Ch. 96..100: Blind Billionaire Bride Chapter 96-100

Chapter 96 Evidences from the past

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

AT RIA ROBERT COUTURE

A soft knock sounded on the door. “Come in.” Ria answered.

Ma’am Elise walked in with Detective Chad behind her and a box in his hands.

Ria sat beside Ian while Ethan sat with Attorney Ava. “Ma’am Elise, please join us.” Ria said when ma’am Elise was about leaving the office. She didn’t want ma’am Elise to feel left out in the plan.

“Okay.” Ma’am Elise bowed her head slightly before settling down beside detective Chad.

Ethan cleared his throat and performed the introduction. He introduced Chad to Ian and ma’am Elise. Chad hasn’t met them.

“So let us get down to business.” Detective Chad said as he opened the box he had brought in. “This box contains all the evidences and files which detective Derrick gathered eight years ago.”

“So what about Derrick?” Ian asked.

“He is not coming.” Detective Chad answered.

“Yes. Derrick doesn’t want to work on the case. And he also rejected the money you sent to him.” Ava added.

“I will just tell you everything he told me.” Detective Chad said.

**********

FLASHBACK

IDAHO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

DERRICK’S APARTMENT

Derrick walked on without responding and Chad followed him. “A friend of mine told me that you were the detective in charge of a murder case eight years ago.”

Derrick stopped on track.

“My friend’s name is Ethan Dantes. The case was about a family that was murdered in one night, husband and wife, a missing child whose body was later found in the woods… dead.”

Derrick turned to face Chad immediately. He stepped closer to Chad and whispered. “Why are you in Idaho?”

Chad covered the gap left between them and bend over to whisper into his ears. “I am a secret detective reinvestigating the case. That child is alive and she demands justice for the death of her parents. And I am-”

“Come with me.” Derrick cuts him off his intended sentence and he led Chad to his house.

“So you work as a Detective in Chicago?” Derrick asked detective Chad when they stepped into his house.

“Yes.” Detective Chad glanced around the small apartment.

“Don’t mind the condition of my apartment. It is an eyesore.” Detective Derrick sniffed as he sat on the couch.

“I am on a private mission to find the truth about The Roberts case. Ethan Dante’s already explained his part of the story to me, I mean when you both worked together to uncover the truth. Please tell me everything that happened right after you turned in the information you gathered.”

Detective Chad requested.

“I lost everything. Everything I have ever worked for… in my whole life. My job, my wife, my home, marriage… everything.”

Detective Chad arched his eyebrows. “Who fired you at work?” He asked.

“My boss. He wanted to get promoted so badly so he felt that solving a first class murder case would get him that promotion. So he asked me to work on the case. Unfortunately, he fired me after I told him the suspect and tendered the necessary information that could uncover the truth.” Derrick explained.

“Who was the suspect?”

“Frederick Robert.”

Detective Chad shook his head. “Oh… well it is possible that Frederick ordered your boss to fire you in exchange of getting him promoted.”

Derrick nodded in agreement. “Exactly. I figured that out a long time ago. Frederick Robert was the brain behind the case. He manipulated everything, the assassination, fake body, false witness, false killers… the whole case was falsified to hide the truth.”

“And the cops allowed it?” Detective Chad smacked his lips.

“You don’t know Frederick Robert.” Derrick chuckled lightly.

“I know he is a murderer.” Detective Chad said.

“Aside that… Frederick Robert owns Idaho. He is ruling here and he is highly connected in the judicial system.” Derrick munched on the loaf of bread.

“How did you know Frederick manipulated everything?” Detective Chad questioned.

“I worked on the case secretly even after I got fired at work. A colleague of mine provided me with every information I needed. I even talked to the witness and she admitted that she saw them that day… I mean the money make life gang. The woman saw them when she came out to tend to her dog that won’t stop barking. And even before that it wasn’t hard to figure the killers. I knew it was the MML gang because I have worked on several cases which involved them. To top it all, Frederick claimed the inheritance after they closed the case and then I found the truth. He covered up the whole truth so o one would ever trace it back to him.”

“Listen Derrick, I need to know every detail. Tell me about it.”

“Frederick sent the gang to get his brother to sign a transfer of inheritance paper and get rid of him and his family too.”

Detective Chad snapped his fingers. “Transfer of inheritance. That’s it. The whole plans centered around this inheritance. So what did you do after finding the truth?”

“Nothing.” Derrick shrugged.

“Why?”

“There was nothing I could so since the case was closed and my life was already miserable by the time.. when my wife left me.” Tears clouded his vision.

Detective Chad shook his head. “I am sorry about that.”

Derrick snorted. “Don’t feel sorry.”

“Ethan told me everything.” Detective Chad added.

“Yeah. He worked with me secretly. He was the one that gave me the idea of the inheritance. He hired you to reinvestigate the case?” Derrick asked.

Detective Chad nodded. “Yes.”

“Is really she alive?” Derrick asked again.

He wanted to be sure about it. He had gone to the cyber cafe that night Matthew came around. He searched for Ria Robert on Google and he found her among the list of top Clothe Designers in USA. He found everything! He recognized her with the pictures he had taken from her home eight years ago. Her face didn’t change but she was older now. It was hard for Derrick to believe that she was alive and he wondered how she had survived!

“Yes, Ria Robert is alive and she wants nothing but justice for the gruesome deaths of her parents.” Detective Chad replied.

Derrick dropped the bread he was eating back in the nylon. He stood up and motioned towards the box close to the fireplace. “You should go back with this box.” He gave it to Chad.

Detective Chad opened it and saw some stack of papers, a white envelope and a small black recording device. “Everything you need is in that box. They are evidences from the past.” Derrick said.

“And this?” Detective Chad took out the recording device.

“A guy came around and gave me that device and envelope.” Derrick replied.

Detective Chad looked up at him. “Who is he?”

“Matthew Alley. He is an ex convict and a close friend to a former member of money make life gang.” Derrick responded.

“And about the money make life gang, do you have anything about them? I have been trying to find information about them. Are they-”

“They are all dead.” Derrick cuts in.

Detective Chad screwed up his face. “The five of them?” He demanded.

“Yes. Three died during the failed operation, one died in custody and the last one was sentenced. The only member that survived was in jail for eight years but he died a couple of weeks ago.”

“Darn it!” Detective Chad cursed under his breathe and he frowned deeply.

