46 New Helper

"Well I guess this meeting has ended," Gradis announced, slight happiness showing in her voice as she reached into her purse and pulled out a notebook, "follow up meeting in a week or so, by then I'll be sure to make then give me another invitation."

"Are you that confident? What are you going to do," Mr. Cloud asked, raising his eyebrow.

"Something that's effective," Gradis wrote something down in her book quickly and stood up to leave, "I assume this meeting is over then? I have to get to work gaining a lot of people's trust."

Mr. Cloud stared at her for a second, "quick to leave aren't you?"

Gradis looked down at the computer screen locking eyes with Mr. Cloud, "I have work to do now, it's only natural that I want a head start."

"Hmm," Mr. Cloud muttered, "I guess so."

"Bye then," Gradis have a little bow and then turned to leave, she had reached the door handle when the sound she was dreading came out of Mr. Cloud's mouth.

"That boy," Mr. Cloud muttered bringing Gradis to an immediate stop. Shivers ran up her spine from the intensity of his voice, and she could feel the stare on her back. "that boy, is he someone I'm supposed to know? I feel like you're somewhat connected to him."

'No,' Gradis thought to herself, her legs trembling for a second, 'not now, no open spots. They need to be closed Gradis turned to him, her eyes shining with false bravado, "don't exaggerate a business relationship. In the end, they are all replaceable."

Mr. Cloud looked back, taken aback at first before a chuckle rolled out his mouth, "haha, I trust it is."

'He had seen through it,' Gradis thought to herself, feeling herself panic a bit. 'Doesn't matter.' "If that's all, I'll be leaving now." She pulled open the door and gave a bow in the direction of the computer before turning around and pulling it close.

Gradis stared at the floor as she stood in front of the door, her hand tightening their grip on the folder in her hand, wrinkling the sheets inside. 'Why? WHY?!' She scolded herself as her anger started to stack inside her and her face twisted in anger. 'Why am I always seen through,' She squeezed the folder harder, pushing down the urge to throw it to the floor, as it would alert the old man inside of her falter.

"Gradis?" Damien asked, noticing Gradis had left the room. He walked over to her, hesitating when he noticed her spoiled mood but continued when she looked u at him with a calm face, "you guys done?"

"Yup," Gradis replied with a smile. She walked ahead of him to hide her face, "finally."

Damien sensed the slight hate and frustration but chose not to push it. The hallways and rooms of this place just carried an odd feeling.

Inside the room, Mr. Cloud stared at the seat Gradis had been seating in, multiple thoughts running through his mind. He pressed the red button at the bottom of the screen and ended the call.

"Yes sir," Anthony replied, immediately stepping out of the corner and walking out of the cell.

Mr. Cloud walked to his bed, his steps light and easy as he had found another thing to examine. He dug under his pillow and pulled out his notebook, then flipped a few pages to one where the scent of ink was the most prominent. He stared at the name at the top of the page and ran his finger over it, smudging the ink slightly.

The door to his cell opened once again, but this time a blond girl walked in front of Anthony. She immediately got down on one knee at Mr. Cloud's feet and looked towards the ground, "Mr. Cloud, you requested for my presence?"

"Hmm," Mr. Cloud grinned, smiling at the smudged name, "I want you to keep an eye on this person," He tossed the notebook to the space next to Brianna's hand. Brianna read the name on the book and looked up at Mr. Cloud, who gave another grin, "I'm sure you know what I mean."

"Yes sir," Brianna smiled, standing up and picking up the notebook, "I'll try my best." She turned around and walked around the table, and left the room.

'Regan Duran huh?' Mr. Cloud chuckled, 'it seems like I found fun in this hell I made.'