Chapter 286: Atlantis And Kaden

Five years later.

Seconds felt like minutes, hours felt like days, months passed like waves, and years resembled eternity. Leaves gathered on branches only to fall and wilt, forgotten on the ground. Glory was never long-lasting. A crown was a dark and lonely hat.

"Director."

Lina slowly turned at the quiet greeting. Lost in her daydreams, she sometimes forgot the responsibilities she had taken on. 

"Estella," Lina greeted her secretary.

It had been five and a half years since Estella was employed by Lina. Originally, her grandfather hired Estella, but she proved to be loyal to only Lina. Because of this, Lina kept Estella by her side, and soon, a friendship blossomed.

"You're here early today," Estella commented, peering over the desk to see the untouched and empty coffee mug, uncapped pens, artists' portfolios circled, art pieces highlighted, and other miscellaneous things.

"Yes, the upcoming art exhibition has been weighing on my mind," Lina murmured, tapping her pen on the desk with a humored smile.

"It's been three years since you've gotten your Ph.D. in history, and this new art exhibition features everything you've studied for. You'll do fine, Director," Estella reassured her with a gentle voice.

Estella placed her hand upon a sample of one of the artist's portfolios. "Besides, if it doesn't go as planned, we can always try again. Though, this time, you've grouped the perfect artists to exhibit."

Over the years, Lina learned that Estella had many layers to her. Sometimes, she was kind as a friend. Other times, Estella was a rigid businesswoman. Even as Lina was speaking, Estella was probably already calculating how much they'd profit from their exhibitions. Especially the guests that Lina planned on inviting soon. 

"The alumni gathering is a great idea," Estella encouraged.

Lina was glad she prioritized education. She was able to take in-person classes, prioritize networking, and build her social circle. It was much easier to make friends when you could see them in class.

"I know it is," Lina responded with amusement, finally placing her pencil down. Her head was beginning to hurt and she desperately needed a cup of coffee.

Lina rose to her feet, but then paused. She remembered one of the most crucial things.

"Is Isabelle's article released?"

Estella tilted her head, for it was a curious question. "Of course, Director. She was the first to have an inside scope and then, every other company came flocking to talk about it."

Lina slowly nodded her head. Isabelle's hard work also paid off. After successful internships, Isabelle climbed the corporate ladder at her publishing firm to become a Managing Director, an unheard of accomplishment for her age.

"That's good." Lina rubbed her temples and crossed the office. Along the way, she admired how beautiful and perfectly designed it was. Everything went as she'd like it. Her office was colorful, but not overwhelming. She let her favorite artworks shine within here, for it was a place she frequently entertained guests.

"Are you heading to brunch with Miss Isabelle and Chairwoman Krystal?" Estella inquired.

Lina could really use a cup of coffee. She turned to Estella and nodded, then glanced at the time to realize she'd be there early. Luckily for her, the appointment time was never the correct one. Either Isabelle or Lina were always early, it was within their nature to do so. They were raised to either be early or late. No in between.

"Let's go and see our dear Belle and Krystal."

- - - - -

"No, I won't have her sit down for another interview," Isabelle stifled into the phone with a deep frown. "We already sat Director Lina down a few days ago. A photoshoot? You wish."

Isabelle's phone began to buzz again. She suppressed a groan and checked it, only for her eyes to light up. Finally, one of the junior editors! 

"One of your subordinates is begging for my attention, laters!" Isabelle quickly hung up and picked up the new call. "Tell me, which house is on fire this time?"

"It's an article about a newly discovered artifact from the early 1900s, when the railroads first came to be… Ritan's Museum is refusing entry to us," the journalist groaned. "I tried sneaking in, but apparently I'm not dressed snobbily enough."

Isabelle raised a brow. "They're sectioning that area off, aren't they? Something about a big shot visiting."

"Big shot?" Krystal echoed, the second to arrive out of the trio. She set her purse down, and beckoned her bodyguards and entourage to leave them be.

"The big shot," Isabelle corrected herself with a slight wink in Krystal's direction.

"Which big shot?" Lina asked, the last to reach the brunch, despite arriving fifteen minutes earlier than planned.

Lina took a seat at the circular table, across from the two of them, and the waiter was already prepared to take their order. The three of them had frequented the small and quaint cafe many times due to its close proximity to all three companies. Isabelle worked for a renowned journalism firm, Krystal was the head of her father's company, and Lina was incharge of an up and coming art gallery featuring different artists.

"There's too many to count," Krystal responded with amusement in her eyes. "I already have two tailing me."

"Oh please, you're being modest," Lina retorted. "Last time you mentioned you love contemporary and abstract work, at least three secretaries rang my secretaries. Thanks to that, three of my artists are well fed this entire year."

"Pish posh, at least five secretaries called me to inquire about you," Isabelle deadpanned with a roll of her eyes. She threw Lina a pointed look, and the woman in question didn't dare to respond.