“His name is Dane Julio but was nicknamed Speedy. He did a recording and wrote that note before his death.”

Detective Chad checked the writing on the envelope. It was directed to “RIA ROBERT” and it was sealed. “Do you know the cause of his death? Tell me all I need to know.”

Derrick sighed. “Matthew said that Frederick visited Speedy in jail few days before he died. He didn’t know what they talked about but he suspected that there was a deep secret between them. And days later Speedy had a fight with an inmate and was stabbed.”

“Perhaps was there a grudge between Speedy and that inmate?” Detective Chad asked.

“Yes. Scorpion used to be the don of the prison before Speedy took away that title. Speedy survived and at the infirmary he told Matthew that he needed him to find someone as soon as he regains his freedom.”

“Hold up…” Detective Chad raised a finger. “Speedy asked Matthew to find someone when he gets out of jail? Did he know he was going to die?” He was confused.

“Yes. Speedy told Matthew that someone wanted him dead. He told him the place to find the note and device and asked him to find me and deliver it to me.”

“And who wants him dead? He didn’t say?”

“Who else?”

Detective Chad raised an eyebrow. “Frederick Robert.” He replied.

“Yes. Matthew went back to the infirmary the next day during lunch but was told that Speedy passed away during the night.”

“But… why did Frederick have to kill Speedy?”

“You will find the answer in that recording.” Derrick itched the bridge of his nose. “Everything you need to put Frederick in jail is in that box.”

They lapsed into silence. Detective Chad was busy checking out the papers in the box. He saw several pictures. Two of the pictures were of Ria and her parents.

“I will advice you don’t deal with Frederick here in Idaho and also get the best attorney to help you on this case.” Derrick broke the silence.

“Thank you. Derrick, the best attorney will be in town soon to request for the files. Ria isn’t fighting Frederick alone.”

Derrick rubbed his palms together. “Good one. But I hope they don’t tell her that the files are missing.”

“They won’t do anything silly. Attorney Ava isn’t an ordinary attorney. She has the right connections to fight this case and win.” Detective Chad closed the box.

“Then tell her to request for a transfer of case to Chicago because that will render Frederick powerless.” Derrick advised.

“Frederick is already powerless in this case. Ria Robert is not the hopeless blind girl people around here know her to be anymore. She is rich now. And she also has rich and powerful people helping her on this case. You know Ian Bryant?”

“Ian Bryant?” Derrick repeated.

“Yes. He is a business mogul.” Detective Chad said.

Derrick nodded. “I haven’t met him but I have heard of his family history… pretty famous.”

“The Bryant are the richest in USA. Ian Bryant is Ria Robert partner and he is determined to put Frederick in jail. And I can assure you that he won’t get away this time.”

“You can’t be sure Detective. Frederick is smart. And as a matter of fact his spies at the station will call to him inform that an attorney tendered a reinvestigation note. I am certain-” He paused. “Frederick Robert will leave town.” He completed after some seconds of silence.

“We will arrange for his arrest before he leaves town.” Detective Chad replied.

“We?” Derrick shot him a confused look.

“Yes. Me and you. Derrick, you are a detective.”

Derrick shook his head in disagreement. “No. I am not a detective in Idaho anymore and I don’t want to work on the case. It is the reason I lost everything.”

“Ria Robert will be happy see you.” Detective Chad added.

“I am not interested.” Derrick spat.

“I can get you a job in Chicago. I am sure my team will be happy to have an incorruptible detective like you on our team.”

Derrick was silent. It has been eight years since he got fired at his workplace and he hasn’t worked on any case so far. Detective Chad dropped his number on the table.

“Give it a good thought.” Detective Chad stood up and carried the box with him and walked out of the house. He sent Derrick’s home address to Ava.

Attorney Ava went to Derrick’s house the next day she arrived at Chicago. She gave him the money Ian offered to give him but he refused it. Ava tried to convince him to join them to work on the case but he didn’t say much. She had dropped her card and told him that she awaits his response.

Derrick had a second thought. It was a chance to start his life again. To live a normal life and forget about his wife that had left him and also forget the miserable life he has been living in Idaho.

Chapter 97 Forgiveness

FLASH FORWARD

“So have you listened to the tape?” Ethan asked Chad.

“Yes…” Detective Chad took out the envelope and gave it to Ria. Ian collected it and handed it to her. “Speedy sent this to you.” He added.

“Can we listen to the tape first?” Ria asked.

“Sure.” Detective Chad took out the device and pressed the button.

Dane Julio, Speedy.

‘My name is Dane Julio but my gang called me speedy. I used to be a member of the money make life gang. Actually I was second in command in the gang because I was the closest to the boss. Wow, what a life I have lived. I am making this recording as an evidence to be used against Frederick Robert in court because I am certain nemesis will catch up with him soon. He is a bad man. Frederick used us for dirty jobs. He ordered us to kill people and it was mostly anyone who tried to get in his way. Eight years ago, Frederick came to my boss named Lucas and told him to get rid of his step brother Nathan Robert. He gave us paper works which contained the transfer of inheritance to his name. He told Lucas to get Nathan to sign those papers and we should kill him and his family so no one would ever find out the truth. The inheritance was a lot of money, it was about twenty million dollars and Frederick offered to give Lucas two percent of the money aside the payment of the job. We killed Nathan and his wife but Lucas took Ria away because he couldn’t control his sexual urge after seeing her. He was a pedophile.’

Ian held Ria’s hands and gave it a small squeeze.

