His Motives
Amber and marmee were busy preparing the table for dinner. They had just finished cooking, with the head cook and maids lending a hand. The kitchen was filled with the aroma of delicious dishes, and the table was adorned with an array of culinary delights. It was a feast fit for a celebration.
“I am so glad I learned something great from the family who adopted me.” Amelia said out of the blue. Growing up with a family who enjoyed cooking, she was able to learn their special family recipes and now she can pass it all to her granddaughter.
“I am happy for you, marmee. I definitely learned a lot of things from you.” Amber went to hug her grandmother.
Then, marmee went on to say something while looking at her granddaughter with a twinkle in her eye. “Tonight’s dinner feels more like a celebration for both you and Devlin,” she remarked with a sly grin, then added, ” Maybe ‘it’s time for you to start working on my great-grandchild, dear.”
Devlin, standing nearby, couldn’t help but chime in with a playful tone, “We are working on it, marmee.” He winked at Amber before excusing himself to welcome their anticipated visitors.
As marmee and Amber shared a knowing glance, marmee couldn’t hide her excitement. “I am so happy to see you glowing with happiness right now,” she said to Amber. “I’m serious about what I said. I can’t wait to hold my great-grandchild soon.” Her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Amber’s cheeks turned a shade of red as she giggled in response. Her heart swelled with warmth and gratitude for all the love she received from marmee and her husband.
Their conversation was interrupted by Abby, who had just entered the room. With impeccable manners, she greeted Amber’s grandmother, saying, “Good evening, Mrs. Adams.”
“Good evening, Abby! You are way too formal. I prefer you to call me, marmee.” Abby chuckled softly, embracing marmee’s energetic vibe, while Agent Smith smiled widely at the old woman. This was the first time Amber had seen the typically stoic agent smile so genuinely.
“Everyone, let’s have dinner now before the food gets cold. Marmee and Amber cooked this together.” Devlin said proudly.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.
Marmee gracefully served the visitors, regaling them with the fascinating history of her prized lasagna. Alongside the lasagna, they enjoyed an array of fresh salads as side dishes. Smoked salmon and dynamite shrimp were also on the menu for those who preferred a lighter meal.
All in all, it was a delightful dinner filled with laughter, as marmee never ran out of entertaining stories to share. Even Agent Smith joined in on the laughter, exchanging jokes with marmee. Amber couldn’t help but notice how her former secretary was now looking at Agent Smith with a different, more interested gaze than she had a few days ago. There was something undeniably intriguing between the two of them.
Dinner was an absolute blast: it stretched on for more than an hour. Laughter filled the air as everyone at the table shared their funniest stories. Even the typically impassive Agent Smith and enigmatic Abby couldn’t resist joining in. Amber and Devlin, who knew just how seriously these two took their jobs, were pleasantly surprised to see the playful side of Agent Smith and the lighthearted-side of Abby.
As the group began to move to the lounge area to enjoy some after-dinner drinks, Amber leaned in toward her grandmother. “Thanks, marmee. Dinner was awesome,” she whispered with a warm smile.
Marmee brought some jasmine tea for everyone. However, Devlin had something else in mind. “Marmee, your food was so delicious that I think I need something a bit stronger to wash it down!” He chimed in with a hearty laugh.
Marmee simply chuckled at him. She poured tea for both Amber and Abby while she settled herself to the single chair.
“So, Agent Smith, what’s the latest update on our case?” Devlin asked, getting straight to business. The playfulness he had displayed during dinner had vanished.
Agent Smith took a sip from his glass of wine before responding, “Mr. Harrison was declared stable yesterday. He is now recuperating in a private room, with the police guarding him round the clock. As soon as his doctor clears him, a warrant for his arrest will be served.”
“And what about the crucial information you wanted to discuss in person? What’s it all about?” Devlin inquired, eager to bring this matter to a resolution once and for all.
“We delved deeper into Mr. Harrison’s background and discovered that he was deeply involved in an intricate web of illegal activities. His intense desire to gain control of all your inheritance stemmed from his need to settle his extensive gambling debts. He found himself embroiled in more significant issues within the underground world, which had been haunting him relentlessly. Using any means necessary, he manipulated your father and brother into unknowingly participating in unlawful endeavors. Little did they know, they were being set up by Mr. Harrison,” Abby explained with precision.
“Moreover, Mr. Harrison attempted to ensnare you in his schemes multiple times. One such instance occurred five years ago when he deliberately used substandard materials in your construction projects, tarnishing your reputation. He bribed individuals within your company to facilitate this damage, all in an effort to gain leverage for blackmail. Fortunately, you managed to rectify that situation. And the rest of the issues you had to face during those years within your company was all his doing.” Agent Smith added.
“Finally, his last resort was to steal money from your company with the help of his cohorts. That was his desperate move to pay off his debts,” Abby said.
“I can’t believe he chose to lead this kind of life,” Marmee blurted out. All eyes turned to her, filled with confusion, except for Amber. Seeing the curiosity in their gazes, she proceeded to share her history with Mr. Harrison.
After she narrated her story, a heavy silence fell upon the room. It was Amber who spoke up above the deafening silence. “So, what happens now? Will we finally find some peace when they put him in jail?” She asked, her determination evident. She wanted to ensure to not live through those horrors again. She wanted to go back to her normal life together with Devlin.
“He will never harm you again, wife. I will ensure that justice is served, putting an end to his vengeful acts right now. He must stop hurting more innocent people,” Devlin declared firmly.
Amber shivered at the dark depths of Mr. Harrison’s twisted mind. She couldn’t understand what it must be like to see the world through his perspective.
“Don’t worry. We have a very strong case against him,” declared Agent Smith. “He would definitely spend the rest of his life in jail.”
Marmee felt saddened by what had happened to her old friend. However, no one is above the law. Seeking revenge will only lead to destruction.
Their discussion continued, delving into the individuals entangled in Mr. Harrison’s scheme.
“As for your father and brother, I’ve investigated their situation. It appears that they should consider consulting a reputable lawyer. They had a serious case.” Agent Smith said with a grimmed expression. Amber clutched Devlin’s hand tightly. Those are his family but he couldn’t do anything. They are now in the hands of the law.
Devlin took a few moments closing his eyes and took a deep breath. “Alright, ensure that everyone who was an accomplice to Mr. Harrison faces time behind bars,” Devlin said firmly instead of commenting about his family.
Agent Smith simply nodded, fully aware of the dangerous game Mr. Harrison had entangled himself within the underground world. He had heard about those individuals with whom Mr. Harrison dealt, and they were known to be truly vicious. He is glad though that Devlin would be spared from their wrath. Or else… it will be a huge problem. Hitting those people is like hitting a colossal, indestructible fortress. And victory seemed like an impossible feat. No one would want to deal with them.