CHAPTER 23: Karma
Alaial hung up the call with Cedric; it seemed like it would be several more days before he could come to visit us.“Good morning,” I greeted Ignacio and Erika who were gathered in the office.“Good morning,” they both replied.I entered my office and waited for Ignacio to come in so we could review the day’s agenda. I enjoyed this past weekend with my family; we went to Universal Studios, and the kids loved it. Now I have to make sure they wear caps or hats.
Luckily, Noah likes sunglasses. These items prevent them from being recognized quickly. Fortunately, they love the fun outfits from the places we take them. I’ve also thought of a plan B regarding my children if necessary. I glanced towards my children’s playroom, which was empty. In the recent weeks I’ve decided to leave them at home because Aidan wouldn’t be spending much time with us, and I didn’t want to separate them. My father and Darius met with the Garnetts. It was the most diplomatic meeting they’ve ever had, according to my
father, but he felt that he couldn’t trust them or their kindness, something Darius agreed on.
They believe they should stay out of their way. The Garnetts are not to my father’s or Darius‘ liking.Ignacio entered, and as I turned on my laptop, I listened to what we had pending for the day, which I checked on my iPad. I focused on my work throughout the morning.“No way, I
can’t stand him,” Ash barged in, and I already knew who she couldn’t stand. This morning she had to go to the Garnetts‘ company to meet with Will.“What did he do now?” I asked, and she
sat down in front of me.“He smiles at every woman who crosses his path, and just by talking
to them, I can see those girls‘ panties flying through the air. The cocky jerk knows it and takes advantage of it. His schedule is full of dates for this week, and now he wants to teach me
seduction tactics. He says I’m too slow, that I’ll never get laid like this. He even claims I’m a
virgin.“My laughter echoed through the office, causing Ash to glare at me. However, when I
didn’t stop laughing, she joined in.”I just talk to him about work and only when necessary.
However, he’s decided to treat me like just another friend,” Ash said.“Well, honey, you shouldn’t
do anything that makes you uncomfortable. I can send someone else in your place,” I said, to
which she shook her head.“I’ll let you know when I’ve reached my limit,” she said and sat up
straight like a lady. We began discussing what had happened that morning at the Garnetts‘
offices regarding the project when we heard a knock on the door. I allowed Ignacio to enter; he
had a particular way of knocking.“Ali, they’ve rejected the offer for the purchase of the group
home,” he said, barely reaching the chair next to Ashley’s.“Make a new offer, increase the
value,” I said, and he immediately shook his head.“It was taken off the market this morning.
They’ve decided not to sell it.” Ash and I exchanged glances. It was very important for me to
be able to buy that house for the girls; they had already built a home there.”Were you able to
find out if they will allow the women to continue living there?” I asked.“No, they won’t allow it. I made several calls and managed to find out that they were going to construct a new building.
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They are already obtaining the permits to start, and according to what I was told, the women must vacate the premises tomorrow.” Ash gasped.“Are they not human? How can they
abandon these women to their fate?““They are not, Ash,” I said, feeling very annoyed and
thinking about what to do. We have to find a place big enough for them to move into, but I
need more than a day. Without further ado, I grabbed my purse and stood up. I was not going to let them get away with this.“Where are we going?” Ash asked, walking beside me.” To the Garnetts‘ offices.” She nodded without fully understanding. We left the building, and I looked for my car. Today I decided to leave it, although the new bodyguards would follow close behind.We entered the reception area, and they let us pass as soon as they saw I was with
Ash. We asked who we should speak to, and they directed us to Nick’s office, where I was sure
they would send me. It had to be him; he’s been everywhere since I arrived in Los Angeles.“I
should remind you that the asshole’s grandfather frequents these offices,” Ash said.“I’m aware
of that. I know that one day I’m going to run into him, and I’m ready,” I clarified, then the sound
of the elevator told us that we had reached the correct floor. We walked down the hall until we
reached Nick’s office. Ash guided me. The desk outside was unoccupied, so I allowed myself
to enter. He entered my office without permission, so I could do the same. When I entered, I
could see Nick’s back as he faced a piece of furniture located at the back, on the right side of
the room. He turned around when he heard our footsteps. He frowned as soon as he saw us
and then took a sip from a glass of water he was holding in his hands.“Water?” he offered,
looking at both of us. We declined. “To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit?” he asked,
walking towards his desk and leaning against it. “Should I protect the family jewels?” He
raised his eyebrows, and I narrowed my eyes, understanding that he was referring to his crotch.“No, as long as you keep your distance,” I said; to which he took another sip of water and stared at me intently.“Well, that’s interesting, since you’re the one who came all the way
