Dike's Mansion
Thorndike woke up after a long, sleepless night, his mind tangled with thoughts of his past and the truth about the Blue family.
"I can't believe someone tried to eliminate my family… And now, I'm in love with Blue."
The weight of it all pressed down on him like an invisible force. He got out of bed and began pacing around his room, his heart pounding. His parents had kept so much from him—secrets, pain, and betrayal. But now, it was time to bring everything to light.
A sharp knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Come in," he called.
The door creaked open, and Lady Lily stepped inside, her expression gentle but firm.
"It's me, son," she said. "How are you feeling? Did you sleep at all?"
Thorndike shook his head. "I can't stop thinking, Mother. Is Blue even aware of what her father did to you?"
Lady Lily sighed, walking closer to him. "No, son. We can't assume she knows. Like I told you, we need more information before jumping to conclusions."
Thorndike clenched his fists. "Then it's time to stop hiding. The people of Chuchu Town need to know who I truly am. It's time to fight back."
Lady Lily smiled, pride shining in her eyes. "That's my son. I will continue to protect and pray for you. But you must be careful—especially with Jack and Mr. Skinner."
Thorndike's jaw tightened. "Something about Jack is off. I need to find out who he really is."
Lady Lily's brows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
Thorndike shook his head. "Don't worry, Mother. I'll find out soon enough."
She studied him carefully but didn't press further. Instead, she changed the subject. "Your father asked me to remind you about your meeting with Mr. Plank from Korea."
Thorndike nodded. "Yes, I need to get ready and head to the office. He arrives in the city today."
"Then hurry up. And don't forget to eat your breakfast."
"Yes, Mother," he replied as she walked away, shutting the door behind her.
Once she was gone, Thorndike pulled out his phone and made a private call.
"I need an investigator. Find out everything you can about Jack. I want to know his past, his weaknesses… everything."
The truth was out there, and he was going to uncover it.
Blue's Dilemma – A Prison Without Chains
At Mr. Skinner's Mansion, Blue sat on her bed, her arms wrapped around her knees. She felt trapped.
"Why hasn't Thorndike called me?" she wondered. Had her father sent Mr. Jack after him?
She stared out the window, wishing she could escape this life. Her father wanted her to join his business—a business built on blood and deceit.
"But I don't want any part of it."
Her thoughts were interrupted when Zara rushed into the room.
"Blue, what have you done?" Zara gasped. "I told you to be careful! Your father is furious!"
Blue sighed. "I'm sorry, Zara. I couldn't help it. Thorndike was threatening to come here, and I had to stop him. I never knew Mr. Jack was spying on me."
Zara folded her arms. "You should have known! And now, I think Thorndike isn't who he claims to be."
Blue's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"
Zara lowered her voice to a whisper. "I think Thorndike is your father's rival. And your father wants him out of his way."
Blue's breath hitched. Her heart pounded against her ribs.
"We need to find out what's going on," Blue said, determined in her voice.
Zara nodded. "I'll keep an eye on Jack. I overheard him talking on the phone—he was asking for information about Thorndike and a woman named Lady Lily."
Blue's eyes widened. "What?!"
"Yes. He was speaking to someone called Agent Mark."
"But why?" Blue asked. "Jack told me someone hired Agent Mark to spy on me. Why is he working with him? And what does he want with Lady Lily?"
"You know her?" Zara asked.
"Yes," Blue whispered. "She's Thorndike's mother."
Zara's eyes widened. "Then we need to be careful. And you need to confront Thorndike."
Blue nodded, but before she could say more, a voice called from outside her door.
"Blue! Your mother wants to see you."
Lady Sisi's Warning
Blue entered her mother's lavish bedroom. Lady Sisi sat on a velvet chair, her expression cold.
"How many times have I warned you?" she snapped. "You must not leave this house! Especially now that your father is back in town!"
Blue stood her ground. "Mother, I'm not a child anymore! I can make my own decisions!"
Lady Sisi's eyes darkened. "Decisions like what?"
"Like getting away from this hellhole!" Blue exploded. "I have no friends. I can't talk to anyone because everyone fears Father. Even you."
Lady Sisi slapped the table beside her. "Shut your mouth before I shut it for you!"
Blue froze.
"You think I fear your father?" Lady Sisi scoffed. "You know nothing, child. If you think he's cruel… you have no idea what I am capable of."
Blue swallowed hard.
"I am only trying to protect you," Lady Sisi continued, her tone softer now. "And who the hell is Thorndike?"
Blue remained silent.
Lady Sisi stood up. "From now on, I don't want to hear his name in this house! Stay away from him."
"No, Mother. I can't."
A cruel laugh escaped Lady Sisi's lips. "Then do you want him dead?"
Blue flinched. "No…"
"Then you better listen to me," her mother warned. "Thorndike is your father's enemy. Until we know what's going on, stay away from him."
"Mother, tell me the truth! What is happening?"
"I won't," Lady Sisi said coldly. "Now get out of my room."
Before Blue could protest, her mother added, "Your father expects you to accompany him to meet his business partner."
"Who?"
"Go ask him yourself," Lady Sisi said. "Jack will pick you up. Get dressed."
Blue turned away, her mind made up.
"I need to get closer to my father and Jack… If I want answers."
Jack & Mrs Skinner
In his private office, Mr. Skinner leaned back in his chair as Jack entered.
"Do you have any information for me?" Skinner asked.
Jack shook his head. "Agent Mark found nothing yet. But I've instructed him to dig deeper into the Dike family."
"Good," Skinner smirked. "We must be careful."
Just then, Jack's phone rang.
"The shipment has arrived."
Skinner's smirk widened. "Go check on it. I'll handle our buyer."
Jack nodded and left.
As he drove to the warehouse, Thorndike haunted his thoughts.
"He didn't look at me with hatred. Why? Does he know something I don't?"
He picked up his phone.
"Agent Mark. Find me something on Lady Lily."
Jack ended the call, his suspicions growing.
For the first time, he felt uneasy about the people he worked for.