I shrug. “I don’t know, Damien. I’m just speculating here. The way I understand it, your father and brother were quite hand in glove. So, either you were complacent in an act they had committed or you knew something they had done and chose to ignore it.”

Damien shakes his head. “It doesn’t make sense. I’d never willingly participate...” He pauses and then his eyes widen. “Could that be the reason I chose to disappear? What had they done? Why would I ignore it and fuck, why can’t I remember it?”

Mike speaks up. “Sir, this makes sense. The more I think about it, the more I’m certain the person behind it all is known to you or at least someone who has access to information about you. How else would they know to send the black rose and the note just the day you returned from Heaven’s Gate? How else would they know exactly when you were to leave from Annette & Co.? Someone is watching. I’m certain of that.”

Damien looks at me and a smile curves his lips. “Let’s shake things up then, shall we?”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“Aaliya, I’ve been wanting to take you out on a date. What better way to do that than now, when whoever is watching doesn’t expect it? What do you think, Mike?”

“Sir, you’ve kept Ms. Aaliya out of the public eye for so long now, I’m sure no one’s expecting you to announce her to the world suddenly, whether they know about her or not.”

“Good, let’s keep disrupting my routine now and then. Let’s see how that pans out.” He rubs his hands in delight. “I know exactly where I want to go tonight.”

Damien takes the name of a restaurant in a popular club. I’ve never been there, but I have read about it. It gained popularity in India recently as some of our film stars were seen dining there. It is exclusive, members only, and is a fashionable spot for the rich and famous.

Mike nods. “I’ll make the arrangements, Sir. And with your permission, I’d like to look into everyone you know. I’ll start with your family, friends and known associates, then Gamma Inc. and work my way to Annette & Co., your charities and finally your staff at your various homes.”

“That’s a lot of people,” Damien exclaims. “You’re looking at a number close to five hundred, maybe more.”

Mike lifts his chin. “I can do it; I have the resources to do so. It is worth investigating.”

“Fine! Do it then.”

Mike dips his head and leaves.

“Are you sure about tonight?” I ask Damien.

“I think it’s time we step out as a couple. I want to show you off.”