here,” he said, holding my gaze.“I didn’t come here for pleasure, I can assure you. I came because you and your family are trampling on several defenseless people with your actions.” What are you referring to?” He frowned again. I avoided laughing; of course, they don’t know when they’re hurting someone.“There’s a house that belongs to you, and it was for sale until this morning. I wanted to buy it, but I’ve been informed that you’ve decided not to
sell it,” I stated.“Where is this house located?” he asked and walked towards his desk as I gave
him the address. He looked for something on his computer.“Why so much interest in an old
house? According to this, the family living there agreed to leave without any problems. They
lived there without us charging them a dollar for several years,” he pointed at the computer.So
he doesn’t know that several families live there. I didn’t know if there was a reason why they
wouldn’t know about these girls, so I wouldn’t expose them.“It’s a woman in need who lives there. They won’t be able to find a place to go in a day. I have no problem buying the house,” I spoke with confidence and without showing much interest. Nick read something else on his computer and stood up.“‘I’d love to help you, help them, but it’s impossible. We’ve already
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received the permits to start, and the demolition is scheduled for two days from now,” he
stated and walked closer to where I was standing. “There’s nothing I can do,” he said, looking
down at me from his height.”Of course, there’s nothing an insensitive pig like you can do.” I
poked his chest with my finger and looked him in the eye with all the anger I felt.“Nick…” Nick
looked up from my gaze and focused on the person who had spoken.“Let’s go, Ash, I simply
said. Nick looked back at me. I turned around and realized that the person who had arrived
was Will, Nick’s cousin.I left the office without saying goodbye. I thought about going to the
group
home. I called my mother to ask her to go and see how we could help. We went down to the building’s underground parking lot where I had parked my car. I walked to the driver’s side and slammed my purse. I was so freaking annoyed to the point that I slashed it over and over
again. That was when I felt one of the metal clasps make a huge scratch on a car parked next
to mine. I looked closely and noticed that it was a black Rolls–Royce, and on the wall in front
of it was a painted sign that read CEO.I covered my mouth with my hand to stifle the laughter that escaped me.”What’s wrong?” Ash looked at me from the other side.“Damn, it’s karma,” I said, laughing. Ash couldn’t contain her curiosity and walked over to where I was.I showed her
the huge scratch and the word written on the wall, to which she opened her eyes wide and started laughing.”Definitely karma,” Ash laughed and went back to the side to get in the car.“It
won’t be long before they find out it was us,” she said when we had driven off and stopped
laughing.“Let him send me the bill,” I said, and we both laughed again.We arrived at the group home and entered quickly. My mother, Elise, and Loli were already there. To my surprise, I saw
Alana playing with some children. I approached her since she hadn’t seen me yet, and as soon
as she did, she smiled, and her precious little face lit up.“Hi, my love,” I said, kissing her
cheek.“Hi, Mommy,” she said with a smile and hugged me.“She wanted to come. Noah stayed
with his Uncle Aidan and Patrick. We didn’t tell them where we were going,” my mother
explained.“Mom, we’re going to be busy, that’s why I asked only you to come,” I said, lowering my daughter to the floor so she could continue playing while Loli watched over her.“Yes, dear, but you know Alana always gets her way. She ran to the door before we did and made Gavin put her in the car seat. What can I say? She completely melted our hearts; we couldn’t say no to her.” She looked at my little girl with adoration.“She has them wrapped around her little finger,” I said, shaking my head. We entered the office, and I could see Alicia surrounded by papers; the girls were moving around busily.“I’ve called a moving company to help pack. We can store things in several storage units,” Ash told me, and I nodded.“We’ll rent some apartments while we find a house,” I said, and I proceeded to call Ignacio to ask him to look for apartments immediately since I thought it would be a matter of days before we found a good place for everyone. Ash and the girls directed the movers.“There are very few things,” I said, seeing the few boxes they had moved to a room at the entrance of the old house.Alana waved to me from the patio, and I blew her a kiss as Loli went to fix her hair ribbon, which had fallen out from so much jumping around.“We don’t want to take many things. We’ll have what
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we need. We don’t want to be a burden,” Alicia replied.“Just leave the very old things that
you’re no longer going to use. I don’t want you to be forced to abandon your memories.” I
turned to look at her.“Alaia Russell, you deserve heaven.” She touched my cheek maternally. The old office phone rang, and she quickly answered it. I watched her and noticed that she was speechless for a moment, and then she thanked the caller before hanging up.“What happened?” I asked, thinking we were going to have more problems.“They called from the Garnetts‘ offices. They’ve given us a new deadline. We have a month to find a new place and move,” she said, leaving me speechless.
