THIRD POV

As the two girls walked home, chatting and joking around. And occasionally doing some sightseeing to see the best that New York had to offer. They were enjoying their time in New York and for Julie it was a feeling of nostalgia to be back in her birth state. But she was not here as a kid crying to God in heaven for a breakthrough for her family. She was a young woman who was secured in herself and blessed beyond reason. And she was now in some of the best part of New York.

With their bodyguards trailing behind them, they did some window shopping and stopping three or four times to purchase doughnuts and desserts from the street vendors.

"Your brother is so grumpy" Andrea told her best friend. "People say I am a grouch but he... he is on a whole new level" she exclaimed.

Sighing a little bit, Julie then replied "I know"

There was a pause.

"Aren't you going to say that deep down he is a really sweet guy?" Andrea questioned.

"Even I can't pull that lie off."

They both giggled at that.

"Life has been pretty tough for him, huh?" Andrea asked with sympathy and understanding. She really did admire Nate. He was an inspiration to her. He was the classic underdog.

"You don't even know the quarter of it. I guess that is why he is overprotective of his family."

"I suppose. Hey, I was wondering, who was that woman in his apartment?"

"I actually don't know. But she is gorgeous" Julie whistled.

"Mhmm. I don't think you are the only one. He had his guard up more than usual with her"

"Then it wasn't just me. I thought so too" she exclaimed.

"Maybe some history together?" Andrea suggested.

"Don't know. But just as well, she would never go for Nate. He is too repressed"

"Or you mean, Nate would never go for her" Julie challenged.

"Nooo. I mean she won't go for him. Come on, humans beings don't like pain and suffering. She would have to be a saint to put up with him"

"Wanna place a bet?" Andrea challenged.

"I'm intrigued" stopping their walk. "I say, my brother liked her and she shot him down"

"I say different"

"And what are we betting on?"

"How about, the one who will tell Nate that we are planning on moving to England for two years?" her eyebrows raised in a dare.

"That sounds good" she laughed. "And it is not going to be me" Shivering at just the thought of telling the hellhound that they would be moving to another continent. That was something she dreaded deeply.

"So do we just ask, Nate or what?"

Julia snorted "Like he would ever tell me."

"Well, then why don't we ask your mom or Will? They know everything about his life"

"Yup. Texting Will right now" grabbing her cell phone and shooting a text to Will asking if he could talk.

The reply came seconds later.

"Working late. Can't talk." She read out loud. "By the time he gets home, it will already be too late"

"You know the saying, if Muhammed can't come to the mountain, the mountain goes to Muhammed" in a singsong voice.

"You really think you are going to win this don't you?"

"I can't help it if I am always right sweetie" sauntering off.

..................................................................................................................

"Why are we here again?" Andrea asked as they walked into the building.

"Because I haven't seen my boyfriend in over three weeks. And I want to know if I won the bet that's why"

"Your brother is going to kill you" she muttered under her breath.

"Oh please" as they made their way to the welcome desk.

"Hi" Julie called to the receptionist.

She raised her finger, to signal one second.

"Does Nate even know you are coming?" Andrea asked, trying to pass the time as they waited.

"What fun will that be? It's going to be a surprise"

"Or the reason why your brother finally fires him" in a pointed voice.

"He's scared of my mom he wouldn't dare"

"Sorry for that" the receptionist called to the two ladies. "What can I help you with today?" she asked pleasantly.

"Hi. I would like to see Mr. Rose" Julie said with a smile.

"William Rose?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Could you please give me a moment please?"

"Of course" Julie answered and waited patiently for the lady to fire up her computer.

"So, do you have an appointment?" the lady whose nameplate read Klein asked.

"No. Just tell him that Julie is here" Julie demanded in a calm and kind voice but held no room for disagreement.

"Amy, I will take it from here" the woman beside her demanded and pushed the other lady gently aside.

Andrea and Julie exchanged looks.

"I will take it from her" smiling at the two. "So we can start with your full names and some pieces of i.d"

Andrea's frowned and Julie raised her eyebrow in skepticism. That was indeed odd.

"I already gave you a name. So if you will be so kind as to ring Mr. Rose. Or better yet point us in the direction" Julie politely requested.

"I am afraid I can't do that. As you may have noticed we have very strict security and procedures. Please, your full names and identifications"

"Oh I understand" Andrea spoke up. Reaching into her purse she pulled out her driver's license. "The name is Andrea" she added, before passing her the card.

"Thank you" reaching for the card and taking a good look at it. "Canadian?"

"Yes"

"Welcome to New York"

"Thank you"

As she worked on her computer Andrea couldn't help but follow her movements carefully. Something about the lady was just not sitting right with her. And her suspicions were confirmed when she discreetly typed something into her phone. It was a text to the Whitmores and Ortons that Arriaga had guests in the lobby. They had been doing that since they found out who Dennis was. Intercepting their guests in an effort to gauge those who came to ask for them. You never know someone who could be a reliable source. Or a rat.

