“That’s exactly what I’m thinking, Ate. I think I’ll show him the twins before the new year,” I replied, and we returned to our earlier playful conversation, laughing about all the silly and romantic things that came to mind.
“Weren’t you going to cast a spell on someone?” Sis asked.
“Wow, sis! That was just a joke. I don’t know anything about spells,” I replied.
“Ma’am Lily, your private investigator is here,” Caroline informed me.
“Let him in, Caroline,” I said.
“I’ll just wait in the other room,” Big Sister Violet said, excusing herself.
“No, Sis, stay here. Let’s both talk to him,” I insisted.
LILY
I waited for my private investigator, Mr. Anthony, to speak. Big Sister Violet and I exchanged glances, eager to hear the information he had gathered.
“The incident involving Arlo Bonde happened in London, Ma’am Lily, so it was a bit challenging to uncover some details about him,” he began.
“Valerie Garcia is the granddaughter of Thomas’s close friend. I believe Philip also mentioned this to you, as well as the retrograde amnesia Arlo is suffering from. Valerie’s mother is Arlo’s private doctor and a neurologist. Valerie’s parents have been divorced for a long time.
“I’m not entirely sure, Ma’am Lily, but I have a feeling there’s something off about the mother-daughter duo. It would be better if you could arrange for Arlo to be seen by another neurologist. Only Arlo can answer your other questions. I hope he regains his memory soon. Thomas has gone to great lengths to keep what happened to his only grandson a secret,” Mr. Anthony explained.
“Where is Thomas now?” I asked, realizing I hadn’t thought to ask Philip about his father.
“He’s currently in Milan, Italy. He’s been living a very private life since Arlo’s accident. It seems Philip Bonde blames him for ruining his son’s life.”
“Thank you, Mr. Anthony. This is a great help,” I said gratefully.
Mr. Anthony stood up and politely excused himself. As he left, I noticed him stealing a glance at Big Sister Violet. She’s a single mother, and Mr. Anthony is still single. Hmm, they actually look good together.
“They’re a match,” I suddenly blurted out.
“Lily, what are you talking about?” Big Sister Violet asked, startled, and even Anthony, my investigator, seemed taken aback.
“I have to go, Ma’am Lily, Miss Olivia,” Mr. Anthony said.
“Just call me Miss Lily,” I told him.
“All right, Miss Lily,” he replied with a slight smile.
As Mr. Anthony exited, Big Sister Violet and I exchanged wide-eyed looks.
“Wow,” we both said in unison, our mouths forming perfect O’s.
“Anthony seems to like you,” I teased Sis.
“The private investigator?” she asked, surprised.
“Yes! Anthony is single, handsome, kind, and smart. Isn’t that your type? Plus, he’s got that macho vibe and a strong appeal,” I said, smiling as I noticed her cheeks turning red.
“Lily, stop it. I’m happy with just Ethan, my son,” she replied, a bit defensive.
“Sis, I know, but you deserve someone by your side too.”
“Let’s change the topic,” she said, trying to steer the conversation away.
“Fine, but I’m setting you and Anthony up on a date,” I said, laughing.
Sis lightly slapped my arm. “A date already?”
“Just kidding! I’ll let him court you first. I’m sure Ethan will like him too.” Big Sister Violet sighed, exasperated.
“Lily, let it go,” she said with a soft laugh.
But then, my mind drifted back to what Anthony had said earlier. “I’m curious about what Anthony mentioned about Valerie and her mother. Do you think what I’m thinking?”
“I think so,” Sis replied, and we exchanged knowing glances, our thoughts seemingly aligned.
“Sis, what if they’re giving Arlo some kind of drug to make him forget parts of his past?” I speculated.
“That’s what I’m thinking too, or maybe we’re just overthinking,” sis said cautiously.
The possibility left me more confused. I stood up, opened the glass window of my office, and took a deep breath of fresh air. I thought about discussing this with Philip, but what if my suspicions were wrong? The uncertainty weighed on me.
“Lily, I need to head back to the hotel to take care of a few things before we leave for Davis mansion,” sis said, excusing herself as she left my office.
I sat back in my swivel chair, leaning against the backrest. I stayed quiet for a few minutes, my thoughts circling around Valerie and her mother.
“Ma’am, it’s lunchtime. Where would you like to eat?” Caroline asked, interrupting my thoughts.
“Just order me Pizza,” I replied.
“Okay, Ma’am,” she said as she left.
As I shook my head, trying to clear the overwhelming thoughts, I decided to distract myself by tackling the pile of papers Caroline had placed on my desk. I signed the documents that needed my approval and made sure everything was in order. Eventually, I finished signing them all.
After lunch, about two hours later, I left my office and instructed Caroline to gather all the employees. She quickly complied with my request.
