The Endgame

Chapter 2 : Detective Estella

"It's okay." I pursed my lip,"I will join back into Eastwood High."

A huge smile broke out on my mom's face, she kissed my cheek and whispered " I know how hard it must be for you baby. But thank you for understanding. "

I nodded and gave her a small smile. She knows why I don't want to go back there. She knows everything. But my dad doesn't. And I would like for it to stay the same.

Sometimes ignorance is bliss.

" Argh! " I slumped on my bed groaning as I looked down at my notepad and back to my laptop screen.

I've been in my room since morning trying to collect information on Carter William.

Laying on my bed, I glanced at the evidence board I had hung on the backside of my bedroom door.

I had no evidence at the point, so I had written carter and Miguel's name on a paper and pinned it. For now.

According to my father, there was no bad blood between Williams and Crawford's business.
Not even any sort of competition, because they are in the field of aircraft and we own information technology companies and a few hotels across the country, which are totally two different industries.

Maybe, this was just for money and power? Then again, I doubt it.

Miguel is not some roadside businessman who has all the time in the world to pry into others life for entertainment. He's got an empire to run and a family to look after.

According to my sources, Carter William was not a typical mysterious, ruthless, and shady emotionless enigma. Quite the opposite, he works from eight to eight and goes clubbing every Friday. Nothing more nothing less.

Though I know I shouldn't judge him based on baseless theories, I can tell that there's more to it. I have a feeling that this guy is CEO only on papers and media.

Every person has a story. I just don't think that this is his story. He wouldn't have survived a day in this cruel corporate world with such a careless attitude.

As Papa said, Miguel is the mastermind. But I cannot get into the battlefield with that man just like that. Clueless and unprepared.

And Carter William was my only source of information. The only person who can help me arrange these puzzles.

It's Tuesday today. And from tomorrow I'll have school.

Shit! School, I had completely forgotten about it since morning.

Papa had already arranged for my admission. I still have my old uniform, which undoubtedly fits me.

I bury my face into the pillow dramatically as I visualize myself stepping back into that place.

God! I don't want to go back.

"Estella, dinner's ready." I heard my mom yell.

"I'm coming," I shouted back.

I'm still not used to it. After living alone for two years, my food habits have changed. Sometimes I would eat and most of the time I would just drink juice being lazy too to cook myself or even order. Quickly closing my laptop and notepad I crawled out of the bed.

"Hey Dad, why are you all dressed? " I asked as I skipped down the stairs. He was wearing a white shirt tucked into black pants.

" I... I had an interview this morning and later I tried meeting a few of my old friends for a job". He mumbled.

Oh.

He was looking for a job? I mean, I knew our financial status wasn't stable at all, but I had no idea that Papa was searching for a job.

Throughout the dinner, I didn't speak much. My thoughts were all over the place and I didn't trust myself enough to hold a proper conversation for more than a few seconds.

"Estella, you have school tomorrow. Make sure you won't be late on the first day." my mom reminded me. I groaned and continued eating.

"Don't be a drama queen, I'm sure it won't be that bad." papa said as he bent forward and ruffled my hair.

I swatted his hand away and scowled at him, yet I couldn't stop the smile that spread over my face.

And for a moment, my mind went back to the satan's spawn when I heard Papa say 'Drama queen.'

"So, what did Chad say?" my mom asked as she served some more pasta to Papa. I immediately stopped chewing my food. I'm guessing this Chad guy must be Papa's friend.

"He was busy it seems. I waited for a few hours, and later his assistant told me that he cannot meet me and I could come back tomorrow."

Bullshit.

Most of my dad's friends owned small businesses and few others were in the real estate business.

There was no way they were so busy that they could not even spare a few minutes. It's just that they don't want to employ the great businessman Mateo Crawford who is the current headline of every newspaper and news channel.

My jaw clenched, as anger bubbled inside. My throat tightened as I imagined how humiliated Papa must have felt.

I had to plan fast and meticulously if I wanted to win this game.

This Friday, I will be executing the first phase of my plan.

2 more days left. Just 48 hours.

Any theories, people?

Dm me if you have any suggestions.

Stay safe.