His Devious Rule

Alvin didn't catch her words but her expression said it wasn't something to be happy about. He looked up at the building. He could see the three frames who didn't come downstairs to see off Anya.

Was she blamed for his appearance at her office?

Or is it because of her disappointment with the judgment?

He questioned her directly, "I-is it because of me?" He blamed himself for not thinking through it before appearing at her office.

Anya could barely open her eyes when she heard his voice shake. She didn't know he was worried about affecting her job.

Her lips curled up faintly noticing all the changes in Alvin. He was trying to keep her, her likes, her preferences first before him. She didn't mean to change him but these changes are heartwarming.

Probably he would have been the reason for her resignation but he wasn't anymore and she was glad about it. She shook her head to deny his assumptions and ease him. Then she whined, "I am exhausted."

"Alvin.." Anya gasped as she grabbed his shoulders when he scooped her into his arms even for two steps.

Rob was quick to open the door. Alvin carefully placed her on the seat. Reclining the seat, he removed his overcoat and covered her as he questioned seeing her sleeping right away. "Did you sleep last night?"

Anya wanted to shake her head but she slipped off to slumber. Alvin earned the response in silence, making him sigh.

Truth to be told, when she said she resigned he didn't feel bad. He was aware of the risks in her job and if she changes to a different job, he will get more time with her.

"Drive." He instructed Rob as he got in and picked up his laptop to work. He mulled over if he could keep her beside him with a job.

Should he open a headquarters in Narnia and make her an IT expert?

But an IT expert won't have much interaction with him.

Should he fire Ean… No, no, it will pull up a lot of work on her. Should he create a new post of a secretary or assistant?

What if she doesn't like that job?

Should he create the Vice President post?

Thus he continued to find ways to keep her next to him.

….

Luna mumbled watching the car leave, "He doesn't seem to be as bad as I thought." Alvin had an image of a heartless, overbearing, arrogant man. She was relieved to see somebody by Anya's side to take care of her.

Melvin commented nothing. Senon mumbled doubtfully, "I think he is Zane's father."

Luna and Melvin turned to him in shock. Luna wanted to admonish Alvin for leaving Anya alone to raise Zane, but she refrained as she wasn't aware of their consequences.

"Wrap your work for the day. We are shifting today." Jason's voice brought them back to the present.

The trio looked at Jason in bewilderment. Team Ace lost an ace member. They couldn't believe Jason wasn't even giving them time to breathe.

————

At a new clubhouse,

Linus, who booked a private room, was going towards the room when he heard a familiar voice. "Linus…" It was a boisterous tone.

He took a look and saw Krystle waving her hand at him. He recalled her mentioning she had a photoshoot, he didn't expect it to be in the clubhouse.

The feeling of suffocation slightly eased. Linus placed his arms on the balustrade and watched her. He knew she had drool-worthy curves but didn't expect himself to be smitten by her.

Krystle was wearing a black and white, one-shoulder, lace-up two-piece bikini. She gracefully came out of the pool while the eyes of people involuntarily went on her. Ladies were envious and those men could only dream of getting close to her.

Krystle's assistant quickly wrapped her in the thick white robe and handed her a heating pad. After all, it was autumn.

Peeling his eyes away from her, he looked around and guessed it was a shoot for the clubhouse. There was a floating wooden food tray filled with a variety of delicious-looking food and wine.

Krystle spoke to somebody before she looked at him. She pointed to the side, asking silently if he could come downstairs.

Linus wanted to be alone but he didn't mind dropping a visit to her. So he went downstairs and heard her flirty tone, "Hmm, are you stalking me?" She teased him.

He smirked, "I will be discreet next time." He played along, propping his brows playfully.

Krystle chuckled as she asked him to sit. She tilted her head when she noticed her assistant blushing excessively due to Linus.

Linus had the charm, style, and presence that girls would love to spend time with. So she wasn't surprised. Still, she waved her hand and sent her assistant away.

Krystle hissed dramatically as she lowered her voice, "Don't tell me you haven't left my assistant either?" It was a fun remark, showing her assistant to him.

Linus didn't bother even glancing at the assistant, "But… I have my eyes on her boss."

Krystle smirked as she leaned back on her chair to grab a bit of rest. She remarked, admiring herself, "Good choice." Then the duo chuckled.

Linus looked around at the staff who were shifting to their next shoot location, "Pool… Bikini… Outdoor in the autumn." He commented. The pool had a heater but the pool size was too big and the water could be just a bit warm.

"Do you think models have it easy?" Every job has its difficulties.

Linus shook his head, "I am glad you have a family name to protect." He is aware of how girls get bullied easily in fields like modeling and entertainment.

A proud smile appeared on her face before her eyes shot open, "There was court today, right? What happened?" She controlled herself from dialing Anya.

Krystle could still remember Anya's anxious eyes when she said anything could happen on Saturday. She just hoped Alvin wasn't severely punished, else Anya won't be in good shape.

Linus was a bit shocked hearing 'court' from her. He responded frankly, "We were warned."

Krystle sighed in relief, understanding Alvin Matthews wasn't punished either. "Your father?"

Linus was holding himself back from calling Bernard. Though he was angry, he was still worried about the verdict of Bernard. Yet he shrugged his shoulders as if he didn't care, "I don't know."

Krystle heard a bit from Anya so she guessed why Linus seemed sad. She thought to accompany him seeing him in low spirits, "Free? The shoot will wrap up in an hour."

Linus shoved his hand in his pocket and pulled a card out, "I will be here." He showed the number on the card.

Krystle saw the room number and asked in confusion, "The clubhouse isn't open for customers, right?"

"What if the owner is my brother?" He asked back.

"It's…" She gasped, "Your brother is an international businessman who bought the club." She had signed a contract a few months ago. She heard today that the clubhouse was bought by an international businessman just a few days ago. She didn't expect it to be Alvin.

"It's just the beginning," Linus commented as he left waving his hand. Alvin had very big plans to establish himself in the country in the short term. The clubhouse was just a small step.

Krystle didn't get his words. So she closed her eyes to relax a bit. She suddenly sat up straight with confusion in her eyes. As far as she heard Alvin had no plans to start his business in Narnia, else words about him would have spread in the business world and wealthy family circle.

She glanced behind her and looked at the majestically built clubhouse. The wealthy families are trying to get membership in the clubhouse before it even opens. The celebrities were waiting for the invite for the opening of the clubhouse. Krystle could guess, Alvin was swift and smart in his moves.

'Is he doing it for Annie?' She strongly doubted that.

Because Alvin hardly stays in the country. If he starts a business, it will give a strong backing. People would naturally respect the established strong businessman instead of a man who works in a different country.

"Ms. Lewis, the set will be ready in no time. Let's complete the shoot before the sun goes down." A man politely reminded her as they wanted pictures in natural sunlight.

Krystle nodded and went to get changed for the next shoot theme, pushing Alvin and Anya's matters behind her mind.