"Thank you" handing back Andrea's card.

"And you Miss?" turning to Julie.

Shrugging Julie took out her wallet but before she could hand out the card to the waiting woman Andrea spoke up.

"A bit unprofessional don't you think? Sending texts whilst you have guests in front of you?" cocking her head to the side. "What would your bosses say to that?" Andrea questioned mockingly.

The lady looked taken aback. "I am sorry. It's just that my kid is home, sick and I have to check in with the nanny" she apologized and regaining her professional smile.

"Still. I wonder what your bosses would think" giving her an evil smile.

The lady's eyes widened. "I am so sorry. It is just that, I have to keep in touch. Please forgive me" she looked like she was about to cry. But Andrea was not buying it.

"No no no. It's fine" Julie quickly jumped in, feeling bad for the poor woman. "I would be worried sick if I were in your position. It is very brave of you to come to work at all" trying to comfort the poor woman. She gave the woman a warm smile whilst glaring at Andrea. Andrea just rolled her eyes and turned her head but her eyes still held suspicion in them.

"I am so sorry ma'am"

"No. Really it's fine" Julie assured her.

"Thank you." Taking a deep breath "Could I please have your full name?"

But again Andrea interrupted. "You know what? You have mine. And you don't need hers."

I actually do" irritation clear in her voice even though she was trying to keep a smile on her face.

But Andrea was not paying any attention to her. "Sweetie, why don't we just call Will? And let him meet us downstairs, hmm?" Then turning to the woman "And save you the trouble" giving the lady a dazzling smile.

"It will be no trouble. It's my job. And I just need your name?" in clenched teeth whilst trying to keep her voice even and a smile on her lips. It was times such as these that she really despised her job.

"No. It's good" Andrea defiantly answered. Then grabbing Julie by the arm she pulled her away from the desk and whispered in a stern and hurried tone. ""Text your brother now" she ordered

"What's going on?" she whispered as she rummaged through her purse for her cell phone.

"Just do it!"

""Fine!"

"Ladies I am going to have to call security!" she called after them.

"Sent it?" Andrea asked, looking between the woman the door and Julie.

"Yeah. Right now" hoping that her brother and/or William had received her text. There was nothing she hated more than being in the middle of a scene. And she suspected that the secretary lady was just about to cause a show-stopping scene.

As the previous crying secretary marched over to them from the other side, and on the other side three burly men were coming towards to them.

"Gentlemen please escort them out!" she demanded as soon as she reached them.

'Great, a scene' Julie thought to herself. Looking around she could see eyes on them. This was the last thing she wanted.

"Please come with us" one of the bodyguards politely demanded.

"On what grounds?" Andrea demanded back. She was not one for backing down fro any altercation.

"Please remove them from the premises, now!" Enjoying the small hold of power and authority.

"What is going on over here?" Jonathan demanded as he strolled from the elevator to the small formation of a crowd.

"Sir!" the gushing woman cooed to Jonathan. She was just swooning over his majestic display of authority. Not to mention that Jonathan was indeed a handsome man.

"We are just removing some disturbances" the lady hastily explained to one of the most eligible and dashing bachelors in the city. A girl could dream of snatching him up and putting a ring on that finger.

"I am sure that isn't necessary. These ladies look harmless" giving the two a dashing smile. "Tell me who are you here to see?"

"Mr. William Rose" Julie snapped in annoyance and frustration.

"Aren't we all?" shaking his head in mockery. "What business do you have with him?"

"What business do you have in this manner?" Andrea quipped back.

Jonathan chuckled under his breath. "Mouthy aren't you?"

They said nothing. Just giving the man a bored look. They were children of some of the savviest and business oriented people in their country and the world. There was without a doubt that they would pick up some of their tactics.

"Look. I have called him. He will be here in five minutes. I am sure you can wait that long" Julie tried to reason.

"Time doesn't run on you, my dear. And I don't think that is happening. Mr. Rose is in a meeting. And we are not going to wait for him to finish." Jonathan spoke in a silvery voice that was just irritating Andrea to no end.

"Oh he will be here" Julie answered. But she wasn't referring to Will.

"She doesn't even have an appointment, sir" the lady huffed.

"Really?" Jonathan turning his eyes back to them. "I am sorry but this isn't the place for you to air out your personal issues. This is a business, not a drama series. I would think that Rose would have better ethics than that"

"Oh he does" Julie clapped back, indignant that this man would say anything about her man.

"And we are here for business" Andrea added, her eyes focused on the man in a challenging manner.

The place was getting deathly quiet.

"Gentlemen" a voice from behind them called. "Would you be so kind as to take your hands off those young ladies?" The tone of the voice wasn't a plea but an order.

