PARALLELED: Wait! Why Am I Suddenly Filthy Rich?

Chapter 11: Samantha De Dios

The insides of the mansion were hectic. People are busy cooking, designing and wrapping gifts.

“Morty just sent me a text.” Gilbert announced.

Everyone stopped what they’re doing and listened.

“They’ll be back in twenty.” Gilbert said after reading. “Let’s finish the prep up within that time. Hustle up everyone!” He ordered while clapping twice.

Hearing this, everyone including Gilbert, immediately returned to their assigned chores.

The thing that they were so busy about, was the preparation to surprise Riley and congratulate her for her recovery. It’s originally their master’s favor but everyone equally loves Riley so they agreed to the idea and worked together.

Moments later, the car finally arrived in front. Everyone readied and waited behind the door.

“Congratulations on your recovery Riley!”

Everyone happily yelled the moment the door opened. They popped up confetti’s and party poppers at the same time, too.

Riley was surprised. But she was also touched with the heartwarming greetings she received. She smiled genuinely in response. “Thank you everyone. Really. Thank you so much.” She said, teary eyes.

Everyone smiled at her sight.

“And welcome home, too. Riley.” Tanya said beside her.

Riley turned to Tanya and suddenly hugged her. Gone is the aloof and silent Riley. She was slowly recovering and coping up from her trauma, thanks to her psychiatry appointments.

Tanya hugged the girl back. She is genuinely happy yet sad at the same time. She is slowly becoming attached to the kid. No. Not just actually the kid. But every people involved with her in this world.

How can I not be sad when sooner or later, I won’t be able to see these people anymore?

Tanya sighed and looked at everyone. They were so happy eating, drinking and laughing. She also saw how Riley smiled when Gilbert and the others handed her gifts. The kid was genuinely happy. So is she, but…

I’m sorry for choosing Samantha over you guys. She apologized.

Morning, the next day. Tanya received a call from Russell. She was informed that someone tried to steal their confidential files yesterday. Though the IT Department secured and saved the files, Russell is still worried. That’s why he wants Tanya’s approval on finding the perpetrator and offer him/her a job with them.

Tanya saw no problem with the proposal. Based from Russell’s report. The head of their IT Department acknowledges the perpetrator as someone skilled enough to match him. Considering that, Russell’s idea is not bad. That guy is better to be an ally rather than an enemy. Tanya thought so, too.

“Sure. I see no problem on doing so. But please handle the person properly. Offer him/her something that he deserves.” Tanya told Russell over the phone.

“No worries. Thank you for trusting me. I’ll go and find him now.” Russell replied.

“Okay.” Tanya was about to turn off the call when Russell called out once more. “Yes? Anything else, Rus?”

“Uhmm, I just wanna ask if you’re free later, tonight?” Russell nervously asked. It was a sudden and out of topic question, he’s afraid.

And Tanya whose already with Gilbert, gestured her hand to her butler. Gilbert nodded in response. “Yes. Apparently, I have nothing scheduled later.” She replied.

“Great. Uhh, can I invite you for dinner, then?” He hopefully and nervously asked.

“Sure.” Tanya replied nonchalantly.

Russell confidently raised his hand happily as Tanya can’t see him. He’s also inside his office so no one could possibly see him acting so silly, too. “Okay. See you then.” He said, trying so hard to hide his excitement on his voice.

When the call was ended. Russell slowly stood from his chair and looked outside his window. “YES!!” He excitedly yelled out.

Sorry Rus but can’t come now. I promise to make it up with you, soon. Enjoy your dinner.

Russell has been reading that message almost a hundred times already yet he still can’t process it.

“Do you want to order now, Sir? Or should I come back again after 30 minutes?” The waiter who came twice already, disturbed his thoughts and asked, after coming for the third time.

Though Russell is still not composed. He still smiled to the waiter, who patiently agreed to his favor an hour ago. “No. I’ll give my order now. Sorry to make you wait. Can I have the menu, please?” He said, trying to hide the sadness that is slowly lingering his insides.

Though the waiter was pretty surprised, she hid her curiosity and noted the customer’s order like she usually do.

Was he stood up? She asked inside her head as she looked back at the handsome customer from not so far, table.

Tanya was inside her room, preparing for her dinner with Russell later. She was already dressed up and was typing a message to Russell when suddenly, Pearl came to her room and knocked in hurry.

“Miss Tanya! Miss Tanya!” Pearl yelled while knocking.

Tanya ran towards her door and opened it. “Why? What’s wrong?” She worriedly asked.

“It’s Riley!” Pearl said.

It was only two words yet Tanya’s body immediately moved and ran. Pearl guided her downstairs.

“What’s happening?!” Tanya asked immediately upon seeing her people, crowded around Riley. She noticed the turned-on television. But her attention was stolen from it when Riley suddenly ran and hugged her after hearing her voice.

“Sister Tanya! Sister Tanya! Please don’t let them hurt me! Please….”

After saying that, Riley suddenly collapsed. Luckily, Tanya was swift and caught the girl before she hit the ground.

What is happening?

“What really happened? Why was Riley so scared, suddenly?” Tanya asked the people who was with the girl before her. They’re currently outside Riley’s room as the girl was now peacefully sleeping on her bed.

“We don’t really know Miss. We were just watching shows on the television to pass time while waiting for you. And Riley was busy changing the channels on her own. Then suddenly, she was already shaking and crying.” Monty answered.

Tanya do remember that the television was on at that time. But she can’t seem to remember, what show exactly was playing at that time. Was it a talk show? An interview?

“There was nothing to be scared about the show Miss. It was just an interview.” Everyone’s eyes shifted to Pearl when she spoke.

“You saw it?” Tanya asked.

Pearl nodded. “Yes Miss. I was on my way to sit beside Riley that time. We planned to watch our favorite drama together just like the usual. I was even curious why she stopped on that channel. But before I could ask, she was already crying.”

All this information made Tanya confuse. “Can you tell me what show it was?” Tanya asked Pearl. It might give them a clue on why Riley acted that way.

“Hmm, I’m not sure about the show Miss, but I do remember who was the guest. It was the CEO of SD Ventures. Samantha De Dios?”