb me.

Whatever she thinks is going on between us, is only when I feel like it and she needs to stay in the background. That's what she agreed to.

I let out a long breath and hoped that there is a good reason for this call.

"Yes?", I asked while rapping my fingers on the surface of my executive desk.

"Hi, John…", she spoke in a whisper. "I know you said not to call, but I had to."

I didn't know what game she was playing. If she was in trouble, she should call the police or her father. Not me. "Get to the point, Kim."

"It's Magda."

The rapping of my fingers halted. "What about her?"

"She is here."

"Here? Where is that, here?"

"At my house. She came last night and was hysteric. I gave her medicine to calm her down and she fell asleep. Now she is awake and babbling about murder."

"Kim…", I called impatiently. Magda is in Sweden, attending University that has tighter security than a prison. Is this Kim's idea to get my attention? "What games are you playing?"

"I'm not playing, John. Why would I lie?"

For some strange reason, I believed her. Maybe.

"I will call you back in a bit.", I said and ended the call.

Next, I called Magda's University and demanded to talk with the director.

"I know that it's after work hours.", I said to the woman who answered the call. "When I enrolled my sister, you said that I can reach her twenty-four hours a day, any day."

"That was to reach her, not the director.", the woman said.

"Get him on the phone.", I squeezed through my teeth. "NOW!"

She grumbled something, and after some time, I heard the director answering lazily, "Hello…"

"I want a confirmation that Magdalena Thompson is on the campus."

"What?", he snapped.

Well, that got his attention. "You heard me. Magdalena Thompson."

"Give me a minute…", the man said, and I heard some shuffling.

"Miss Thompson is reported as sick for the last few days, confined to her room."

I had a bad feeling about this. Is it possible that Kim was right and Magda is in London? That meant trouble in so many ways that my mind started spinning. Why can't I get a break?

"Can someone check that she is actually there? I need proof. Take a picture. A live feed would be better."

…

I was on my way to Kim's house.

I didn't call Kim back after finding out that Magda's room is empty and that no one saw her for the last three days, because there was the possibility of Magda running away if she hears that I'm coming.

How the hell did she manage to leave that University? They promised that no one can escape. I guess I underestimated my sister.

But I knew that she couldn't do it on her own. Magda is willful and stubborn, but she is not omnipotent. Without money or travel documents, unless she walked and swam from Sweden while avoiding border patrols, someone helped her.

My first thoughts were that Magda received assistance from her squad of airheads, but Magda needed a way to communicate with them and her phone and internet access were cut off.

I guess I will find out soon.

Of course, Kim is one of the suspects, but if Kim helped Magda, she wouldn't dare to call me.

Magda appearing in London can't lead to anything good and I only hope that she didn't do some irreparable damage. Damn it!

"Cover all exits!", I told my bodyguards as we approached the property that Kim's parents own. Assuming that Magda is still here, I didn't want to give her a chance to escape.

Mr. Dixon (Kim's father) owns a medium-sized business that is nothing compared to the Giantshade Industries, but it's allowing the Dixon family a comfortable lifestyle which includes a generously sized property in the posh suburbs of London and a two stories-high villa, as well as several vacation homes.

"Mr. Thompson!", Kim's father greeted me when he saw me at the door and the maid moved out of the way.

"To what do I owe this pleasure?"

I didn't have time for pleasantries. "Mr. Dixon, I heard that my sister is here. She broke our rules and is under house arrest. I will appreciate it if you help me get her back home."

Kim's father panicked. "Of course… of course… please… come in…" He moved to let me pass. "Sylvia!", he shouted, and Kim's mother emerged from the side hallway.

"Are you aware that Magdalena Thompson is in our house?"

Mrs. Dixon shook her head in confusion. "If Magda is here, Kim should know, and she is home. Let's check her room."

I was pissed, but Kim's parents are good people, and I didn't want to give them a hard time, as long as they cooperate.

The door on the second floor opened, and we found Magda and Kim in the room.

Magda's eyes widened in horror when she saw me, and her head whipped toward Kim.

"You bitch! Why did you tell him I'm here!?"

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