Turning the guards saw it was Arriaga walking from the elevator towards them.

"Finally" both ladies sighed.

"Mr. Arriaga!" the lady squeaked. She along with most of the staff in this building were terrified of this man. Not even his breathtaking features and godlike features could override the dark and powerful aura he carried. Not even the most brazen of women who worked in this building would dare come close to him. The man was a psychopath. His smile was a Trojan Horse because he would come as a gift all angel like and before you know it, like a succubus your life is drawn out of you.

"I said take your hands off of them!" he repeated never raising his voice yet held so much authority.

The men who were in a daze upon seeing their boss quickly removed their hands as if the girls were fire.

"Thank you. Now you may leave" dismissing them.

He glanced at Jonathan for a second. One could feel the tension rolling from these two men in waves.

"What is going on over here?" he demanded to no one in particular. He just wanted answers.

"We wanted to see Will" Julie started to speak up.

"But they didn't have an appointment with Mr. Rose" the lady spoke up, as she feared for her job.

But Arriaga just ignored her "Want to tell me what the two of you are doing here?"

"Like I said, I came to see Will"

"He is working Julie. You should know better than anyone" in a no-nonsense voice.

"Well, I am. I have to discuss some changes to the hotel with him" she answered with a smile, whilst flipping her hair.

Nate chuckled a little. She was getting better at lying. No doubt Andrea was helping her.

"And why didn't you come to me first?" he challenged.

"Because I want to see if he approves first. You know how much of a perfectionist you are"

Jonathan watched on. This was indeed interesting. There was something about these women. Nate seemed at ease with them. They could be his weakness. This was the sort of thing that his family was searching for, Nate's Achilles heel.

"Nate, why don't you introduce us?" Jonathan required.

Before Nate, could give him a scathing reply Andrea interrupted "My goodness would you look at the time. How time flies. We are running late. Introductions will have to come at another time."

Nate gave her a look. But said nothing. To be honest he was coming around Andrea. She had this impetuousness that he found quote thrilling.

"If you would excuse us" slipping her arm through Nate's and dragging him away. Julie just gave Jonathan a smile to show no harm feelings, to which he returned. Then she followed the two to the elevator.

"What was the meaning of that?" Nate demanded as they rode up to Will's office.

"I had to get away from those imbeciles."

Julie giggled "They weren't that bad"

"You are too sweet for your own good" Nate remarked. But that was what he loved about her. She was sweet and unspoiled.

They arrived at their destination. And they all got out. Nate led the way past the reception desk and to a diverging way.

"Will's door is third on the left. Keep the conversation brief" he ordered.

"Yes sir" saluting him.

"I mean it" he repeated. He sighed. Turning to head to his own office he was surprised to see Andrea.

"Something you want?" he demanded rather rudely.

"The woman at the reception desk. Watch her" she warned, ignoring his tone.

Folding his arms, his eyes shone with excitement and curiosity "Why? What did she do?"

"The minute we said we were there to see Will, she took interest in us. And she demanded i.d and she sent a text to someone as soon as she got it in her grubby little hands. Too much of a coincidence."

He was seething. So the Ortons and the Whitmores had a mole huh? Well what did you know? So they weren't that toothless and incompetent. He should be happy and joyful. It means they are stepping up their game.

"Don't worry, I gave her my name. They know nothing of Julie" before walking after her friend.

Strolling to his office, he couldn't help the smile that graced his lips. Even if he would never admit it. He was grateful to Andrea. The girl was cunning that was for sure. And he liked that in a woman. It kept him on his toes.

...............................................................................................................................

"I have missed you" Julie exclaimed, hugging Will once more.

"Me too" letting out a chuckle. "You have certainly made my day more enjoyable"

"Aww are those mean wittle boys and girls giving you a hard time?" she cooed.

"You don't know the half of it" rubbing his temples. "Hey, what did you tell your brother to allow him to come and visit me?" He knew that Nate would never allow it in another thousand years. He still saw Julie as a kid who was still playing with dolls.

"That we were going to talk about some ideas I have for the hotel?" she questioned more than answered.

"And he believed you?" he asked incredulously but laughing nonetheless of her gutsy move.

"He didn't stop me"

"So, tell me what is the real nature of your visit?" leading her to a chair.

She gave him a deadpan look.

"What? I know you didn't come to see me about the hotel."

"Sure I did" she argued.

"I can tell when you are lying babe"

"Fine. I didn't. But I need your help.

"Why?" taking a seat himself.

"What can you tell me about Mary Rattan?"

"Owns a couple of Software companies. Exceptionally smart. Nemesis of his. In future could be a certified rival. Why?" looking at her curiously.

"Married?"

"Oh no. Oh no no no no. You are not doing this" seeing where her questions were going. And he didn't like it one bit. Not one bit.