"Anyway, I'll be there soon, just don't let the house burn down," Isabelle stated. Before the editor could respond, she hung up and returned her attention back to her closest friends.

"So!" Isabelle chirped. "How was your morning?"

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"Could've been better had your brother stopped harassing me," Krystal retorted whilst lifting the cup of tea to her mouth. She hated coffee with a burning passion. Imagine being addicted to caffeine? She never could!

Lina gulped down her cup of coffee. She let out a sigh when the migraine eased away. Leaning back in her chair, she watched as Isabelle naively blinked.

"The same could be said about your brother. You know, he's still hounding me to publish an exclusive article with him," Isabelle said. "Something about convincing the shareholders to change Chairwoman."

"As if! I've run Elit Corporation for three years now. If he wants the CEO chair, he'd have to pry it out of my cold dead hands!" Krystal scoffed.

Isabelle sipped her tea. She relished in the warmth of the chamomile that traveled down her chest and filled her from the inside out.

"That's what I'm saying," Isabelle said. "But you know my Chief-In-Editor. Your brother Kane is so persistent, he's begun to harass my higher-ups. My only Boss might be considering the offer, you know."

Krystal scowled. "Don't threaten me."

"Just one photo of you!" Isabelle groaned. "Consider our three-year friendship."

Lina found their small bickering amusing. She still couldn't believe the turn of events. Thanks to Lina's initial contract with Elit Corporation five years ago, Krystal gained recognition. Her favor amongst the stockholders skyrocketed and within two years, she became Chairwoman. It had been three years since that achievement. Isabelle's excellent journalism certainly helped. The three women worked closely with each other, their strengths soothing each other's weaknesses.

Lina didn't think it was possible for a beautiful friendship to blossom like this. She was grateful to have them in her life. Lina had many friends, but less than five that she considered close enough to reveal everything.

"And I mean both of you!" Isabelle chattered. "You two are one of the most beautiful women leading your industries, but neither of you wants to sit down as if the camera is Medusa's eyes and can turn you into stone!"

"I'm not photogenic," Lina said.

"And flashes hurt my eyes," Krystal added on.

"Weren't you nominated to become Miss Ritan when you hit the article for one of the most influential women in the art industry?" Isabelle shot at Lina. 

"And you! You're always watching your supply chain, even watching sparks fly in kitchen equipment production. Don't you dare give me excuses," Isabelle complained.

Lina simply smiled into her cup of coffee. Speaking of which, the cup tasted divine. It was rich and creamy, just how she liked it. Even to this day, she enjoyed her iced milk with a splash of coffee. The thought made her frown slightly. The one who had told her that was long gone from her life.

Before Lina allowed herself to wallow in the past, she straightened up. Times had changed. Five years had passed. The past should remain in the past. Now, she was living her best life. Because she didn't pursue the marriage, she was able to get her education. She was now Dr. Lina, with her shiny Ph.D. and award-winning thesis. She had gained close friends. She was in a job she loved. The world was her oyster. There was not a single empty spot in her chest.

All was well in the world, even if Krystal and Isabelle resembled people in the sky. Even if the people around Lina were in her dreams about the Heavenly Realm. Even if everything sometimes didn't make sense. Lina swore she was happy, and she really was.

"...1900s artifacts…"

"Lina!"

Lina snapped back to reality. "What about the artifacts?"

"Didn't you hear?" Isabelle perked. "I thought you'd be the first to know considering your fondness of history!"

"One of my VIP customers mentioned it briefly," Lina murmured. "After he invited me to a date."

"Oh, oh, he must be the hotshot then!" Isabelle loudly gasped. "He has to be if he's a VIP when each of the paintings at your gallery sells for a fraction of a house!"

Lina simply smiled and said nothing.

"We're here to gossip, not talk about business," Krystal chided Isabelle, her eyes twinkling with mirth. 

"Speaking of gossip," Isabelle whispered, leaning in. "Did you hear?"

Lina raised a brow, but Krystal already beat her to it.

"If it's about the return of the heiress, then yes, most definitely I did!"

As they began to gossip about who was the true Miss Ritan, Lina toned out their conversation. She always enjoyed gossip, but today her mind was elsewhere. She blamed her frequent nightmares. Her sleep was never in peace. She'd toss and turn all night long. When she'd finally sleep a wink, she'd wake herself up with her own yelling. The problem had occurred so much that her security team already differentiated between an actual scream versus a nightmare-induced one.

"... She's done a lot of charity work."

"Well, we all know charities are company tax write-offs," Krystal responded.

"I mean genuine ones!"

"Right, right."

"Anyway," Krystal stated, attempting to steer the conversation, but Isabelle was already babbling.

"She was last seen with—never mind." Isabelle immediately clamped her mouth shut. She attempted to pick up her cooling tea.

"Atlantis and Kaden," Lina finished for Isabelle.. "I've heard." 

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