‘Lucas took her to our den but lied to Frederick that he had fun with her in his car and she died and he threw her body off a cliff. Frederick believed him and left that day. He thought it was over until they declared Ria missing. He came back to the den and yelled at Lucas for not killing her in their home so the cops wouldn’t have to look for her body. Then Lucas helped him devise a plan, the perfect plan to make everyone believe that Ria was dead. Frederick paid the assistant chief of police to fire the detective in charge of the case because he found the truth and was determined to put him behind bars. He got connections in the police force and manipulated the whole case. Some of the cops were paid to present the false body of Ria Robert and those who didn’t want to lose their job were threatened to stay quiet. To prove that Ria was dead, a mannequin was customized to make it look like she was really dead. It was made by the toy industry in Idaho. They designed it to look like the real Ria Robert back then and that was why there wasn’t much cops at the place they found Ria’s so-called body. It was just the cops the assistant chief of police assigned to the woods. And when a witness showed up and said she saw us that night and everyone suspected us that we did it, Lucas sent out Kelly who was the only female in our gang to meet the woman. He asked her to go to the witness. She was a single mother of two and so Kelly threatened to kill her sons. And she ordered her to change her words whenever the press came around. And she complied and admitted that the men they found are ones she saw that night. The truth was Frederick paid two thugs to act as the killers giving them the assurance that he would fly them out of the country after the case was closed. And they confessed that they killed Nathan and his wife because he refused to pay the money he borrowed from them and that they also killed Ria in the woods. It was the manipulation Lucas and Frederick planned. Actually, we killed those men after they closed the case. Lucas was willing to protect Ria from her uncle because he was in love with her but my boss couldn’t tell her. And in a long run, we went for an operation in a bank but someone called the cops on us. They killed Lucas and two other members. I was apprehended and the last member that was shot, treated and locked up didn’t make it in custody. Python died few days later leaving just me to face the wrath of the law. Frederick couldn’t get me out of cell. I was sentenced to life imprisonment but that bastard promised to get me out of jail when I threatened to expose his secrets. Eight years passed now he didn’t do anything. He came to jail weeks back and asked me to tell him the truth about Ria. He claimed that she was alive and I told him the truth after seeing the pictures he gave to me. Then I told him to turn himself in to the police before he left that day. I knew Frederick won’t spare me for saying that to him. He was so confident that Ria won’t do anything to him. And I sensed that my end was near and I was glad. It was better to die than stay in jail for life. I am recording this just in case Frederick orders someone to get rid of me just to conceal the truth. I don’t want Frederick to get away with his crimes. And I am the only evidence Ria has to put him in jail. Detective Derrick, I am sure you are listening to me, you are the only one I can trust with this because I saw how determined you were back then to find the killers. Mr Derrick, find Ria Robert. She is in Chicago and now a famous clothe designer. Find her and help her get justice for her parents death.”

Then the device beeped.

“That’s all?” Ethan said in a low tone.

Detective Chad nodded. “We can arrest Frederick with these evidences.” He said.

“Yes and the transfer of case is in process.” Attorney Ava added.

“Mr Chad, do the necessary things.” Ian gritted.

“Sure I will turn in the evidences to my boss today and make a report. Attorney Ava, please I will like you to come with me to the station to talk to my boss about your trip to Idaho.” Detective Chad covered the box.

“Okay.” Attorney Ava agreed.

They both stood up. “Please kindly drop by at the station to make a statement.” Detective Chad said to Ria.

“Should I bring the letter along?” Ria asked.

“No, it is yours… and whatever is in there must be personal.” Detective Chad replied.

“Okay.”

Attorney Ava and Detective Chad exited the room.

“I think… I will take my leave too. See you later, Ria.” Ethan said and walked out of the office.

Ma’am Elise went to Ria. “Don’t worry everything will be fine. Mr Ian, I will leave her with you.” She said.

Ian nodded as he looked at Ria who was trying so hard to blink back tears. Ma’am Elise exited the room.

“Ria.” Ian called as he squeezed her hands gently. “I promise you that he won’t get away this time.”

Ria nodded as she picked the letter.

“Ria… you know that you can read the letter some other time.” Ian muttered.

“No… I will read now.” She sniffed.

“Are you sure about it?”

“Yes Ian. Please read it to me.”

“Okay.” And he read it to her.

Dane Julio; Speedy.

Dear Ria,

I am glad to hear that you are alive and also doing fine in Chicago. I heard that you are now a famous clothe designer. It is such a relief. To be sincere, Ria, you deserve the best after everything you went through in Lucas’s den. I am so sorry for what I tried to do to you. My greatest regret in life is trying to force myself on you because I still dream of that day each time I sleep. It has haunted me for years. Ria, find a place in your heart to forgive me for trying to force myself on you. I am using this medium to ask for your forgiveness for getting you into trouble with Lucas. I felt guilt for what Lucas and his men did to you. I wish we could meet again so I can apologize properly but I know that I am the last person you want to see. I know I deserve death and I will gladly accept it. Please Ria, once again forgive me and the money make life gang for killing your parents and for causing you so much pain. It is only your forgiveness that can make us rest in peace. Please forgive us. Thanks in advance! And I wish you all the best in life, Ria Robert.

Tears dropped down Ria’s cheeks. “He knew he was going to die.” She stood up and walked to her desk.

“Ria.” Ian went to her and pulled her into his arms tightly. “Please don’t cry.”

It didn’t work. Ria lasted two minutes in tears and she couldn’t stop them from flowing. “And even after everything… he shouldn’t have died!” She sobbed.

Ria should be happy that Speedy was dead but she was heartbroken. She felt bad that he was dead.

Ian held on to her. “Ria, that’s enough.” He whispered.

“Everyone deserve a second chance… you know no one deserves to die. He was bad though, but he thought of doing something that would help me. Now I feel bad that he possibly died because of me. And if he hadn’t confessed the truth then he would still be alive and-” Her voice trailed off.

“No. Ria.. don’t blame yourself.” He shushed her.

“I can’t believe that he gave up so easily. I forgive him… I forgive them. All of these wouldn’t have happened if Frederick didn’t approach them.” She muttered.

That was the best thing she could do to repay Dane Julio for preparing that evidence. Forgiveness was the only option left to take away the guilt she was feeling. And Ria promised that she would do everything in her power to make sure that Frederick Robert pays for all his crimes.

 

Chapter 98 Lint Corporation on fire

AT RIA ROBERT COUTURE

THRE DAYS LATER

Ria stood outside of the store waiting for Ian to come and drive her to school as promised. She was anxious. And she was beginning to lose patience. Ria had left her office and decided to wait for him outside. The time was now 10:30 a. m, passed the usual time and Ian was never late for their coffee mornings plus he always calls if he couldn’t make it down here due to emergency at work.

But today was different, he didn’t show up and no call. Ria was worried when she called his line and Ian didn’t pick up. She was disturbed and started to feel that something was wrong.

The transferring of case from Idaho to Chicago was approved the day before yesterday. And Detective Chad had gone out with his men to apprehend Frederick but no one was home except the maids. Detective Chad called Derrick to inform him that Frederick wasn’t home and the an old woman at his home said that Frederick left home some days ago. Chad was quick to calculate the date the woman gave him and it happened to be that the day Frederick left home was the same day Ava turned in the letter of reinvestigation.