"What?" in an innocent voice.

"You are playing matchmaker. Or at least attempting to. But let me stop you right there. Not going to happen. Stop the train tracks right here and now"

"No. I just like her.

"Really?" not believing a word she said and he told her so

"What were they? What's their past?"

"Not telling you"

"Please"

"No."

"Come on" she whined. "Please"

"Fine. She used to have a crush on him."

"Really?"

"Yeah. It was pretty serious. But that is all I know"

"Do you think Nate likes her?"

William burst out laughing "Heck no"

"I see"

"I see your minding racing. Sweetie, whatever you are planning it is not going to work."

"What? I was just curious"

"So you are not planning anything?"

"Nope"

"Yeah and I am the pope" he snorted.

"But I am glad you are not. Otherwise, you wouldn't be my boyfriend"

"You got that right" puffing his chest out in mock arrogance and pride causing Julie to laugh.

The atmosphere was interrupted by Nate's voice over the speakerphone. "William my office now! And goodbye Julie. I have asked some gentlemen to escort you home." and unceremoniously cut the call.

Sighing, Julie stood up. "Business calls."

"Yes"

"I will miss you"

"I'll see you soon"

"I know"

"I love ya"

"So arrogant. But love you too" and then he saw the two ladies off.

..........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

"You called boss?" William called peeking his head through the door.

"Come in and close the door" Nate answered never once taking his eyes off the computer.

"What is it?"

"It seems we have a handler and a mole in our midst"

"What?" truly shocked. Which man on earth would dare betray the Nate Arriaga?

"It doesn't come from our side. It seems that the Ortons and Whitmores are stepping up their game. They have planted a woman who screens all those who come to see us."

"What? Whom?"

"The woman who was giving the girls a hard time. Andrea had a hunch against her. I checked it out. IT just sent me all the logs of the people who came to see me personally within the past weeks. With every person that arrives, she logs them in and checks them, then three minutes later a call is being made to the Ortons and the Whitmores. And a photo is tagged with a message. Coincidence? I think not."

"I didn't think they were that smart. That is pretty ingenious on their part don't you think? I am still surprised that they came up with it"

"I know" leaning back in his chair.

"I know it's all wrong but that is part of the game. And we could use this to our advantage. Should we confront them? We can run an illegal scenario. Some may consider this poaching"

"By rights, this would be perfect for them. But it is too soon. I would rather let the spider weave a whole web and then use his threat against him to wrap him like a shroud and let their enemies devour them."

"So we let them go free? Let them think that they are planning against us? That is ridiculous. By the time they are through they would have gained half of our partners."

"Or people they think are our partners" smiling devilishly.

William looked slightly confused and then he caught on to what Nate was insinuating and he had to laugh.

"Won't it be a shame, if, among those people who walk through the door, a couple of them just happen to be fraudsters and liars and crooks. People that they would love to do business with. People who might just suck everything that they might have"

"That would be a shame"

"I can already see it. The pride and darkness that the Whitmore's possess is blinding them. It is taking away their ability to think correctly. They are getting frantic. And frantic people will do the most irrational and thoughtless things. I have them right where I want them."

"And with darkness, it must sooner or later come to an end. Darkness's only a passing thing really, a shadow."

"And I will be the light. Shining the truth and consequences. And my light will blind them and bring them to their knees."

"But, I don't think they are desperate enough."

"You think so?"

"No. They are still walking with a spring in their step. Bush the sheep to the snake and he will bolt and head directly to the den of the wolf"

Without another word he opened his laptop and looked through a document and then his second-phone dialed a number.

"Hello — Is this Darius?—Darius, Phoebe Whitmore's husband?—Hello Darius nice talking with you.—There is no need for me to tell you of my name—Oh there is something you might want to know— So you don't want to know that your wife had an affair with your own brother?--Now I have your attention?— No, I am not lying.—Don't believe me?— No problem, just do a DNA test on your firstborn.—I assure you that you are going to be very surprised."

Then he caught the call and started to chuckle. "He is going to do it. That man is too curious for his own good."

William had his eyes widened. He didn't know what to say. "Your sister had an affair with her husband's brother?"

"No. Of course not. Have you seen the guy? My sister has some standards."

"Then why would you?"

"Imagine his surprise when he finds out that his child is not his, nor is it his brothers." Starting to drum his fingers on the table.

"But his father's" he finished.

Williams jaw dropped slack. "No!"

"Oh yes. Little Phoebe has been a very bad girl. And what is worse. Her husband and his brother are controlling heirs. If he dismisses Phoebe, the Whitmore's would really start to panic. The last thing they need is a scandal of this magnitude"

"You are the personification of evil" Will gasped.

"Hey, I am just doing what you told me to" rolling around in his chair.

"I am herding the sheep"