Falling for Lord Masquerade

Kate.

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Protect the company."

Those were the last words of my father. The words I've lived in my heart ever since. It has been two years already, but the scene is still fresh in my brain. It happened one night, the day I graduated from college, and also the day I turned twenty. It was supposed to be a memorable day in my life, but it turned out to be the most unforgettable day of my life. I returned home after a small party at my school to celebrate the rest of the evening with my parents. I was met with a painful encounter of my life: the lifeless body of my mother and my father about to take his last breath.  

I wasn't able to say goodbye to my mother nor have the chance to do that with my father. The only words I got out of him were: "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Protect the company."

At that moment, I knew I had to take over the family business which I dreaded. I always tell my father I can't handle his business. His replies were short. "I believe you can do it. Time will tell." It was as if he knew something would happen to him. And it pained me that even after their demise, I hadn't healed. I don't think I will be able to heal from the pain. They were my everything.  

My father, Franklin Walter, was the founder of Evergreen Energy Innovation, a company specializing in energy technologies. The company started with only one branch, but with its success, we have opened up branches in three countries: Germany, Singapore, and China. And now I'm striving to open one in Australia. It hasn't been an easy journey. But so far, we have gotten enough support from trusted business partners even after my father's death and most importantly my uncle, who is currently the head of the company.  

I knew I wouldn't be able to do it alone without support. My uncle Edwin and my father are brothers from the same parents. He has the same replica with my father which always reminds me of my father.  

A knock sounded from my office door followed by the presence of my secretary Eliana. "Sorry for interrupting you, Ma'am," she said as politely as ever.  

I dropped the pen I was holding and turned my face towards the tall Eliana. "What is it, Eliana?" I asked.  

She marched forward, her heels making a low noise on the marble floor. "The mail came in," she spoke. I didn't plan to show my anticipation in front of her, but my eyes somehow showed a flicker of curiosity as Eliana gently placed the brown envelope on my desk.

"Thank you," I said, my attention partly on the brown envelope. Just when she was about to turn on her heels, I spoke up again. "Clear my schedule for today."

"Alright, Ma'am," she replied with a bow of her head before walking out of the office. As soon as I heard the shutting of the door, I instantly reached for the envelope and peeled it open.

"He just arrived in the state. Let's proceed with the plan."

I don't know if I should be overjoyed or angry at the message, but I knew I was slowly getting there. It doesn't matter if I don't have the resources on the ground, but I know I would be able to accomplish my mission. I wasted no time in grabbing my bag, phones, and car keys and made my way out. I didn't stop anywhere but my uncle's office.

"Don't tell me you're leaving the office already?" He said, lifting his head from the computer screen.

A small smile played on my lips as I grabbed my seat. "Well... I guess it's time for me to start my main job. He's here in the state," I announced.

"And you're excited to leave the company?"

"I'm not entirely leaving. Let's say I'm taking a break. And besides, you're here, so I don't have to worry about anything," I said, using my hand to explain. I could see the worriedness on his face as I let out the words.

"I know what you're worried about, Uncle. Trust me, I can handle this. I've been waiting for this day," I continued.

He finally heaved out a deep breath and reached for my hand resting on his desk. "Listen, Kate, I know what happened has really done a lot of damage to your life. Can't you forget everything? It's been two years."

I withdrew my hand and sat up. "I can't. I don't want to. It's not an accident. They were killed, Uncle. My parents were murdered, and I won't rest until I find the killer, even if that entails risking my life." I guess from my outburst, he should be able to know I don't intend to miss even a bit of the chance to seek justice for my parents' death.

I had reached the door and was about to pull on the doorknob when his words stopped me. "What about your position?"

"You can have someone take over for the time being. After all, no one knows who I am." With that, I walked out.

My steps were fast as I took an exit from the elevator. My head held high as I took the route of the company entrance. I was just a normal employee in the company like other people. I work in my father's company as a normal staff. I prefer it to be that way. I won't say for security purposes because I know whoever killed my parents knows me also.

I pressed the car key button and unlocked the door. I dropped my bag by the side and dialed the number on my phone. "Gina, meet me at the salon," I said and ended the call before reaching for my other phone and made another call.

"Gabe, send me all the information on him, ASAP."

I ignited the engine to life and drove away. I met up with a nervous-looking Gina outside the salon entrance. "Why do you look nervous as if someone is going to take your life?" I said as I approached her.

The nervous look was still plastered on her face. "Who knows, maybe you're here to take my life."

I shook my head and grabbed her by the arm. "Let's finish from here first. We have a deal to strike."

"Tell me you're joking," Gina blurted out as soon as we hopped inside the car after we were done from the salon. I had cut out my long hair. I spared her a brief glance.

"Does everything I told you inside look like a joke to you?"

"It doesn't... I mean... how can you work as a maid?"

"Point of correction. As a sexy maid."

"But why? Wait... It was written here that Dante Romano is a sex maniac. What if-" I stepped on the brake, getting the car to a stop.