Frederick Robert left town! Someone must have told him about the official letter. Coward! This made Derrick to join the justice team. He was now determined to find Frederick. And very soon they will declare him wanted.

“Miss Ria.. Miss Ria… Miss Ria!”

She heard ma’am Elise voice behind her. Ria turned to face her. She looked troubled.

“What’s wrong?” Ria asked.

“Please come in… and watch the news.” Ma’am Elise said shakily.

“The news?” Ria repeated.

Ma’am Elise nodded impatiently. Ria followed her back inside to the large television in the room. Her workers gathered around to watch the news too. Ria saw Lint Corporation textile factory on the screen and her eyes scrolled down to the breaking news; LINT CORPORATION TEXTILE FACTORY ON FIRE

The news captured the building on fire.

‘SEVERAL WORKERS INJURED AND CEO IAN BRYANT COLLAPSED IN FIRE.’ The reporter stated.

Ria’s eyes widened in shock and her heart skipped beats when she saw the medical team pushing Ian out on a stretcher with oxygen on his nose into the ambulance.

“No… no… no….” Ria muttered as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Ma’am Elise held her hand tightly. “He will be fine.”

Ria looked up at the big screen again. Firemen were trying to put out of the fire. What could have happened? She wondered.

“The victims are being rushed to the nearest hospital which is Ainsley Hospital.” The reporter continued.

“Ainsley hospital? I need to see him.” Ria murmured.

“I will help you change your bag.” Ma’am Loretta offered as she collected the school bag from Ria and rushed to the office.

Ria waited impatiently for her return. “I am coming with you.” Ma’am Elise said.

“No. I will be fine… please… just stay at the store.” Ria stammered.

“Okay.” Ma’am Elise replied reluctantly.

The two bodyguards named Brian and Bret that Ian had hired followed Ria closely.

“I don’t need you guys following me around!” Ria yelled at them and they stepped backward.

To Ria it was so annoying having bodyguards to protect her. At school they almost followed her into the toilet and scared off the ladies. They never left her side even in classes. And Ria already told Ian that she doesn’t need any bodyguard following her around but he wouldn’t let her have her way.

Ria dialed Mrs Perla number and she picked up immediately.

‘Hello?’

It wasn’t her voice.

‘Hello. Please can I talk Mrs Perla?’ Ria requested politely.

‘Ria is that you?’ The soft voice asked.

‘Yes.’

‘Oh Ria… it is me. Lauren.’

Ian’s second big sister. They have met before when she wanted to get a dress for her daughter Mia. She celebrated her 10th birthday two weeks ago.

‘I just watched the news now… and I am on my way to Ainsley hospital.’ Ria rushed out her words.

‘Okay.’ Lauren mumbled.

‘What about Mrs Perla?’

Lauren heaved a loud sigh. ‘My mom fainted after she received the news that Ian collapsed in the fire.’

‘How is she?’

‘She is fine now. The doctors already attended to her.’

‘Okay. I will be there soon.’

Lauren hummed a positive response before disconnecting the call.

“What’s going on? Oh my God! Let Ian be fine.” Ria said the prayer over and over again.

*******

IDAHO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

AT SANDERS MANSION

Alexis went to the door when she heard the doorbell. “Good afternoon. Please how may I help you?”

Derrick who was now working as a detective in Chicago brought out his ID card and showed it to the maid. He came with two other cops.

“We are here to see Mrs Vivian Robert.”

“Alexis, is everything okay?” Serena came into view.

Alexis opened the door wide for Serena to see their visitors. She walked closer to the door. “Are you, Mrs Sanders?” Derrick asked.

“Yes. I am Serena Sanders.” She replied.

Detective Derrick showed her his card. “And Mrs Vivian Robert is here right?”

Mrs Serena nodded. “Is everything okay?” She asked.

“Yes I just want to have a word with you.” Detective Derrick responded.

“Come in.” Mrs Serena invited them in.

“Vivian.” Serena called out.

Mrs Vivian and Bay walked to the sitting room. They stopped on track when their eyes fell on the men in uniforms.

“Detective Derrick from police quarters in Chicago.” He introduced briefly.

“What’s going on, mom?” Bay questioned with a raised eyebrows.

“Presently we are reinvestigating Nathan and Madison Robert case. And-”

“Nathan and Madison?” Mrs Vivian repeated.

“Yes. Mr Nathan was your husband’s step brother and Madison was his wife..” Detective Derrick said.

“They are dead.” Mrs Vivian replied.

“Yes I know.” Detective Derrick cocked his brows. “Where is Mr Frederick Robert?” He asked.

“My husband?” Mrs Vivian shot him a confused look.

“Yes.”

“He is out of town… on a vacation.” She stuttered.

“Where?”

“I don’t know.” Mrs Vivian answered.

“Or you don’t want to disclose his location.”

“My husband didn’t give me a specific country or town? He only warned me not to go Chicago.” Mrs Vivian said with sincerity in her tone.

“Why?”

Mrs Vivian exchanged glances with Serena. “I told him some weeks ago that I would like to visit Ria Robert Couture to buy some dresses but he refused to let me go…” She paused. “Why are you looking for my husband? And why are you reinvestigating a closed case?”

“For justice to prevail. After much investigation we found out that Mr Frederick Robert was deeply involved in the case.” Detective Derrick replied.

All of their jaws dropped in shock. “What do you mean?” Mrs Vivian demanded.

Detective Derrick ignored Vivian’s question. “It is obvious you don’t have an idea of where we can possibly find your husband at the moment. Thanks for your time.”

“Hey…” Bay called out to him but he don’t respond and then he left with his men.

Detective Derrick figured Frederick’s location from his wife’s words. He had warned her not to travel to Chicago so it only means that Frederick is in Chicago! His phone beeped. It was Chad.

‘Hello Chad. I just spoke to Mrs Vivian. She has no idea where her husband traveled to.” He told Chad what he found out.

“Frederick is in Chicago.” He said.

Detective Chad was silent.

“Are you there?” Derrick asked.

“Someone set Lint Corporation textile factory on fire.” Detective Chad said finally.

“What?!” His mouth dropped slightly.

“Yes. And Ian Bryant also collapsed in the fire.”

Frederick is in Chicago, the textile factory was on fire, Ian Collapsed in fire… Derrick thought deeply. Then it struck him almost immediately.

