Chapter 5 In The Lion's Den

It was an intriguing sight to the beholders who watched from all concerned in the neighborhood. Even Maurice and Vanessa weren't quite comfortable with their daughter's uncomfortable decision to take them from poverty. They knew it was for the best. So then, Isabella, dressed in a knee-length black gown matched with stilettos which were obviously from Mason, hopped into the car heading for the Thorton family's residence. About almost thirty minutes later, the cars screeched and pulled into a gigantic mansion which belonged to the great family. As soon as Isabella alighted, she sighted Mason Thorton standing at the front door of the building. He was handsomely dressed a black tuxedo, red bow-tie and black shoes. It was as if he awaited the presence of his bride. Immediately he saw her approaching, he strategically put on a show by smiling rather too broadly and offering his hands forward. Isabella almost laughed at the awkward action but quickly got herself together. “My lady, I have been expecting you for a long time. What kept you so long? My people are inside, waiting.” Sure enough, he made the last statement while gritting his teeth. The truth was he was so pissed that his former secretary could keep him waiting while everyone was seated inside. It really hurt his pride. Nevertheless, he was determined not to blow things out of proportion for the sake of having Nexus Enterprises under his name. Soon, they reached the large living room, particularly the dining area, which was surrounded by all members of the family, ranging from the Chairman to his in-law. The moment the duo stepped foot into the mansion, all eyes fell on them in awe. The manner in which Mason held Isabella's hands was full of pride and a sense of achievement. The beholders couldn't get enough of them except the second son of the family, Ed Thorton, who could tell at a glance that everything was feigned. As far he knew, his brother had never been a serious relationship with anyone. All he ever did was to keep sluts by his sides. But still, he also couldn't get his off the young lady. She was an epitome of beauty. Her glowing skin, full hair, long straight legs, curvy body and pretty face drove him crazy. At that moment, he wanted to have her to himself at all cost. Mason and Isabella picked seats close to the Chairman after exchanging pleasantries with everyone. “Is she the lady you talked about some time ago?” The Chairman commenced the conversation. All eyes immediately darted towards the couple. Isabella became flustered, but had to do an act. If she dared mess things up, her head would be on a platter. “Yes, father. She is whom I wish to marry. She is my fiancée.” He proudly introduced her before everybody. His rich baritone laced with immense pleasure. He glanced at his brother, arch-rival in and scoffed. What an interesting day! Unknown to him that Ed had rightly guessed his intentions from the onset. “Young lady, what's your name?” The question was directed at Isabella this time, hence, Mason kept silent. “I'm Isabella Banks.” She smiled. Her angelic voice echoed in the living room. Everyone instantly became mesmerized by her. “What’s your degree?” Williams Thorton persisted. “A bachelor's degree. I'm a graduate of Semel University.” She elaborated respectfully. The manner in which she responded intrigued everybody across the table except Vivianne, who was the in-law of the Thorton family. A pang of jealousy simmered in her heart as she watched the young woman converse effortlessly with the Chairman which was something she had always found difficult to do. But because she feared Mason Thorton, she had no choice but to continue listening quietly to the conversation. “Good. How long have you known Mason Thorton?” His eyes solely fixed on her, intently watching her facial expressions. A deafening silence fell on them all. Isabella immediately bit her lips nervously. “Since two years now.” Isabella replied frantically. This question was so straightforward and that left her awed. Also, her response wasn’t actually a lie. She had known Mason for over two years since she began working for him. It relieved the couple that the Chairman soon gave up on his terrific questions and gave his blessings on the forthcoming wedding ceremony. In order to take over the establishment before anyone else, Mason proposed that the ceremony should happen in two days' time. At a glance, the suggestion looked suspicious, but after assuming that the couple were enthusiastic concerning their marriage, the whole family accepted. The rest of the dinner went on smoothly and Isabella was later driven back to her residence, while Mason Thorton stood at the entrance watching the black car maneuver out of the mansion. Just as he was about to turn, he collided into the chest of a man. Gazing up, he realized it was Ed Thorton, his notorious brother. Ed stretched out his left hand at the closing gate and muttered,“It wasn't real, was it?” Mason stood, perplexed. “Excuse me?” “It’s all a facade. It was so obvious that I wondered if father had full knowledge about it. I knew that the lady was once at Nexus Enterprises as a secretary until she was fired a few days ago. Did you really underestimate me?” Ed sent a condescending glare at Mason for belittling the entire family. Even if he chose not to conduct a background research on Isabella, he would have found out later. It wouldn’t take the family a day to run a background check to realize everything was planned and feigned. However, Mason was unperturbed by this revelation. His younger brother was smart and be so foolish by exposing his big secret to the entire family, particularly the Chairman. Therefore, he outrightly ignored him and started to walk away, when Ed spoke behind him. It wasn't a statement but a question asked mockingly because he already knew the answer to that. “To begin with, who’s the young lady?”