"Miss Loretta, where are you off to?" he asked, his tone casual.
Loretta paused, She straightened slowly and turned to look at him. For a brief second, she wondered if she should answer honestly.. "On a trip," she said simply.
The bodyguard's gaze shifted to the suitcase beside her. His expression did not change, but there was a slight pause before he spoke again.
"A trip?" he repeated.
Loretta nodded.
"Yes. Just for a few days."
Silence followed.
The hallway suddenly felt narrower.
"Did the boss approve of this?" he asked.
Loretta blinked, then a faint smile appeared on her lips. "Do I need his permission?" she asked back. She wonder if Kevin wanted to cage her before they got married.
The bodyguard did not answer immediately. He realized he had asked the wrong question.
"Not really, but My duty is to ensure your safety." he explained.
Loretta tilted her head slightly, then let out a small breath. She reached down and adjusted the handle of her suitcase.
"It's just a short trip," she said. "Three hours away. I'll be back before the wedding. I should be safe.
The bodyguard's brows drew together slightly.
"Three hours is not near," he said. He took out his phone and sent a message to the assistant.
Loretta watched his actions, she understood in that moment that this was not just a bodyguard but monitor.
"I'm not running," she said guessing what the bodyguard feared.
The bodyguard looked at her for a long moment. The two of them in the hall way seems to be in a stalemate, then his phone beep a reply from the assistant.
"I'll drive you," he said.
Loretta was surprised , she had not expected that reaction she thought they would do anything to stop her, "That's not necessary."
"It is," he replied calmly, before Loretta could reject again he add. "Orders."
Loretta sighed softly.
She knew better than to argue further.
"…Fine."
The bodyguard stepped forward and took hold of her suitcase before she could protest. Just like before, natural and effficient.
They walked side by side toward the elevator.
Silence followed them again.
—
Downstairs, The bodyguard placed her suitcase in the trunk, then opened the back door for her.
Loretta hesitated for a second.
Then got in. As long as Kevin was not restricting her movement, then it was fine.
As the car pulled away from the building, she leaned her head lightly against the window.
The city passed by slowly, Loretta began to imagine her first ever vacation.
....
Days passed while Loretta was away, enjoying her quiet vacation, another storm was brewing in the city.
At first, it started as whispers, then speculation. No one knew who started it.
But suddenly, the Gladstone Company became the center of attention.
Their shares began to rise.
Fast almost overnight, they became a hot topic in the market.
"Gladstone's daughter is marrying Kevin Goodman."
"That family is about to rise."
"Look at what happened to the previous three families…"
Greed spread fast, Investors rushed in not wanting to lose out of the opportunity to make it big.
Within days, the company's market value doubled. It was explosive almost unbelievable.
Members of the Gladstone family were shocked, after all, although they expected to get benefits from this marriage they did not expect it to be so soon.
At the Gladstone residence, the atmosphere was lively, excitement filled the air. After all, to double the valve of their company with a few days was not a small achievement.
"This is just the beginning," Mr. Gladstone said, unable to hide his satisfaction as he looked at the latest reports.
Mrs. Gladstone sat beside him, her lips curved in a pleased smile.
"Although this marriage was sudden, it is not without benefits."
Even Isabella, who had been avoiding anything related to Kevin before, now watched the numbers with bright eyes.
"So it's true…" she murmured. "As long as the marriage happens…"everything would change. A few friends from college began to call her wanting to build connections. Her family were about to rise higher.
No one mentioned Loretta, or cared if her condition had improved. All they saw was benefit
....
At the start of the new week, Things still looked favourable for Gladstone company, until an article began to circulate online.
At first, it was ignored but it's title was too catchy. So people began to click on it and share
"The Reason Why Gladstone Shares Are Doomed to Fall"
In recent days, the sudden rise of the Gladstone Company's shares has attracted widespread attention. Many investors believe that this surge is tied to the rumored marriage between Kevin Goodman and the Gladstone family's daughter, Loretta Gladstone.
However, what if the foundation of this belief is flawed?
After a careful review of available information, several concerning details have come to light.
First, it is important to note that Loretta Gladstone is not the biological daughter of the Gladstone family. She was adopted after Mr. Gladstone's marriage to Mrs. Gladstone. While adoption itself is not an issue, it raises questions about the true strength of her ties to the family.
Second, during a recent incident where Miss Loretta was hospitalized in critical condition after nearly drowning, there is no record of the Gladstone family visiting her.
Instead, multiple sources and time-stamped photos confirm that Mr. and Mrs. Gladstone, along with their biological daughter Isabella, were on a private vacation during this period.
This raises a serious concern.
If Loretta Gladstone is truly valued as a daughter, why was she left unattended during such a critical moment?
More importantly, why prioritize a vacation over her condition?
Lastly, there are growing speculations within certain circles that the relationship between Loretta Gladstone and the Gladstone family may not be as intact as it appears.
There are indications that internal family ties may have already been severed.
If this is true, then the supposed connection between the Gladstone family and Kevin Goodman becomes questionable.
And if that connection does not truly exist
Then the current market confidence placed on the Gladstone Company may be built on unstable ground.
Investors are advised to proceed with caution.
....
Within hours the article spread everywhere. At first it did not affect Gladstone company much although the stock price did not continue to rise there was no sell pressure.
A few people wanted to watch and see, When Mrs Gladstone saw the article she was furious. She wanted to say that their family was in harmony but remembering Loretta's behavior the last time at the hospital she did not dare.
What if that girl released the severance letter to the press.
"This article is definitely done by a rival," Benjamin on the side said. His buddies has been praising him for his supposed family rise and now such news.
Mrs Gladstone paused before nodding. Indeed the timing has been too perfect.
"Do you think sister did this?" Isabella asked. After all, apart from their family no one else knows about the cutting family ties.
"She dare?" Mrs Gladstone frowned also beginning to suspect her.
"I don't think is Loretta? She does not have the means to push the article," Benjamin shook his head.
Everyone nodded in agreement, given the way the articles circulated so quickly someone must be pushing it from behind the scene.
"Mum, should we invite sister over and talk things out?" Isabella asked. She was unwilling to give up this opportunity to grow her social standing.
Mrs Gladstone felt it was a good idea, so she immediately picked up her phone and called Loretta but to her surprise, the daughter who never missed her call did not pick.
After several attempts, she decided to go over to her apartment.
"I will come with you," Isabella said. She knew her mum was hot tempered but this was not the time to use force, as long as Loretta was willing to cooperate even if it was on the surface, given in to her a bit matters.
The two left and soon arrived at the apartment, only to discover that she was not home.
"Maybe she is still at the office," Isabella suggested.
"True," so Mrs Gladstone and Isabella went to the office only to discover she had quite.
"Where can she be?" Mrs Gladstone was furious. She immediately sent a message to Loretta.
{Where are you? Call me back immediately}