“Chad, I think this is Frederick’s doing.” He muttered.

“Yes I agree with you. Let us just assume that he wants to get rid of Ian Bryant to make Ria powerless. Ian said Frederick called him and he had told Frederick straight that he would put him in jail.” Detective Chad said.

“Now I think we don’t have to work in Idaho anymore.”

“Yes… the search is in Chicago. We have to find him.”

“Yes.”

“Perhaps did to tell his wife about it?” Detective Chad demanded.

“Not directly. I only said Frederick was involved in the case.” Detective Derrick replied.

“Why didn’t you tell her?”

“Well it looked like the poor woman would collapse if I told her Frederick murdered his brother. And I have too much work to do than rushing a woman to the hospital.” Detective Derrick responded.

“She will find out anytime soon

“Yes the press are already storming the police station here trying to find any information.”

“Well drop something for them before moving to Chicago.” Detective Chad instructed him after letting out a light chuckle.

“Sure.”

The line dropped.

 

Chapter 99 Suspects

CHICAGO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

AT AINSLEY HOSPITAL

The rush to the hospital was in a bad way, hectic scene in the emergency room and this feeling she had felt before; The fear of losing Ian. The fear of not being in Ian’s world again.

“Don’t let it be. Let him be safe.” Ria chanted in her head.

Ria pushed her way through the nurses and patients who were in her way and she ran towards the intensive care unit area. She met Lauren and Josie sitting in front of the intensive care unit. They stared at her as she stopped on track. Ria could recognize Josie from the pictures Ian had showed her on his phone.

“Ria.” Lauren stood up and came to her.

“How is he?” Ria asked her. Her eyes held a fearful look but with the hope that Ian would be fine.

Nothing would go wrong! Ian would be fine! She prayed.

A solemn look displayed on Lauren’s face. “We are not sure yet.” She said.

On cue, Doctor Hawn exited the intensive care unit with a female doctor and a nurse behind him and the three of them turned all their attention towards him.

“How is Ian?”

“How is he doing?”

“Doctor is Ian okay?”

“You don’t have to worry. He is fine.” Doctor Hawn replied.

Lauren, Josie and Ria let out a sigh of relief.

“It seems Ian didn’t take his Ventolin inhaler to the factory that was why he collapsed in the fire. The smoke must have been too much for him to bear that it affected his breathing.” Doctor Hawn said.

Ria froze for a second as she tried to make sense of the doctor’s words. Ventolin Inhaler echoed in her head.

“Will he fine? I mean… his breathing.” Josie asked.

Doctor Shawn nodded. “Yes, he will be okay. He is currently on oxygen machine but he will regain consciousness soon.”

“Can we see him?” Ria asked.

“Sure but I am afraid that you can’t go in yet.” Doctor Hawn responded.

They all nodded in understanding. “Please excuse me I will cheek on Mrs Perla.” He said and walked away with the women

“Josie, this is Ria Robert. She is Ian’s girlfriend.” Lauren introduced briefly.

Ria fiddled with her fingers. Josie was totally different from Lauren. She had a frown on her face and she shot Ria a disgusting look like she had shit on her body. In a nutshell, Josie knew Ian was seeing a blind lady who he had spent so much on. She concluded in her mind that Ria was an opportunist who is only using her brother to get the good things of life.

“It is nice to -”

Josie cuts in. “Lauren, I’ll just go ahead and check on Ian.” She said coldly before walking away.

“I apologize on Josie’s behalf. She is always like that anytime… she is under tension.” Lauren said in an apologetic tone.

Ria flashed her a half smile. “It is fine.” It doesn’t matter to her. She was more concerned about Ian.

“Mrs Lauren…” Ria paused and swallowed hard. “I don’t understand what Doctor Hawn said about the Ventolin Inhaler.”

“Ian didn’t tell you?” Lauren questioned.

“He has never mentioned something like that to me.” Ria shook her head.

“Ian is asthmatic.”

Ria’s heart beats rapidly. “I never knew Ian had health problems. He didn’t mention it to me.” She replied.

“Well maybe he didn’t want you to worry about him. Actually he goes around with an inhaler. I feel you should know better now that Ian is pretty good at hiding his problems but does his best at making people around him happy.” Lauren shrugged.

And Ria never noticed it. And why didn’t she ever ask him if he had any health problem too? Such thoughts has never occurred to her.

“Don’t worry, Ria, my brother is quite strong. I am sure he is going to be fine.” Lauren rubbed Ria’s upper arm.

Ria nodded in agreement. “Do you want to see Ian first or check on my mom?” She asked.

“Your mom.” Ria replied. She doesn’t want to stand on same spot with Josie Bryant. That woman’s looks scares the hell out of her.

“Let us go.” She held Ria’s hand and led her to a private ward.

Ria heard Mrs Perla voice when they almost got to the entrance of the ward. “This is all your fault!” She screamed.

Lauren rolled her eyes. “Family issues.” She muttered.

At that point Ria knew that she shouldn’t go in with her. She stopped. “Mrs Lauren, you can go in and see what’s going on. I want to call a friend.”

Lauren stared at her for a second. “Okay.” She nodded.

“If only you had monitored the factory seriously like the rest of your sisters did to the company assigned to them then Ian won’t be unconscious!” Mrs Perla voice boomed again.

Lauren stepped in. “You are incompetent Piper! And all of this happened because of you!” She yelled at Piper again.

Ria wondered what had caused the fire at the factory. Her phone beeped snapping her out of brief thought. She took it out of her bag. It was Ethan!

‘Ria… I watched the news.’ He whispered.

‘Yes… Lint Corporation was set on fire. Ian collapsed in the fire too.’

‘Where are you?’

‘At Ainsley hospital.’

‘So how is he?’

Tears clouded her vision. ‘Ian is unconscious but the doctor said he would be fine.’ She blinked back tears as she explained Ian’s health condition to him. ‘He is asthmatic.’

‘And he didn’t tell you about it?’

‘Ian didn’t tell me he is asthmatic… and I have never even noticed an inhaler with him.’ She sniffed.

‘Ria relax. Ian… no maybe he didn’t want you to worry about him.’

‘But I would be glad if he had told me about it. Finding out from the doctor and then his sister explaining the whole thing to me makes me look like I really don’t care about him.’

Now Ria was feeling bad that she haven’t been caring about him.

‘Will you come back to the store anytime soon?’

