CHAPTER 155: A SEED WELL PLANTED
She finally came to a stop at a restaurant just downtown, south of Canary Wharf. Frustrated and teary-eyed, she strutted into the bar and immediately ordered a bottle of spirit. The bartender stared at her like she'd lost her mind. He refused to serve her and told her to leave his bar if all she planned to do was get drunk.
Belle was just about to make a scene when a man walked up to her.
"Two shots first, please," the man said, his tone calm and collected.
The bartender nodded and brought out two shot glasses.
Belle turned sharply to the newcomer, clearly annoyed. "And who the hell are you?"
The man released a charming smile and stretched out his hand.
"John Walker, ma'am."
Belle smirked, unimpressed, and looked away from him. The man, still smiling, pulled out a stool and sat down as the bartender pushed the drinks toward them.
"I never said you could sit," Belle said, disgusted.
"I'm buying you a drink. It's only fair I sit," the man replied, his voice still smooth and easy, which somehow annoyed her even more.
"And what is it exactly that you want?"
"To drink," he said simply, handing her one of the glasses.
Belle paused for a moment, then smiled slightly and took it.
"Cheers," the man said.
"Cheers," Belle echoed as they clinked glasses and drank.
As the night wore on, the two laughed and talked freely. Belle found John surprisingly easy to talk to. It felt like he understood her frustrations and even more, he rooted for her. He spoke up on her behalf, showing empathy that was rare, especially after the week she'd had.
It was late into the night when she finally stood up to leave. John rose with her.
"Come on, I'll drive you home. You don't seem so steady on your feet."
"Well, you drank just as much as I did," Belle argued.
"I'm a man," John replied with a half-smile. "Besides, I can hold my liquor better than you ever can."
Belle chuckled and nodded. She stretched out her hand, slightly more composed.
"Well, if you'll be driving me home, I guess it's only fair I tell you my name. Bella Griffin but you can call me Belle."
John smiled and shook her hand warmly.
"You still remember my name, right?"
"Of course," Belle said. "John Walker."
He grinned. "Well, Belle... how about I call you BG?"
"BG?" she repeated, amused.
"Yep, short for your name."
Belle giggled softly. "I love it."
John pulled out a stool to help her down from the bar.
"Oy ma'am, John Walker at your service," he said in a dramatic seaman's voice.
Belle laughed, but the moment she stepped out, she wobbled and nearly fell. John shot his arms out and held her firmly against his chest. Belle lingered there for a second, comforted by his warmth, before gently pulling away, cheeks flushed.
"I'm sorry about that. It was unintentional."
John smiled. "You obviously seem high. If you don't mind, I'll carry you to my car."
Belle nodded and draped her arms around his shoulders. He lifted her effortlessly, carrying her across the sidewalk.
He stopped in front of a sleek black Porsche. As he set her down, the cold night breeze swept across her skin, making her shiver.
John noticed and immediately removed his jacket, draping it over her shoulders.
Belle smiled gratefully, but her eyes widened as she took in the car.
Not only was the man handsome, but he was rich too. Jackpot, she thought, grinning inwardly.
John opened the door for her. She stepped in, and he closed it behind her before sliding into the driver's seat.
The ride was quiet until they reached her house.
"You live in a beautiful home and in a great area, BG," John said as he stepped out to help her.
"Thank you," Belle replied, then looked at him. "Can I see your phone?"
John handed it over without hesitation. Thank God it had no passcode. She would have felt really embarrassed asking him to open his phone so she could input her number. She quickly saved her number and dialed herself.
"Now I have your number, and you have mine."
John nodded, taking the phone back. Belle handed him his jacket.
"Thank you... for this."
John accepted it, leaned forward, and kissed her gently on the cheek.
"Stay safe, Belle."
She nodded, smiling brightly as she walked the last few steps to her door. The moment she disappeared inside, John turned and got back into his car, driving off into the night.
Once he was outside the Higgins home, John picked up his phone and made a call.
"It's done, boss. She even took the initiative to give me her number."
"Well, good job, Johnny," James commented, his voice low and deliberate. "Just continue keeping your eyes on her and make sure you get close. Don't forget to use the rift between her and her mother to your advantage."
"Yes, boss," Johnny replied.
James didn't bother saying anything else. He simply cut the call.
John smiled faintly, tucked his phone back into his jacket, and left the scene with a quiet sense of satisfaction.
Back at the office, James stepped out with his secretary, the corners of his lips lifted ever so slightly in amusement.
A few hours ago...
After watching the explosive drama unfold between the mother-daughter duo, James had immediately tracked Belle's location using her GPS and street cameras. He sent the footage of their argument, raw and emotional to one of his most trusted subordinates.
The mission was simple:
Get close to Belle.
Gain her trust.
Use her against her mother.
"Turn her heart cold," James had said. "We'll start with her. If we must destroy that family, we do it from the inside."
He then gave Johnny a rundown of the current situation, not leaving out any critical detail.
Johnny didn't hesitate. His loyalty to James ran deep, after all, the man had once pulled him from the darkest corner of the streets, saved him when no one else would.
And now, Johnny was ready to repay the favor.
By any means necessary.