Chapter Seven- Heart Rate

“Mrs Allen. I’m glad to see your back? Would you like dinner? I’m sure the kitchen staff can whip something up for you.” Lenora barely managed to gather her bearings before James descended on her like an eagle onto a mouse. Although in their situation, James was much more a mouse than a predator with talons. Raising a hand to her chest, Lenora gave the older man a startled look, not expecting such tenaciousness.  Lenora knew the man only meant well especially since the two of them had formed quite a nice bond. “Thank you James but I ate outside. There’s no need to worry yourself. I think I’ll go and rest now,” Lenora informed the man. Just as she was about to leave, James spoke up with loud hesitance. “Mrs Ares, I just wanted to inform you that Mr Levine isn’t at home. Although the doctor was sure to advise him to rest, he doesn’t really take orders from anyone. He’s been gone for most of the day and will come back late at night. I hope you won’t trouble yourself with such trivial matters. He’s picked up his previous habit of being out of the house except just to sleep.”  Lenora knew what James was picking at. He wanted to assure the young woman that there was no need to avoid anyone, lest of all the owners of the house. The poor man was uncomfortable talking against his boss but he had a soft spot for the young woman and felt a need to tell her that she was safe. Especially when it came to James himself. As much as James meant well, Lenora knew she felt trapped and would continue to feel such as long as she stayed under the roof that belonged to Mr Ares Levine. There was no way around it. It was startling to realize how true the rumors were.  Sure, Lenora knew Ares Levine was not meant to be trifled with but she didn’t know the extent of his demeanor. It was as if he had been devoid of all forms and sources of love. The public was also wrong about him as much as they were right. She’d heard numerous times that Ares never left the comfort of his own home. That was simply not possible. Not when he had an empire to run. One that was backed with illicit dealings and dangerous men. Lenora thought back to how she felt sad for the man once. Seeing him so pale and lifeless in that bed, clammy and weak. Now she wondered why she had ever fallen for such a deceit. He was a wicked and terrible man. THe tables had been turned now. Lenora was the feeble one, not struck with illness but worse for wear. Caged like a mouse that just wanted to roam around and experience freedom. James was quick to assure Lenora once more that Ares wasn’t present during the day but Lenora didn’t want to risk any chance of running head first into him. Thus, she spent most of the day locked up in a room that she was unfamiliar with, much like everything around her. It had barely struck eight when James returned. Knocking on the door to announce his arrival. “Mr Levine has left. You can come out if you would like.”   Lenora merely gave her answer of assent but pondered to herself. Everyone was shrewd. Every person connected to the family and James was one of them. He knew what was brewing in the young girl's mind and he promised himself he would help her through it all. He’d be damned if such a young girl fell at a loss. Lenora was more than thankful, she knew what James was up to and she felt nothing but gratitude. Who knows what life would have been like had James not been there to help.   ***** Lenora was an aspiring student. She was nearly done with her degree, having majored in foreign languages. SHe loved everything about her course and was keen to pursue translations. Lenora hadn’t fully graduated yet but she was well versed in translating documents which she pursued as a side hustle to earn some money. Her school was a huge help in finding freelance opportunities to students which earned them credit and also some cash.   It was at that moment in time when Lenora’s phone rang. Something that hadn’t happened in a while. Why would it? She kept to herself and didnt have many friends. “Lenora! It’s me, Sam. I know you’ve taken a break from college and your life is super busy right now but I truly need your help. There’s this document that we overlooked and it needs to be translated. There's two hours till the deadline and none of us can do it. We’ll pay you. It’ll be a nice sum.” Lenora could barely get a hello out to her senior, stunned by the barrage of information. Nonetheless, the prospect intrigued her. She didn’t care much for money but something told her she needed to start saving up as much as she could. The translation wouldn’t even bother her considering she loved doing the work and it wasn’t such a big deal. Lenora was confident in her craft and finished the translation half an hour before the deadline. Just as she was about to submit it, her laptop went dark and cut her off from everything.   The young girl panicked. A gasp tore out of her throat as she flailed about, unsure what to do. Luckily she had saved everything but she needed access to a laptop and fast. She had no time to lose. Lenora’s first thought was to head somewhere with a strong connection and proper laptop. SHe knew that her laptop had crashed as it does so often. It wouldn't be starting up any time soon. Lenora was quick to search through her closest locations, trying to find any sort of cafe nearby. Unfortunately, they were all too far away and she simply wouldn’t make it in time. With quick feet and anxiety coursing through her, Lenora cornered James. “Is there any other laptop or computer in the house? Surely there has to be. This place is huge!” She rushed out.   James eyed the frantic woman wearily, trying to think hard before he came to a realization. “There’s only one computer and that’s in Mr Levine's study. I’m sure you can use his computer if it's something quick.” “Is there really no other option?” Lenora was desperate but she had no time to waste and the both of them knew that. Very keenly in fact. No matter how much Lenora wished that was not the case, things don’t always work out well. “Unfortunately not. There are hardly any visitors and when there are, devices are under strict control. You’ll have to use the one in Mr Levine’s study.”   Lenora knew then and there that she had no choice. She resigned the thought of not submitting the crucial piece of work. She couldn’t afford to waste any more time nor could she let down the people counting on her. “Will he do something if I use his computer?”   “No. Rest assured. As long as you do only what you're supposed to and don't touch anything else. He will understand. I’m sure of it,” James was kind but maybe too kind for his own good. He didn’t dare mention how someone snooped through Ares Levine’s laptop a few years back, theri fate something James would never wish upon anyone. The poor girl would never set foot into the study if she knew. Lenora rushed to the study after the confirmation, her teammates well being and the prospect of money driving her faster than before. If things were to go left, she knew every penny mattered and so she had to make do. Even if it meant doing something she might later regret. Sitting on the office chair, Lenora prayed there was no password set up otherwise this would have all been for naught. Luckily, no such password existed and the prospect scared the woman even more. You have to be powerful to not something like a password meddle in your affairs. Who would dare touch his laptop in the sanctity of his own home?   Lenora’s task was quick and barely took two minutes. Just as she was about to exit the document, her shaky hands clicked on another document and the prospect sent her heart into a frenzy. However, what she saw stopped her in her tracks.   ***** James was waiting diligently by the door. As soon as Lenora stepped out the door, James stood waiting. “Mrs Levine, would you like some lunch now?” Lenora had greater things in mind than lunch and she let it slip. “James, are there cameras in the house?” “Not in Mr Levine’s study. There are others scattered around the house but for privacy's sake, he left them out of the office. Do not worry yourself. Just inform Mr Levine about using his laptop and all will be fine.”   Lenora did not quite believe the man. She knew what she had seen was something Ares would kill someone over. If he finds out she stumbled across that information. She dreads to think of it.   Lenora’s phone buzzed in her hand and the mere motion caused her heart rate to skyrocket. The phone indicated money being sent to her.  Although the sight of money calmed her down, she still was solid in her decision.  It was best to go through with the divorce. Ares Levine was a dangerous man and she was not about to cross him.