‘No, I will wait here. I want to be there for Ian whenever he regains consciousness.’ This is the perfect time to repay Ian for taking care of her in China.

‘Okay. Please just give me a call when he wakes up.’

‘Okay.’

‘Bye.’ He hang up the call.

Ria turned back with an attempt to go back to the intensive care unit but Josie was there standing right in front of her. And she didn’t know what to say to her.

“The board of directors and shareholders of the factory would requests that you stepped down as the chairlady.” A masculine voice said.

“What?!” Piper gasped.

“Piper, you don’t have to worry about them… you can’t step down if the major shareholder doesn’t want you to step down and you know your mom is the major shareholder.”

“I want her to step down.” Mrs Perla said.

“Mom! You can’t do this to me! After everything I -”

“You ruined the company. Now we have no textile company now!”

“Calm down mom.” Ria heard Lauren’s voice.

“Darling, we can have a discussion without you yelling and we sort things out.” The masculine voice said again. Ria knew it must be Ian’s dad.

Josie held the door knob. “You shouldn’t be eavesdropping on our family’s discussion.”

Oh yeah she was right! Ria knew it would be better for her to stay away since she is not part of the family. She would talk to Mrs Perla later.

Ria stepped away. The door opened and Piper came out with a wet face. She has been crying. She ran down the hallway as fast as her legs could carry her.

Josie stepped into the ward and slammed the door on Ria’s face.

“Darling -”

“That’s my final decision and… I am not changing my mind.” Mrs Perla interrupted him.

“Mom is this about Ian or the company? You are being too harsh on Piper for no reason.” Ria heard Josie’s voice.

“Please don’t start Josie.” Lauren cautioned her.

Ria wasn’t ready to stay around and listen to their discussion. So she made her way back to the intensive care unit. She peered through the transparent glass on the door. Time ticked constantly, moving while Ria stood waiting outside the intensive care unit. She watched Ian laying unconsciously in bed. There he laid, his limp body on the bed, a bandage around his head and left wrist and a gauze on his nose.

Ria was sure there was more under the hospital gown. He wasn’t in a good condition. And all that’s left is to wait till he regained consciousness.

Her phone buzzed again. It was Ethan.

‘Hello Ethan.’

‘Ria.’ He called out shakily.

‘What’s wrong Ethan?’ She asked out of fear.

Ethan drew in a deep breathe. ‘Chad just called me now and he said that… Frederick is in Chicago.’

Ria’s heart beat accelerated. ‘Don’t let it be what I am thinking.’ She murmured.

‘And he said that… it is possible that Frederick set the textile factory on fire. No evidence yet but they are preparing to check the CCTV in the factory. Some parts are not affected.’

‘Oh my goodness.’ Ria whispered.

Tears. She could feel them dropping down her cheeks. If it was Frederick who set the textile factory on fire then he must have done that to get back at Ian. She was there the day Frederick called Ian to ask why he had canceled the deal and Ian told him everything; the recording and the case he tried to cover up.

Realization hit Ria that all of this happened because of her. The textile factory got burnt because of her! Those workers in the fire, Ian and Piper getting dismissed at work. It was all her fault.

‘Ria, are you there?’

She dropped the phone from her ear and stared at Ian closely. Why was there a bandage on his head and wrist and the a gauze on his nose since he was only affected by the smoke? How did he sustain these injuries? She pondered.

It was clear! If it was Frederick’s doing then he was after Ian’s life. He wanted to destroy Ian to make her powerless over the case. Frederick knew that Ian was solidly behind her and determined to put him in jail.

And at the same time what if it wasn’t Frederick but someone else? Who else could it be? Ria thought deeply.

‘Ethan…’ Ria placed the phone back on her ear.

‘Yes Ria… are you okay? You scared me.’

‘What if it was Drake Robert?’

‘Drake?’

‘Yes… the deal Ian cancelled. Drake must have done it to make Ian come back to him. Remember he wanted to supply me Fabrics but I rejected his offer… Ian made him sign a note to make him stay away from me but then the deal still got canceled. He could have–‘

‘Relax Ria. Please calm down. I understand what you are trying to say. I will call Chad right now and tell him about it too.’

The line dropped again.

Ria’s mind was spinning. It could be Drake Robert. He must have thought that ruining the textile factory would make her come to him for supplies so then he would use that chance to make Ian sign the deal again.

And Ria could hardly believe what she was thanking! But somehow feelings of guilt washed over her. She wondered what would happen tomorrow and in the next few days.

Chapter 100 It’s all my fault

AT SANDERS MANSION

“Vivian! Vivian! Vivian!” Mrs Serena called out to her after receiving a call from a close friend. She rushed into the sitting room. Bay and Vivian looked at her with confused looks.

“Mom… what’s wrong?” Bay asked as she rubbed her baby bump.

“You haven’t watched the news?” Mrs Serena picked the remote and tuned in to a news channel. “Vivian you should watch the news.” She looked troubled.

Then they gasped few seconds after watching the news. The Headline was; FREDERICK ROBERT DECLARED WANTED. His picture was at the top right side of the big screen with WANTED in red letters.

“Mom, that’s the man that came around here to ask for-” Bay arched her brows as she pointed to a man on the big screen talking to some reporters. It was Derrick.

“Yes… he is the one.” Mrs Serena replied.

Mrs Vivian was silent. Her mind was spinning dizzyingly and her world upside down. She could hardly believe what Derrick was saying to the press.

“Mr Frederick Robert is the suspect of a case from eight years ago. And we have enough evidences to charge Mr Robert to court for the murder of his step brother, Nathan and his wife, Madison Robert.”

“Oh no…” Mrs Vivian muttered and placed her hand on her forehead.

“What’s all this mom?” Bay arched her brows.

“I don’t know. Vivian, we should call Drake. Yes, I will just call-” Mrs Serena stopped when she noticed that Vivian wasn’t moving on the couch. “Vivian -” She called at her but she didn’t respond. She went closer to Vivian and tried shaking her up but she was already unconscious.

“What’s wrong mom?” Bay managed to get up from the couch.

“Bay… Bay… Call 911!” She screamed out startling Bay in the process but she rushed to the home line to call the emergency line.

******************

CHICAGO, UNITED STATE OF AMERICA

AINSLEY HOSPITAL

Darkness. Complete darkness that’s all he could see. He tried opening his eyes but they wouldn’t budge to his will. His arms were doing the same, remaining limp by his sides. Finally, he managed to open his eyes, slowly, observing the surrounding through his blurred vision and his irises adjusted to the light in the room.

