A storm is coming

After going in circles for almost an hour, Jess was about to give up and go to the manor to rest as she had been standing for a long time; she found it strange that Daniel’s office had no name plaque when almost all the departments had one.

She was glad when she saw two maids carrying trays of food and clean clothes approaching her from one of the many buildings scattered abroad.

She had been going in circles without seeing a single person in this part of the estate, and it made her worried that she had taken a wrong turn and ventured into a closed-off area.

But seeing the two ladies dressed in the same attire as herself, she heaved a sigh of relief, but her happiness was short-lived when the women stopped in their tracks on seeing her and looked at her with disdain.

After profiling her, they shook their heads while muttering words under their breath as they hurried away in the opposite direction.

Jess found their behavior strange and wondered if she had done anything wrong to deserve the cold treatment.

I heard she slept with the director to get this position at the Royal Hospital.

She heard one of the ladies say in a low breath but loud enough for her to hear as they were still within close distance.

Jess wondered if the helper intended to make her hear what she said to make her feel bad; she could not tell.

Jess wondered who was spreading the rumor of her having an affair with the director to get into the Royal Hospital.

She was just a helper assisting the physicians in caring for the patients.

Jess was a trained physician unknown to anyone except her family, as she had also managed to train herself through the academy because it was a passion she loved since childhood.

She worked night and day after the war to assist Greg, one of the best physicians in her village, tending to sick patients so that she could learn a thing or two about treating patients.

She had wanted to work at the Royal Hospital since after the war as that was the only way she could contribute to her family financially and also fulfill her dream of caring for the wellbeing of patients of war.

Jess was in her world and did not notice when a beautiful brunette emerged from one of the buildings.

The lady noticed how dazed she looked and wondered if Jess was lost, as this area was off-limits to the rest of the staff because it served as the records room for files.

The director sealed it off when he took over from Loren about two years ago.

Can I help you with anything?

She asked with a polite smile, snapping Jess out of her thoughts.

Jess was surprised the brunette had spoken to her while others avoided her like a plague; she wondered if her ears were working or if she had imagined it as this was the first time someone apart from Walker Lane had offered to help her without her asking.

Are you talking to me?

Jess asked, unsure.

The lady tilted her head and narrowed her eyes at Jess; her question had been direct, and she was the only person looking out of place.

Yes, because this is a closed-off area that is not accessible to the general staff except for the director and Mr. Daniel, who have used this complex as their administrative office since taking over from Loren two years ago.

The lady explained.

Her mouth was wide agape on hearing this information; she now understood why Loren was taking her frustration and anger out on her.

It was because she had to step down from her position as the administrator of the Royal Hospital so that Daniel and his brother could take over.

Loren felt that Jess was a fraud who used her beauty and innocent look to charm the director to sleep with her so that she could have a slot at the hospital.

Since the director took over, she had tried every trick she knew to seduce him, but it all failed.

When Loren found out that the director recommended Jess as his assistant and that she would not pass through the same selection process as other candidates, she became livid and suspected Jess of seducing the director.

There is a letter for Sir Daniel that I want to deliver to him personally, but since the estate has many similar buildings scattered abroad, the estate; I was confused about where his office was as there was no name plaque like the other departments.

Jess explained, grasping the whole situation as to why Loren was being a bitch to her.

Just as the lady was about to respond, Jess saw Daniel walking toward them.

Jess was seeing Daniel for the second time after their meeting at Magros Epic, but this was the first time she noticed his good looks.

He had the kind of face that stopped you in your tracks, followed by his gaze and a weak smile that made the girls fall for him all the more.

Jess wondered if the crown prince was as handsome as his brother as she had not seen his bare face throughout their interaction at the ball because he had not removed his mask.

Greetings, Sir Daniel.

The brunette greeted, and Daniel gave her a nod.

This young lady was looking for you because she has a letter to deliver to you personally.

The lady said, pointing to Jess, who was standing there nervously.

Thank you, Christine, Daniel replied.

By the way, let me introduce you to Jess Smith; she will be transferred to our unit tomorrow because she is the new assigned assistant to the director.

It is nice to meet you, Jess Smith.

Christine said, welcoming Jess warmly with a smile, and Jess noticed a stark contrast to how Loren welcomed her.

Nice to meet you, Christine.

Jess replied anxiously.

She had mixed emotions about working directly with the director as she feared the consequences of being near him, especially when he had eyes for her.

Jess was conflicted as she knew this further would fuel the rumormongers spreading the lie of her sleeping her way to the top, but she could do nothing but wait and see what the future had in store.

Come with me, my lady, Daniel said after dismissing Christine.

Jess trailed behind him from a distance as she felt uncomfortable, her heart beating loudly in her chest despite her efforts to calm her nerves and think positively.

As she stepped inside his office, she noticed that the walls were painted in cream and light blue color and contained only the essentials of a chair, a desk, bookshelves, and a lamp, just like her room but bigger.

She entered the office looking like a lamb that strayed away from its owner and had lost its way.

Daniel noticed how she fidgeted with her hands and knew she was uncomfortable; he did not blame her because she was in unfamiliar territory with no family to support her.

Please sit in any of the chairs and feel comfortable. I have already instructed Loren to prepare your transfer letter, but she was unhappy when she heard it. Daniel explained.

Jess understood Loren was angry because she could not take her anger out on her anymore.

But Daniel knew it was only the beginning; if his brother was serious about making her his wife, he feared the storm ahead.

Daniel wondered why love was so hard; his brother could have fallen in love with the girl chosen for him, but his heart had chosen this young lady, complicating the whole process.

She was beautiful and carried herself gracefully, but because she was from a low-class family, it would be the biggest obstacle to her becoming queen.

There will be people who will speak ill of you and how you got this position, but pay no heed to them and focus on why you are here because the world can be cruel.

Jess, a storm is coming; I do not know if you are aware, but I will advise you to show no fear, stand up for yourself, and be confident; that is how a queen survives any storm, Daniel stated.

Jess felt his concern for her through his advice and wondered if she should be scared of this storm he spoke of, which she knew nothing about.