The Janitor's Requiem

y who washed floors and emptied garbage cans for a livelihood. He was Thomas Blackthorne, heir to a history of unpa

oice calm but low. Eleanor sat close, an

uss about the responsibilities you're inheriting. Your family's assets, companies, and properties span secto

hat she was saying. He had grown up with little, and now the whol

you can begin discreetly studying the city's elite. You'll pretend as a janitor-maintaining the position you're acquainted with while k

He wasn't ready to emerge into the public

wntown. Thomas came out of the automobile Eleanor had provided, wearing his old work attire. It felt uncomfort

tal chandeliers hung like frozen rivers, and immaculate marble floors sparkled

oma

e. Dressed in a beautiful cocktail dress, her hair combed to perfection, she looked

y, her new husband. Jeremy's fitted suit and arrogant manner further heigh

azement to scorn as she drew cl

utral, hesitant to give her t

d. "Don't tell me you've followed

pt. "Of course, he's stalking you. It's

," Thomas answered, his

what are you doing here, dressed like that? Let

at, Thomas. I can chat to the Vice Chairman of the resort. Maybe he'll offer you

ratification on the man's face was aggravating, but Thomas

, Thomas wrote a simp

he responded immediately, her manner turning from

ething onto her computer. Within minutes, another s

Jeremy enquired, hi

up. "The Vice Chairman has been reliev

increased, his arroga

alm but tinged with quiet power. "I

is has to be a mistake," he remarked, bringing out his phone. He start

neath his breath, his confidence sinki

alked away. The embarrassment etched on Jeremy's face wa

not to flaunt as the legitimate successor but to observe. The walls of thi

er that evening. "I take it the encounter was

to the chair opposite her. "But I don't underst

s just the beginning, Thomas. The further you explore, the more you'll uncover. But you must be cautious. Th

lunged into a world he scarcely understood, packed

him that felt ready. For the first time in his life, he had the p

new obligations rested on his shoulders. But

as Blackthorne was no longer p

ver a desk covered with paperwork and images. One of the photograp

ir voice low and threatening.

ngulfing it as the person sat back in the

e games