“Where am I?” He wondered sighing.

Soon realization hit him when he heard the beeping sound of machine next to him and the walls were all covered in white colors.

“I am in the hospital?” He groaned at the slight pain in his head. How did I get to the hospital? He mused.

“Ian.” A soft voice called out to him.

He turned slightly and saw his mom. “Ian.” She called again.

“Mom.” Mrs Perla sat down at the edge of the bed and held on to his hand gently.

“What happened… mom?” He asked.

“You collapsed in the fire.” Mrs Perla answered.

“Fire? What fire?” He muttered.

“At the textile factory.”

Ian closed his eyes and slowly memories flooded his mind’s eye. “Ian, how did you get caught in the fire? And why didn’t you take your inhaler with you?” Mrs Perla questioned with a concerned look on her face.

“What about Ria? Where is she?” Ian said in a tight whisper ignoring her questions.

Mrs Perla stared at her son. “Is… she… okay?” Ian asked shakily.

Mrs Perla was surprised that he was still concerned about a woman instead of questioning her about his health. “Relax. Ria is fine. She just stepped out a while ago to get coffee for me.” She replied.

Ian heaved a sigh of relief. “For how long have I been at the hospital?”

“You have been out for more than twenty four hours.” Mrs Perla responded.

“A whole day? Now what have I missed?! Ria must be really worried.” Ian bantered internally.

The door opened and he looked away from his mom to the door. Ria was there with a coffee pack in her hands. “Ian.” She whispered.

A small smile formed on his lips immediately at the sight of the woman he loves so much. Ria rushed to the bed and gave Mrs Perla the coffee.

“Thank you very much, Ria.” Mrs Perla said to her. Then Ria moved to the other side of the bed so she could have access to touch him.

“How are you feeling?” She asked.

“I am fine.” Ian reached out to her first and she held his left hand.

Ria sighed in relief as she nodded her head but didn’t smile at him. At least she was glad that he made it back alive.

“Mom, can you please excuse us? I want to talk to Ria alone.” Ian requested.

“Sure. I was about leaving too.” Mrs Perla stood up. “I will inform Doctor Hawn that you are awake.” She smiled at him.

“Thanks mom.”

Mrs Perla exited the room. “Ria-” Ian tried to sit up on the bed.

“Hey. Relax. Let me adjust the bed so you can sit up.” Ria adjusted the bed rails and it came higher. And Ian sat comfortably on the bed while Ria settled at the edge facing him directly.

“Ian, I was worried when you didn’t show up at the store and I called you but you weren’t picking up… until I watched the news. I was…” Ria’s voice trailed off.

Ian noticed the tears at the corners of her eyes. “I was so scared… and I thought I was going to lose you.” She admitted.

Oh! Ria really thought something bad was going to happen to Ian and she was terrified at the thought of losing him.

“Ria… I made a promise that I am not going to leave you and I am so bent on fulfilling it.” Ian reassured her.

Then she moved closer and hugged him. “I can’t live without you… so please stay with me.” She sobbed.

Ian pat her back slightly. “Yes Ria. I am going to stay with you.” He chuckled lightly.

“And why didn’t you tell me about your health condition?” Ria came out of the embrace and stared intently at him.

“Ria-”

“I never knew that you have asthma and you didn’t tell me about it. I felt bad when I found out about it from Doctor Hawn.”

Ian reached out to wipe the tears on her cheeks with his fingertips. “I am sorry.” He apologized.

“I didn’t tell you about my health condition because I didn’t want you to worry about me. And to be honest with you, I haven’t had an attack since I met you. I have been doing just fine.” He added.

“Still… why didn’t you take it with you? I mean the inhaler?”

Ian smiled. “I always leave the inhaler in the car. And I didn’t expect the fire outbreak.” He held her hands in his large ones.

Ria sniffed. “I am glad you are fine.” She embraced him again.

“Any news on the case?” He asked.

“You shouldn’t worry about the case yet. Please get better.” Ria withdrew from the embrace and looked straight at him.

“I am doing just fine. And I can’t be at peace knowing that Frederick hasn’t paid for what he did to you.” Ian gritted.

“Ian-”

“Come on, Ria, just tell me about it.” He kissed their locked hands.

“Well about the fire… Detective Chad and Derrick came around last night.” Ria said.

“Okay. So what did they say?”

Ria sighed. “Frederick is in Chicago.”

Ian screwed up his face. “Really?”

“Yes he is in Chicago. And we all suspect that he might be involved in the fire outbreak at the textile factory.”

Ian forehead creased. “Wait… you mean Frederick Robert possibly set my factory on fire?”

Ria shook her head in agreement and explained her assumptions which might possibly be the truth. The reason for suspecting Frederick and Drake too. She told him everything he needed to know!

“Chad came around because he wanted to hear your side of the story too.” She completed.

Ian nodded. “Do I have to wait for them to come around before saying anything? Or we should meet them at the station?”

“I am sure they will come around soon. For now you need to rest.” Ria replied.

“Well did they mentioned it to my mom that Frederick and his son are the suspect of the fire outbreak?” Ian demanded.

“Yes. I am sorry, Ian I had to do it. I told her about it when she saw the news about Frederick being wanted. Actually Ian I had to admit to her that I was related to him.”

“Ria, you shouldn’t have -”

“You don’t have to worry. I didn’t tell her about Lucas yet.” She interrupted him.

“Is that possible? Ria, there is no way you will share your story without involving him.”

Tears clouded her vision again. “Yes. But she was only interested in knowing about Frederick. So I only told her that Frederick ordered the killings of my parents just to take over my dad’s inheritance.” She wiped a tear that strayed down her cheek.

“And she didn’t ask you how you survived alone?”

Ria sniffled. “Funnily enough, she didn’t ask me. Your mom was so troubled after I told what Frederick did to me and she is even more concerned now about how to get him to pay for his crimes.”

“She wouldn’t have found out if not for the news.”

Ria nodded in agreement. “The news. Frederick is all over the news now.”

Ian gave her hand a small squeeze. He didn’t like to see her get hurt or shed a tear. It always tears him apart. “Where are your bodyguards?” He asked.

“They are at the store.” She replied.

“Why the store? They should be here guiding you. I paid them to protect you and not sitting at the store!” Ian seethe his teeth in anger.

