Two days after our trip, Margaret flew from New York to Santorini just to give Nate the files he needed to sign. She stayed only for a little more than a couple of hours before flying back to New York. But before she left, she pulled Nate to the side and said something, obviously not wanting me to hear whatever she has to say.

Were they going out?

Jealous?

Shut up!

Most girl employees in the building would glare daggers at me every time I enter Nate's office. I don't know what happened because they used to be polite. That was one of the reasons why I somehow enjoyed working at the company. But after a few weeks, they changed into something... feral?

I felt bad though, for thinking something like that about Margaret. She was one of the few people in the office that I actually get along with.

But still...

After whispering something to him, Nate looked at me and told me to go to my room.

That was shocking.

What am I? Five?

I was caught off guard so I just complied and walked up to my room. I was too shock to even argue because he treated me like a kid.

I huffed when I reached my room. Whether they're going out or not, it's not my damn business. Hell, he could go out with so many girls and I wouldn't care. Not even in the slightest.

Really?

Yes!

I am here to enjoy my freedom, and if he's giving me adventure and freedom, I'll accept it with open arms. I don't need to be bothered with all the girls he's going out with. With all that's going on right now, I might be going back sooner rather than later. And there's no need for us to see each other after that.

Uh-huh...

He's a playboy and a billionaire so he could do whatever he wants, pick whoever girl he wants. He's one of the most desired bachelors in the country.

I'm a princess. I have duties. I have responsibilities. I don't need to fool around just like what he's doing. I don't need a boyfriend right now, especially someone who's a billionaire playboy that has an N at the beginning of his name.

Just keep telling yourself that.

Wait, did I just say boyfriend. Pfft. I'm far too busy and anxious to even consider myself being in a relationship.

Go ahead. Just deny everything.

SHUT UP!

SHUT UP!

SHUT UP!

My parents are going to kill me when they find out about this. Not only that, Nate's business and reputation might also be on the line. I can't have that. I don't want to ruin people's lives. I'm not that selfish. I know the consequences of my actions and I will take full responsibility once I got back.

I blew out a frustrated breath and was startled when someone knocked on my door, drawing me back to the present.

I slowly opened the door and poked my head out to meet Margaret's amused eyes.

"Hi."

I opened the door wider so I could get out. "Hi. Are you um... going back?"

"Yeah. I just wanted to say goodbye to you before I left though."

I don't know how to react. "Oh, is that so?"

"Yeah. And I also want to say something."

I stayed silent. She's probably going to say that she and Nate are probably dating and I should just back off.

"Vanessa, if you think that something's going on between Nathaniel and me..."

Here we go.

"Think nothing of it. There's nothing going on between the two of us."

Again, I don't how to react. But my mouth hanging open probably did it for me.

"In fact, it's actually disgusting that you would think that because he and I are cousins."

I blushed at the revelation and mentally slap myself for thinking something bad about her.

"He's been giving you a really hard time back in New York so I just scolded him for doing so. And that this trip would be worth it so that you would remember him in a good way."

I smiled at that. At least I'm not the only one who noticed that I was being given a hard time. "Thank you."

She gave me hug which I returned immediately.

"I have to go," she said, straightening herself.

"I'm going to see you–"

"No need. Nathaniel's going to drive me to the airport," she said. "Why don't you just relax? Adventure will come your way soon enough." She gave me another smile and put a hand on my shoulder. "Vanessa Carter, enjoy this life."

With that, I was left at the doorway with my mouth open and my mind in a confused state.

There's clearly a different message in her statement. And what does she mean by "adventure will come your way soon enough"? Aren't we going back?

I lay on my bed, contemplating on Margaret's words. The way she called me is different. She has put more emphasis on the name Vanessa Carter. It's like she either doesn't believe that it's my name or she was trying to convince herself that it was my name – or she wants to convince me that it was my name because she might probably knew who I really am.

My eyes widened and I sat abruptly.

She knew!

Probably...

My phone started ringing and I didn't even bothered looking at the caller before answering.

"Hello?"

"Hey!" I heard her say with a slightly higher tone than usual. "How's Greece?"

I blinked. Maybe I just heard it wrong. "It was great. You're right. Santorini is such a paradise." I answered trying to sound excited.

"Great!"

Just one word?

Something's going on.

"How's Alexander?"

"Honestly, I haven't heard from either of them yet."

"Either of them?"

"Yes, Karlsson told me that he will be with Alexander in New Orleans."

I sighed. It would be best if she could convince him to stop whatever he's planning.

"And?"

"She said she'll try to rekindle their romance there, and possible convince him to stop."

One sentence per question? I narrowed my eyes as if she's right in front of me.

She's hiding something. Either that or she's up to something.

"So are you just going to let me guess what's happening there by asking questions or are you going to spill?"

I heard her sigh. "It's Jones."

I gulped and braced myself for the answer to my question. "What about him?"

"I think he got involved with some mobsters."

"So?"

"Your brothers think that he needs some money to pay the damage he caused..."

I was getting impatient with Jessica's bit by bit information. If he's in trouble then that means I'm safe. We're safe.

"What does it have to do with us, Jess?"

"Uhm..."

She's nervous. Not a good sign. But what for?

"Jessica?"

"He was last seen talking to your dad."

My eyes widened.

"WHAT?"

"Since he's in trouble, your brothers think that he's going to ask your dad for some money in exchange for your current location."

Why would he travel all the way to Switzerland for that? But my dad is not really in Switzerland right now.

"I don't understand. Why would he go all the way to my dad for that? And how would he even know where my dad is? They weren't even in―"

"Lau – Carter. You're parents are currently in America."

I probably stopped breathing after hearing that.

What are they doing there? My mom and dad aren't supposed to be going anywhere from Europe. That's why I chose the Big City because they are not actually fond of staying in America and they know that I am not either. So, if they noticed that I went missing, USA will probably be the last place they'll look.

"Hey! Hey! Deep breaths!"

Jessica's voice brought me back to the present. I counted to five while breathing in my nose and out of my mouth.

"They are no longer in New York. They flew to Los Angeles and decided to stay at my parents' so I won't be visiting them to avoid any confrontations."

"But what are they doing here?"

"Mom said our dads are going to have some catching up to do. Same goes with our moms. So it's okay that I won't be visiting this weekend. Mom also said that they're probably going to talk about business, as always..."

I was listening to her explanation when I heard Nate park his car outside. How long was I contemplating in my room?

With my phone in hand, I rushed outside the balcony to see Nate. Unfortunately, the view of the place is the only thing I see.

"... so it would be best for both of us to stay out of the country for now."

Wait what?

Both of us?

Out of the country?

I was about to ask Jess what she means when Nate suddenly burst through my doors and said the words he said before we went to Greece.

"Pack your things. We're flying out of here."