Chapter 5: A small package
By the time they approached the estate, Christina brought out a sophisticated keypad for the gate. Fingerprint scan, retinal scan—security that looked like it belonged in a spy movie.
"When do I get my access pin?" Liam asked, half-joking.
Christina's lips curved into the hint of a smile. "Soon enough, Mr. Campbell. Everything in time."
Above, in a window overlooking the gate, Lady Isabella stood perfectly still, her silhouette framed by expensive curtains. Her gaze was laser-focused, tracking their approach with the intensity of a predator. Beside her, Chef Marie stood just slightly to the left, her silver hair catching the afternoon light.
The gates parted with a near-silent electronic hum, the driveway stretching before them like an endless ribbon of perfectly maintained asphalt.
From one of the windows, Liam caught sight of someone watching. A flash of silver hair—it was Marie, the chef. She stood silently, her eyes fixed on him with the same intensity she always carried. For a moment, her gaze seemed to pin him in place, but then she disappeared behind the curtains
Liam stepped out of the car, feeling the cool breeze against his face. He glanced up instinctively and saw Marie again, her face partially visible from a different window. Her gaze lingered on him longer this time, as though she were studying him.
Unbeknownst to him, another figure was watching. From her bedroom, which faced the gate directly, Lady Isabella stood by the window, her gaze unwavering as she observed their arrival. When the car finally stopped, she stepped away from the window and moved toward the corridor outside her room.
"Join me, Mr. Campbell," Isabella's voice called out smoothly from above.
He turned and saw her standing on the upper corridor. Her gaze swept over him, noting every detail of his transformed appearance. She didn't say much—she didn't need to. Her look said enough.
Christina opened the main door for him, motioning for him to step inside. As they walked through the hallway, the view of the house felt heavier than usual, almost suffocating.
Marie appeared again, stepping out of the kitchen with a tray in hand. Her eyes widened slightly when they landed on him. For the first time, she seemed caught off guard.
"My, my," she said, her French accent wrapping around her words like silk. "You look... different. Very sharp."
Liam offered a polite smile, though he could feel her eyes lingering.
"Thank you," he said, unsure what else to say.
Marie didn't respond, only giving him a small, approving nod before disappearing into the kitchen again. Even as they walked away, he could feel her gaze following him until he and Christina vanished from her sight.
They stopped outside Lady Isabella's room. Christina knocked twice, her movements precise.
"Come in," Isabella's voice called out, smooth and composed.
Inside, she stood near her desk, wearing a sleek gown that clung to her frame in all the right ways. The fabric shimmered with one of those fancy stones placed on clothings, bringing out her silhouette. Liam couldn't help but notice, though he quickly forced himself to look away, trying not to make it obvious.
"How was the salon?" Isabella asked, her gaze locking onto his face, a hint of warmth in her tone. "Did they treat you well?"
"It was... an adventure," Liam responded, choosing his words carefully. The memory of the thousand-pound haircut still made something twist uncomfortably in his gut.
Isabella's lips curved—not quite a smile, but something close to amusement. "Adventure," she repeated, as if testing the word. "An interesting choice of description."
Suddenly, a faint noise drew their attention. Liam turned toward the window just in time to see a car pulling up to the front gate. The sleek lines and unmistakable shine of a Rolls Royce immediately caught his eye.
"Who's that?" Liam asked, his curiosity piqued.
Isabella didn't answer immediately. Instead, she gestured toward the door. "Walk with me, Mr. Campbell."
'Have I overstepped?' he thought, hesitating for a moment. But the intrigue in her eyes urged him forward.
Christina followed a step behind them as they made their way outside.
Marcus appeared, opening the doors with a fluid motion.
"Tomorrow," she began, her gaze fixed on the approaching vehicle, "you'll be reporting to Ashworth Luxury Events. I've secured a position that will utilize your... unique talents."
Liam raised an eyebrow. "A position?"
"As an administrative assistant," Isabella continued, her tone brooking no interruption. "You'll be working directly under my operations lead. She's been fully briefed about your arrival and your background."
The way she said "background" made Liam wonder exactly what information she'd shared. The diamond theft? His maintenance skills? Something else entirely?
"Your primary responsibilities," she elaborated, "will involve event coordination, support, and discretion. Absolute discretion," she emphasized, turning to face him directly.
Christina's footsteps were nearly silent behind them, but Liam could feel her presence—watchful, alert.
"I've spoken with my operations lead about your unique capabilities," Isabella continued. "She understands that you're not a typical assistant. Your skills go beyond filing and scheduling."
The Rose Royce drew closer, its mirror-like surface reflecting the estate's manicured gardens. Liam found himself wondering about the driver, about the seemingly endless parade of luxury that now surrounded him.
"Do you have any questions?" Isabella asked, though her tone suggested this was more of a formality than a genuine invitation for discussion.
Marcus stood nearby watching. The approaching car seemed to pause momentarily, as if waiting for some unspoken signal from Isabella herself.
Liam swallowed, acutely aware of the transformation his life had undergone in just a matter of days. From a struggling courier to... whatever this was becoming.
"No questions, my lady," he responded, the words feeling both foreign and increasingly familiar.
Marcus stepped forward, opening the passenger door with a practiced motion. The driver emerged—tall, impeccably dressed in a dark suit that looked tailored to within an inch of perfection. He approached Isabella with a subtle bow, deferential.
"Mr. Campbell," Isabella said, her voice smooth as silk, "this is your new transportation. He will be your primary driver moving forward."
Liam blinked, his mind struggling to process the words. A car like this? For him? The Rose Royce looked like it cost more than everything he'd ever owned, combined and multiplied several times over.
Christina stood slightly behind, her presence both protective and observant. A hint of amusement played at the corners of her mouth as she watched Liam's reaction.
"I... what?" Liam stammered, his eyes locked on the vehicle.
Isabella's lips curved into a slight smile. "Is something wrong, Mr. Campbell? If the car doesn't meet your expectations, I can have it replaced immediately."
"No!" he blurted out, then caught himself. "I mean, no, ma'am. It's perfect. More than perfect, actually."
The silence hung for a moment. Marie, watching from a window above, allowed herself a small smile. She'd seen many men come through these gates, but few looked as thoroughly bewildered as Liam did right now.
"He will be at your disposal," Isabella continued, her tone brooking no argument. "He'll manage your transportation for work and personal needs. Christina will accompany you as your personal security detail."
Christina's eyebrow raised slightly, a mix of surprise and something else—perhaps interest—flickering across her face.
Isabella reached into her coat, producing a sleek smartphone. "Your new communication device," she said, holding it out to Liam. When he hesitated, her fingers brushed against his shoulder—a touch so light it was almost imperceptible, but charged with something undefined.
Liam felt a strange warmth where her hand had been. As quickly as it happened, it all ended.
Marcus stepped forward escorting Isabella back toward the main house. She paused, turning back to Liam.
"Dinner is at eight," she said. "Chef Marie is preparing something special. I suggest you familiarize yourself with the grounds and your new resources."
As she walked away, Liam caught Marie's gaze from the window. She smiled—not the careful, guarded smile of before, but something warmer. Almost maternal.
The driver cleared his throat. "Shall I give you a tour sir ?"
Liam laughed, a slightly hysterical sound. "Sir? Me?
Christina stepped closer. "Get used to it, Mr. Campbell. Your life has changed rather dramatically."