“Calm down Ian. Please relax, I told them not to follow me around.”

Ian jaw dropped slightly. “Why?”

Ria was silent.

“Ria, tell me what’s wrong? Are they giving any problems?” His voice was soft and it sent a cold chill down her spine.

“Or is any of your lecturer against bring your bodyguards to classes?”

Ava already sent an official note to the institution authority and explained that Ria would be coming around with more bodyguards. She isn’t safe with Frederick finding out that she is alive!

“No.” Ria nodded negatively.

“Then what? Tell me Ria. I don’t want you moving around without the bodyguards. It is even more dangerous now that Frederick is in Chicago.”

Ria avoided his gaze. “Ian, it is just that I don’t want anyone risking their lives to protect me. Look if Frederick comes around he would take down my bodyguards first before taking me. They would get hurt for my sake… and I don’t want that to happen. So the only way to stop it and avoid losing them is to just… stop them from following me around.” She closed her eyes. “Look at you now, Ian, you are also in this state because of me.” More tears streamed down her cheeks.

And she goes again putting all the blame on herself! Ria thinks everything that happened was her fault!

“Ria, don’t think things this way. I don’t want you to blame yourself. Plus we are not even sure if Frederick or Drake set the factory on fire and even if it is one of them please don’t ever blame yourself for it.” Ian believed she would take comfort from being assured that it wasn’t her fault even if Frederick or Drake was involved in the fire outbreak.

“But-”

“No more buts from you. Is that clear?”

Ria nodded. “What about the factory now?”

“What’s the condition? Did everything get burnt?”

“No just the storage room and part of the main factory. The firemen were quick to quench the fire.” Ria replied.

Ian swallowed hard. “Don’t be concerned about it. Last month mom and I discussed it that we would renovate the textile factory. So I am sure this is the right time to get things done.”

“Well Ian… I am just happy that no worker died in the fire. Though some sustained minor injuries and they were all quick to get out of the building.” Ria looked at him.

“We will compensate those that sustained injuries. Please don’t worry yourself too much.”

Ria nodded in agreement. “Your mom said the same thing too.” She stopped.

“What’s wrong?”

“Oh Ian, I don’t know if I should be the one telling you this…” Her voice broke off.

“Tell me what happened.”

“Actually, yesterday your mom agreed to the shareholders request.” Ria said.

“What request?”

“They want Piper to step down as the chairlady. It wasn’t her fault but your mom also thinks Piper is incompetent of running the factory.” Ria answered.

“Yeah. She is right. I mean, they are all right about Piper. The truth is that she is the reason why I went to the factory. You see, Piper doesn’t like the idea of sitting at the desk all day. She had always wanted to be model but our parents didn’t agree to her choice. And so she was only trying to run the factory somehow… with my help.” Ian explained.

“Okay. I just feel bad and guilty for her.” Ria murmured.

“We will sort things out. Is that all?” Ian asked.

And Ria nodded but Ian feels she still has something to say.

“Yes.”

“Okay. Please can I get a smile now?”

Ria flashed him a half smile. “Ian, this is not the appropriate-”

“Time to smile right?” Ian completed her statement. “Ria, I am alive and we are back together. So isn’t that enough reason to smile?”

Ria stared at him. “Yeah. You are right. I am sorry. I didn’t think about it.” She muttered.

“It is okay.” Ian rubbed her upper arm gently.

“Ian, how about you move in with us for the main time.” Ria said after a minute of silence that flowed by with both of them just staring into each other’s eyes.

“Move in with you?” And Ian thought he didn’t hear her words correctly.

“Yes move in with us after your discharge. You can stay with us till you get better. I want to take care of you.” Ria replied.

“No Ria. Mr Griffin is at home and I can take care of myself.” Ian declined.

The truth is Ian loves the idea of staying with Ria but he doesn’t want to be a burden to her.

“You don’t want me to take care of you properly? Do you think I can’t do a better job than Mr Griffin?” Ria demanded.

“I don’t think it is a good idea.” Ian answered.

“Why?”

“Ria, you have too many work at hand. You have to take care of your kids, prepare them for school before their nanny arrives and as well as preparing yourself for the work at the store and for classes too. And offering to take care of me would only add to the work on ground. And I don’t want to be a burden to-”

“Ian, you are not going to be a burden to me.” Ria cuts in sharply. “And stop making it sound like I do thousands of work a day.” She added quickly.

“Listen you don’t have to inconvenient yourself just to take care of me. I can take good care of myself.” Ian said.

Ria stared at him for a second and nodded slowly. She didn’t expect that he would turn her down so easily. “I understand. It is fine if you don’t want to move in with…” Her voice trailed off and she stood up from the end.

“You should rest now.” Ria said sharply as she adjusted the bed.

Ian studied her expression. Ria wasn’t happy that he turned her down. Ian would like to move in with her! He wants her to take care of him! He wants to wake up to see her first thing in the morning! But Ian was feeling like wanting all these makes him selfish. He has to think of the fact that she has many things to do.

But at the same time Ria won’t be happy if he doesn’t say yes to her offer. She was already looking so sad for his rejection when all he wanted was to make her happy.

Ian caught her hand before she stepped away from the bed to sit on the couch. “Ria, are you sure? I mean about me moving in with you for sometime?” He asked.

“Yes Ian. I am sure but it seems you don’t want me to take care you just like how you did to me.” Ria stopped and continued after few seconds.

“When I found out about your health condition, I felt really bad. It is as if I don’t know you the way I should and that I don’t care about you the way you care about me. And I am sorry I didn’t take such steps. I had no idea of how to start a relationship or how to maintain one. I know nothing about it-” She paused.

“I am sorry.” She apologized.

Ian gestured for her to sit back on the bed and she did. “So we can use this chance of staying together to get to know each other better. Huh? And remember I said I was going to court you properly.”

Ria nodded. And Ian would have proposed to Ria the moment he confessed to her but he couldn’t do it because he didn’t have a ring and it was too early to propose without going to a relationship first. But Ian has a plan, they can make that decision after the end of Frederick Robert.

“We will have all the time.” Ian added.

Then Ria leaned close and pressed her lips on his lips. “Thank you, Ian.”

Ria wiped the tears that rolled down her cheeks amidst kisses when she pulled away. “I love you.” She muttered.

“I love you too.” Ian smoothened strands of hair from her face.