Chapter 4

CRYSTAL

I read the contents of the paper several times until I was completely puzzled. 'Is this really for me?' Perhaps yes, because it has my name written on it. But the thing I didn't understand was what I was supposed to do. Why should I resign when finding a job is so difficult these days? Even those who completed college had trouble applying. And even if they did get to work, it was unsuitable for their course-they had been misplaced. So I shouldn't be selective in work and should strive to improve my performance regardless of how difficult it was.

"This is crazy," I muttered. Maybe that guy just wanted to mess up with me. But it was strange that he knew me. Was he my stalker? 'Wow, Crystal! You officially have a stalker!'

I tossed the paper into the trash can and turned to face the next person in line. She screamed at my face, which baffled me.

"I said, a bucket of fried chicken drumsticks, and large french fries! Are you deaf?"

"Oh, sorry, Ma'am!" I almost had my fingers knotted to each other as I punched her orders on the board. Thankfully, when she received them, she made no further complaints. However, she rolled her eyes before walking away with the tray of food in her hands.

Damn. Another embarrassing day.

***

It was five in the afternoon and I felt like a withered leave after my shift. Then I remembered that today was my birthday. Mom and I were supposed to go out to celebrate, however, she wasn't still in sight until now.

When I went out, I usually used the door behind the personnel room. However, I now preferred to exit the fast-food restaurant through the main door so that I could easily spot Mama.

I waited in the waiting shed, just a few steps away from the building. But I scowled when two dark cars stopped in front of me. Great, how would I be able to see Mama if they were in the way?

I was about to move when a man dressed in a black button-down shirt approached me. He was holding a radio-like phone and was speaking through it when he came over to me.

"You need to go with us, young lady."

I tightened the grip on the strap of my sling bag. "And why would I? Do you even know me?"

"You are Crystal Wayne."

My eyes almost popped out of their socket when he called me that. But even though I felt intimidated by the urgent tone, I kept on sitting and just looked up at him. 'Damn, my neck hurts.'

"Okay, for the record, my name is Crystal Bretz and not Crystal Wa-hey, what do you think you're doing!"

Before I knew it, the man was dragging me towards his car. I tried to fight him but fear was paralyzing my body.

"Help! Somebody help me!" I screamed, looking around but they were not daring to even turn their heads on me.

Horrible thoughts began flashing in my head. I've seen so many cases of young girls and women being kidnapped. Some of them ended up ruined or worse, dead when found. Just imagining myself going into the same unfortunate fate shook the living daylights out of me in pure terror.

"I beg you, sir. Don't hurt me!" I sobbed and the image of Mama crying flashed in my mind.

"Will you calm down? Mr. Jimenez is going to talk with you."

"M-Mr. Jimenez? Who's that?"

I squeaked when he shoved me in the car and he immediately closed the door. I banged it with my fist, but then I froze when a soft male voice spoke.

"So, have you read my note, Crystal?"

Slowly, I turned to the driver's seat, still catching my breath. "You?" He was the one who handed me the paper earlier, telling me to resign.

'I knew it. He's a stalker. He's been following me around like a mad man!'

I shook my head, attempting to dismiss the thought that had popped into my head. 'Cut it out, Crystal. He seems like a decent man-not even close to being a stalker. Why don't you just ask him about the note?'

"What do you want? If you are trying to kidnap me, then sorry for you. I'm not a rich kid!"

He chuckled. "Are you sure?" My body suddenly became stiff when he gazed at me. "The last time I checked, you are the only successor of Miguel Wayne. So that makes you a rich kid, an insanely rich kid."

I gulped hard. 'How did he know about that? Was he associated with the delivery man who gave me the birthday present? So it means he was the Erik Jimenez he was pertaining to? The one who gave me the necklace was my stalker?'

Although my heart wanted to lurch in panic, I raised my forehead to show my courage. "Are you kidding me? I even have no idea what he looks like. So if you want money, go directly to him!"

"He looks a bit like you," the man said. Before I could speak again, he picked up the folder on the dashboard and placed it on my lap.

"Wait, what exactly is this supposed to be?"

"It'll help you figure out who you are, Crystal Wayne."

"That's not my freaking name!"

I shot him a warning look, but the way he smiled seemed to turn my mind to mush. For some reason, I couldn't help but appreciate how well-defined his features were. His hair was jet black and straight, and his eyes were emerald green. The square form of his face enhanced his jawline. And his olive-colored skin just added to his allure.

"Once you've finished staring at me, you can start reading those documents."

My face heated as he grinned from ear to ear Shit! This had to be my most idiotic moment yet!

"W-what was that?"

"You're staring at me as if you're planning to eat me alive."

"What? No!" My skin warmed up again. "H-hey, I'm not gazing at you, okay," I stammered, clearing my throat. "I'm simply interested in the message you sent me. By the way, what was that about? You must explain how you got to know my name too." I attempted to make my tone urgent. "Why do you want me to resign? Will you be able to provide me with a better position? Do you work for an international company as a manager or as a recruitment agent?"

His arms folded across his chest as he chuckled. "Have I left you with that impression? Do I look like a recruiter?"

I shook my head. "Of course not. Actually, I assumed you were a model." I instantly cupped my hands across my mouth. Oh, my huge mouth! I definitely need to tone down my reactions before I end up somewhere I'd regret.

With a slight smile, he gently answered, "Thank you if that's how you view me." I was amused because I was expecting him to tease me. He might have looked confident, but he wasn't the boastful type. "Okay, let's get down to business. Read those papers."

Although I was hesitating, I opened the folder. "Certificate of birth. Wait, who is this Crystal Eleonora Wayne?" I didn't need to hear his response when my eyes landed below the name of the child—my mother's name was written on it. "Is this… me?"

"That's right, young lady. Your real name is actually Crystal Eleonora Wayne. You are the only daughter of my boss, Mr. Miguel Wayne. And the sole heir of Wayne Law Firm."