Is Alice related to Hazel?

"Dad, I'm just curious. How could you act calm as if there's nothing going on although you know everything already? I mean Enzo is passing through alot why did you give him the family bussiness as a burden" Ryu Ken asked as he played chess with Old Mr Clinton, Enzo's father at his house while Enzo wasn't around.

"Check mate, focus on the game you dummy kid! Don't get distracted!" Old Mr Clinton hissed.

Ryu scratched his head and still added, "I just don't understand why you are prolonging the confused situation. Enzo is passing through alot"

Old Mr Clinton looked at the young doctor directly and said, "I am not prolonging it. I want to see how my son will handle everything on his own. It's a tough situation and Enzo's link with the lady Alice something inevitable. Let Enzo complete that scattered puzzle, he brought it upon himself, why should I bother myself?"

"So you plan to just watch Enzo and do nothing? Even if he's dying" Enzo asked unbelievably. He was in good terms with Enzo's parents just like how Enzo was with his (Ryu's) parents. Despite Everything that's happening, Caleb and Ross were left out.

While Enzo didn't tell him about Serena, Ryu was Enzo's private doctor and run every medical tests for him which made him more closer to Enzo and was the link between Enzo and Alice.

'What if things take a drastic turn?' Ryu wanted to voice out as he looked at Enzo's dad quietly.

The man grinned, "You worry too much. I believe in my son. He is a Clinton and my blood runs through his vein. If his mother was actually here, she would have been rubbing his head like a pet and leave him to rot, but I can't allow that!"

'So what if your blood runs through him? Will that give him supernatural power?' He thought while he stared at Old Mr Clinton.

"I will not interfere as long as no one gets hurt. That Alice is the only woman that can touch him aside his mother, I'll let him fight his battle alone" Mr Clinton said plainly.

The Mr Clinton laughed again and said.

"Are we communicating through telepathy now kid? Why don't you just say it out loud to me? No wonder you're still single despite your handsome face" Old Mr Clinton grunted and gestured him for another round of chess.

Dr Ryu Ken sighed and shook his head. "How come you can read me so easily? And why don't you stop calling me kid? I'm 31 for crying out loud, I'm one year older than Enzo and others. You're always teasing me for being single. But I'll have a girlfriend soon" he said helplessly with a complaining tone.

"You grew up with us so you are also like a child to me Enzo. I can read you in and out. Okay, I will just call you Old Bachelor from now on and that will not change unless you get yourself a partner. Or are you planning to date Alice's friend that I saw here the other day?." Old Mr Clinton exclaimed.

Ryu just scratched his head. "what's wrong with her? I'll actually shock you with my wedding invitation"

The old man was laughing heartily, "I'll wait for it son, remember you have promised your parents and I wedding invitation thrice?"

Ryu pouted like a kid and left the amusing old man.

***
Alice's hands were cold. She was nervous since last night. She left a long sigh before raising her hand to buzz the doorbell.

It was still early at quarter to seven. But she was at Enzo's door. She gasped when she heard the door click and was opened.

Enzo looked at her with his poker face and said, "Come in."

Alice followed and stared at his handsome silhouette. 'Is he mad at me? Is this payback time?' The questions were still haunting her though she knew the answers for that already.

"Please sit down," Enzo said coldly. Alice bit her lip as she followed and sat on the couch. She was not used to it, such aloofness and coldness from Enzo. The Enzo she knows was very Caring.

Looking down she tried to strike a conversation, "I am really sorry about what happened. It is not my…" She paused thinking what kind of words can justify her actions for the staged heartbreak of Enzo.

Enzo smirked and said, "Sorry about what? Let bygones be bygones or are you referring to your barging in here last night and peeking at my nude body?"

Alice's face blushed but she remained speechless.

"Before anything, I'll love to ask you something?"

Alice looked at him with rolled eyes. 'What did he has to say?'

"Did you know anyone by the name Hazel?"

Alice was calm and silent for a long time then she shook her head negatively.

"So Miss Lewiston, let's begin. What is your proposal?" Enzo said as he looked at her with those impassive eyes.

'Miss Lewiston?' Alice found this new name very strange to hear.

"I heard you are planning for reorganization of the structure and function of shop including the apprentices. Will it be possible to keep the existing staff because most of them rely at this shop for a living and to support their families?" Alice explained in a low tone.

"And why would I do that?" Enzo gazed intently at her and asked mockingly.

Alice was losing her patience already and said, "Can you stop incurring your wrath on others? I know you are mad and angry at me and you want to get even with me by taking over my business. Just pour your entire wrath on me because it's me who wronged you. But, please spare the innocent people involved."

"Alright then, let's do it your way." Enzo snapped. He dialled Assistant Tony and said, "Bring in the documents Miss Lewiston needs to sign."

Alice frowned. 'Why is he acting so formal? Why can't he call me Alice like before? Does he hate me that much?' She felt miserable.

Assistant Tony entered with the documents and handed them to Enzo.

"Here, sign all that. Tony, you assist her on where to sign." Enzo instructed.

Alice creased her forehead, "No need. I can do it myself. I shall return these to you in noon once I have read and signed them."

Enzo laughed contemptuously.

"Do you think you have a choice? I can't give you any time. Sign now or forget about any negotiations."

Alice rolled her eyes, "Just like how you married me without letting me think about it?"

"No, Just like before, you choose what you think is best and face the consequences of those actions afterwards." He added meaningfully.

Alice's frown deepened and she replied, "That's easy to say for someone who can get anything he wants."

Enzo's eyebrow arched and a wave of despondency flashed in his heart, the words from last night rang again, "The Destiny has been fulfilled?"

'Really? Then why I'm having such a hard time to get you? What did you have to do with Hazel?' he thought

"Alright, let me brief you about these documents. In simple terms, that's a slavery contract. If you want to save others, be my slave. Don't panic, you will also get a copy of the contract after you sign it." Enzo said nonchalantly.

Assistant Tony rolled his eyes and pursed his lips upon hearing the conversation. The documents were said to be a slave contract but they are more like a binding contract where the ending of all conditions were just to lock and bind Miss Alice to his President's side.

Silence fell among them and Alice just bit her lip. Then she looked softly at Enzo and said, "I trust you and I will sign wherever you will ask me to. Contract unexpectedly is your charm anyway"

Enzo's gaze softened as soon as Alice's attention shifted to Assistant Tony who gave her the documents and pointed where she needed to sign. He was also surprised at how outspoken she was. The Alice he knows doesn't talk too much.

After signing, Alice stood up and said, "Let me take my leave now."

She must go home and tell everything to her brother immediately before anything happens.

Enzo stared at the retreating figure of Alice with baffled eyes.

Yes he was mad and badly hurt in those six months, he was devastated emotionally. But last night, when he saw Alice, he lost his rationality and was overpowered by the desire to touch, embrace and kiss her.

A smug painted his face. He knew he should not go easy on her but his heart was challenging his mind.

'What did you have to do with Hazel?'