Page 19 of Malicious Claim

As I left the hallway that Makros' room was in, I zoned out and didn't take note of where I was going. When I finally became aware, I was lost with no one in sight. I walked around for a while, trying to find the way, but it was all to no avail. The house was a maze.

I was about to round a corner when I bumped into someone. I looked up to apologize but stopped when I saw the face of the person.

He looked precisely like Makros, so much that he could pass as him. The only thing that made it clear that he wasn't Makros was his shorter hair and the intensity of his eyes.

His eyes locked with mine before they narrowed as a kind smile spread across his face.

“I'm sorry about that. I didn't see you coming,” he said, his voice smooth and precise.

I didn't know him, but behind that kind smile, I could tell that he was up to no good. It made me cautious.

“It's fine. It wasn't all your fault. I wasn't paying attention either,” I said with pursed lips and moved out of the way for him to pass.

“I know I haven't seen you in this house before. Are you new?” he asked me, and I sighed.

“Well, I guess you could say that,” I shrugged.

“Then I should introduce myself. My name is Stefanos Crete, and you are?” he asked, stretching his hand for a handshake but I didn't take it.

His name rang a bell in my head, and I remembered where I had heard it. Back when I was still at home, I was chatting with a few friends, and one of them spoke about how she had a run-in with Stefanos Crete. She told us of his escapades and how much of a cunning womanizer he was. He was also Makros' cousin.

“Leila Crawford,” I answered.

“OH, THE LEILA CRAWFORD. What are you doing walking around on your own?” he asked. “You looked almost panicked when I bumped into you.”

There was something about the gentle tone of his voice that made me want to respond even though I should hate anyone bearing Crete at this moment.

“Well, I kind of lost my way and couldn't find anyone that could help me,” I explained.

“Okay, tell me where you're going and I’ll take you there,” he offered, and I shook my head.

It didn't feel like anything good could come out from me spending time alone with this guy or letting him know where my room was.

“You don't need to do that much for me. You can take me to any one of the main areas, and I’ll find my way from there.”

“Are you sure? Cause I know every nook and cranny of this household.”

“Of course you do, but I'm fine,” I said in a stern voice.

“If that's what you want, then this way,” he said and walked in front of me.

As we made our way, Stefanos tried to engage me in small talks but I wasn't having it.

It seemed like we were getting closer to the central area because I started to hear loud voices. I frowned when I looked at Stefanos who smiled softly at me. We finally reached the vast living room, and there were all the guards and maids of the house. They stood in front of Makros who sat on the couch with his back to us.

I wanted to make up an excuse to tell Stefanos so I could quietly escape before Markos noticed me, but I was too late.

“What's going on here?” Stefanos asked, and everyone turned to us. Among those staring eyes were Makros's furious ones.

He stood up from the couch and turned to face us.

“Where have you been, and why are you with him?”

His voice was cold and angry, the intensity hitting me with a force so hard I almost winced.

“I asked you a question, and I expect an answer.”

“Calm down Cous.”