CHAPTER 10

"Then if she fails to cooperate, kill her and get the seal. These were the orders, Vamp, all of which you failed to accomplish. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't rip you apart right now!" Zale hollered at him, his eyes turning dark red as he stared at his stupid subordinate.

​​

"You were never known for failures such as this. What the hell is happening to you?" he added, taking off his shades and throwing it away as well.

"My apologies, boss. I have men combing the city in search of her. We should be able to find her soon. It won't happen again."

"Not good enough. I need something more to hold unto. Fix this mess quickly and retrieve her or else… Even I cannot guarantee what he would do to you and the guys."

"Yes, boss." He turned towards the door, ready to open it when Zale's voice rang out.

"Oh, and cover up your mess with the cops while you are at it. The last thing we need is their prying eyes into our business."

Vamp nodded and left the living room.

Zale snapped his fingers and two bodyguards immediately arrived in front of him.

"Boss," they chorused while bowing their heads to him, before raising their heads but lowered their heads, not daring to look him in the eyes.

"Is the car ready?" he asked in a deep voice.

"Right outside, boss."

"Good, you two, watch Vamp closely and report to me about his every movement."

"Understood, boss."

After leaving instructions behind, he stormed out of the mansion and headed for his car and drove out of the compound.

****

At noon the next day, Jade arrived at Star Cross City in a completely different look. Her shining silver hair had been dyed brown, her shining ocean blue eyes now shone a bright hazel green.

She turned her head to her side and gave a warm smile to the person beside her.

"I am ready, Arctic. How do I look?"

"Different," he replied calmly.

"How much different?"

"To the extent, if your late father could see you now, he'd fall into a coma at what you have done to his favourite features."

As he spoke, his gaze moved to her hair and then back to her eyes to emphasize his point.

True to what he said, the two parts of Jade that her father loved were her silver hair and blue eyes that she inherited from her mother.

With her change, no one would easily recognize her except someone she was extremely close to.

And that was hard, considering the public didn't know her by face as she always was wearing shades when she stepped out and was protected by her bodyguards.

"Good. I like it. First plan in motion. My ID."

She stretched out her hand to receive her documents from him.

Overnight, he had already asked someone to make fake IDs and documents she would require to start a decent life.

She collected the documents from him and flipped open the new wallet he got her with her ID card neatly placed in.

"Quinn Wales, age 24," she read out loud before closing the wallet and thanking Arctic, then kept everything inside her backpack.

"Your house and everything you need has been set, boss. If you need anything, I am just one call away. Good luck."

"Thanks but I do not need luck, pops," she playfully said, adding emphasis on the last word.

"We all do. Come here."

He opened his arms to give her a hug. She smiled at the warm gesture and leaned in for the hug.

Although she tried to play tough and acted like nothing was wrong, he knew deep down that she was still in pain and needed the consolation.

Jade on the other hand felt the weight in her heart lighten a fraction and smiled into the hug. He had watched over her since she was small and was the only thing close to a father that she had.

"Now you should be a good girl and tread carefully. I can't lose you too."

His voice betrayed his cold demeanour, giving off warmth and care as he spoke.

"I promise, you won't lose me too. Stay safe as well. You are the only family I have left."

"Roger that sergeant. It would take a lot more to get me."

"I believe you."

She pulled away from the hug, wore her black shades, opened the car door and stepped out, carrying her bag pack.

Immediately after she left, Arctic drove off, leaving her by the road. Jade looked up at the huge buildings displayed in front of her and her lips curved into a side smile.

"Zale Anders, I am coming."

*********

Star Cross City was one of the largest cities around, known for its large scale investments as many businessmen and women trouped in to start a business.

Several cars moved to and fro in the busy roads of the city as men and women went about their activities.

In one of the cars were two elegantly looking men sitting opposite of each other in a limousine.

"Hey Sky, what do you say about meeting at the club tonight? I've got new classy babes coming from Sunshine Crescent City to rock tonight with us."

A red-haired handsome young man, in a brown six piece suit, said to the blonde-haired young man sitting beside him.

"I'll pass. I am going for a date with Jenny tonight," he replied to his friend, his eyes focused on the phone in his hand.

"Hmm, I see she has completely wrapped you around her fingers. You cannot let a minute pass without you texting her."

"Not your problem, Jay."

He shrugged his shoulders with his eyes closed and replied, " I am just being concerned about you mate."

"Says the guy who can't keep a single girl by his side for more than three days."

"That's my point. Girls are just meant to pass time with and nothing more. Support me on this one Xan," Jay said to the other guy sitting opposite of them.

When he did not get any reply, he looked at his friend and called his name again.

"Hey, Xander!"

"Stop the car."