Chapter 55

But before Vere took any steps outside, he abruptly halted. Hastily, he ascended to the mansion's second floor, entering his room to retrieve the gun. Swiftly returning to the screen where they observed the parked car near the mansion, Vere continued monitoring the situation.

"Mr. Wayne, hold off on using the gun, especially if you're not sure who these people near the mansion are," Ronnie advised, his tone conveying concern.

Vere glanced at Ronnie, acknowledging his words. "Yes, Ronnie. Thank you. I'm just really cautious in these situations, given past experiences," Vere explained, his eyes reflecting a sense of vigilance.

Ronnie, understanding Vere's heightened state, nodded in agreement. He empathized with Vere's wariness, comprehending why he was on high alert.

As they continued observing the screen, Vere kept a watchful eye on the parked vehicle, his instincts on edge. The uncertainty and the possibility of a threat lingered in the air, intensifying Vere's vigilance and wariness about the unfamiliar presence near the mansion.

Moments later, the car parked near the mansion drove away. Vere and Ronnie resumed discussing their plans for the company now under Vere's ownership. At that moment, Vere decided to offer Ronnie to stay with him at the mansion, considering Olivia was in the US and rarely visited Zermatt.

"Ronnie, you can stay here with me in the mansion," Vere suggested.

Unexpectedly, Ronnie's response caught Vere off guard. "Me and Crystal were together," Ronnie revealed.

Vere felt a jolt of surprise upon hearing Crystal's name, as he had secretly harbored feelings for her. The revelation rendered him momentarily speechless.

"Mr. Wayne, I'm sorry, I can't stay here," Ronnie continued, sensing Vere's surprise.

"Oh, yeah, it's okay. I understand," Vere replied, his mind reeling from the unexpected disclosure. Despite his initial shock, he tried to mask his feelings, accepting Ronnie's decision with a somewhat detached air.

"Congratulations!" Vere offered a congratulatory tone to Ronnie, concealing any hint of impact from Ronnie's revelation about him and Crystal.

"Thank you, Mr. Wayne. Our relationship is just kept secret," Ronnie disclosed to Vere. "Crystal was in love with Mr. Vere during those times we bonded together."

Vere couldn't believe what Ronnie was sharing. "Yes, to be honest, Mr. Vere joined me in the Safe Ground when he escaped prison. I saw his kindness during those days together, especially amidst his bitter fate. Crystal and I were there to support him during that time," Ronnie added.

Vere remained silent, absorbing Ronnie's words. He sensed Ronnie's lingering yearning for Crystal. Vere found solace in Ronnie's words, feeling glad to hear Ronnie's sentiments.

"We're hopeful that someday we'll meet again," Ronnie expressed his hope.

Vere touched Ronnie's shoulder and said, "Of course, Ronnie, with the Lord, nothing is impossible."

In that quiet moment, Vere understood the depth of Ronnie's feelings for Crystal. Despite the circumstances, there was a glimmer of hope and faith in their hearts that they would reunite someday. Vere found comfort in the enduring bond between Ronnie and Crystal, acknowledging the significance of their connection in those challenging times.

After their conversation, Vere and Ronnie continued planning the next steps for the company. Shortly after, Vere's phone rang, and a smile spread across his face as he saw Olivia calling.

"Wayne, congrats!" Olivia cheered as Vere answered the call. Vere then shared with Olivia his plans for the company and how Ronnie would become his personal assistant. Amid their conversation, Ronnie's phone rang. Despite Vere's attempt to ignore it, he couldn't help but overhear Ronnie's sweet conversation with Crystal.

While a tinge of sadness and jealousy lingered within Vere, he concealed his emotions. He didn't let it show, even as he listened to Ronnie's words to Crystal. However, Olivia suggested to Vere that it might be better if Ronnie and Crystal stayed there with him.

Vere was stunned, unable to respond to Olivia's suggestion. The thought of Ronnie and Crystal staying with him left Vere speechless, lost in his thoughts and emotions. Despite Olivia's well-intentioned suggestion, Vere found himself at a loss for words.

"It's just an idea, Wayne. Think about it," Olivia added before ending the call, leaving Vere in a state of contemplation. The idea of having Ronnie and Crystal around left Vere feeling conflicted, torn between emotions of longing, jealousy, and uncertainty.

He pondered over Olivia's proposition, contemplating the complexities and implications of having Ronnie and Crystal reside with him. Vere grappled with conflicting emotions, unsure of how to navigate this unexpected turn of events and the mixed feelings that had surfaced.

In that moment of solitude, Vere found himself wrestling with a flurry of emotions, contemplating the impact and implications of such a decision. He grappled with the idea, torn between longing for their company, the complexity of their past relationship as friends, and his secret admiration for Crystal.

After their call, Ronnie bid farewell to Vere, mentioning he was headed back to the apartment where Crystal awaited him. As Vere's car approached the mansion's exit, another vehicle pulled up in front of his, catching both Ronnie and Vere's attention. They exchanged glances, curious about the arriving visitor.

Shortly, a man in a suit stepped out of the car. At that moment, Vere had no choice but to confront the unexpected visitor, unsure of the stranger's intentions.

"Can I help you?" Vere asked, trying to maintain composure despite the surprise.

The man adjusted his suit and replied, "Mr. Wayne, my name is Michael. I've been sent by Mr. James."

Vere was taken aback by the mention of Mr. James. "What brings you here?" Vere inquired, trying to grasp the purpose of the unexpected visit.

"I'm here to discuss a proposition from Mr. James. He wishes to meet you," Michael explained, his tone businesslike.

Vere hesitated, processing the unexpected turn of events. "When and where does he want to meet?" Vere questioned, trying to gather more information.

"Mr. James suggested a meeting tomorrow at the Margaux Hotel," Michael replied promptly, indicating the proposed time and place.

Vere nodded, contemplating the situation. "I'll consider it. Please convey my acknowledgment to Mr. James," Vere responded, trying to maintain a composed demeanor.

Michael nodded and returned to his car, leaving Vere in a state of curiosity and contemplation. As Vere drove away from the mansion with Ronnie in his car, thoughts about James's unexpected proposal lingered in his mind, leaving him with a mix of anticipation and uncertainty.