The Traps of Black Swan

Shawn had completed some of his work at the Rivas Industries when he got to know Aaron was accompanying Aarvi at the flower shop. He really wanted to free up his brother from double work, but Shawn still needed some time to control the different branches of Rivas Industries and, importantly, their private army.

There were too many people, and he couldn't have control over them overnight. He needs to arrange everything so that the team could be outfitted for every consequence. Enforcing that discipline required a little time.

He also felt Aaron should have control over Rivas Industries and the business center of Mocon until Aarvi will be against Leon. Even though Aarvi didn't need their support, he didn't want to spare any chance in protecting her, even if it's just standing behind her.

He went to Aaron's office to help him manage some of the work with Milo Wen. Then, he reported to Aaron when he reached office with Aarvi before leaving for the Club, from where he usually does his job.

On the way, he glanced at the Rivas Hospital. Remembering Lara, he couldn't stop himself from pulling the car to the hospital entrance. Grabbing some snacks for Lara, Shawn lightened his mood by playing with Lara.

He was leaving when a lady doctor bumped him while avoiding the stretcher. The stack of books in her hand fell on the floor. He heard her apologize, "I am sorry, sorry... Are you..." Shea's head tilted in surprise when she saw Shawn.

Shawn wasn't expecting to 'truly' bump into her so soon. "Looks like Doctor Wells is bullying Doctor Morris." He humorously said as he glanced at more than eight thick medical books.

Shea remembered the books and cried, "Ahh..." She quickly kneeled and checked if any of the books were torn and sighed. She hadn't damaged the books which she had borrowed from Karsen's personal library.

Shawn: "..."

Did she ignore me?

Even if he wants to be an acquaintance, how could he be one with her behavior? However, he still decided to help her with the books.

After checking books, Shea remembered she didn't speak appropriately with Shawn. He was about to kneel; Shea stood up abruptly and struck her head against his.

Shawn balanced on his knees, rubbing his forehead while Shea fell on her butt and rubbed her head. Shawn was unsure how to react to Shea. He noticed Shea behaves weirdly with him, whereas she is cool with others. Everyone likes her at first meet, but she was everything with him but relaxed.

Shea couldn't understand what happens to her when she is around Shawn. 'I am just attracted to him. It's no sin.' She calmed herself.

She looked up at Shawn, whose forehead was bright red. She was glad she didn't hit his chin. Instead of standing up, she crossed her legs and intently watched him while waiting for his attention when his eyes were closed.

Her gaze trailed down his lashes which were casting shadows on his spotless skin. His cheekbones and jawline looked more defined from her angle. She gulped when her eyes landed on his punch pink lips which were pressed to a thin line.

'Is he annoyed?' She thought before she poked his leg, silently asking him to open his eyes. She wanted to have a good relationship with him, probably a friendship. So she wished she won't do anything stupid and mend her image.

Shawn opened his eyes, thinking if she would pull another stunt but found her pitifully blinking her eyes. Against the wild Shea Morris, he had met and knew; this side looked funny on her, which brought a grin on his face. Anyway, he controlled and waited for her to speak.

"I don't know why I get flustered and become so confused around you. I think... We should start afresh. Then I might behave right." She didn't bother to think if she should say it or not.

Shawn understood in his way. Due to their first encounter, she needs time to get comfortable around him. He didn't make it hard for her. "Yeah, we should."

Shea was glad he was understanding. She eagerly nodded as she extended her hand, "Shea, Brother Aaron's fan."

Shawn wasn't expecting to hear that. He smiled resignedly and shook her hand firmly, "Shawn, your brother Aaron's diehard fan." Then both chuckled, feeling hilarious at their introduction.

Shawn pulled her up from the floor and grabbed the books for her, "Did Doctor Wells give you so much work on day one?"

Shea wasn't surprised by Shawn. She knows he treats people well. She collected books from him as she responded, "Nope, Doctor Wells is working on a new medical condition. She told me to survey a topic, but I want to gather more data related to it."

Shawn stood up, holding another set of books. Both walked towards her department as they generally spoke about her first day, accommodation, and comfort in the new city.

Shea was pleased when they were having a general conversation without awkwardness. Then, placing books on her desk, she followed him out, asking about his DJ and what he does other than that.

Shawn checked the time when their simple conversation was seamless. "You should head in." He didn't want Shea to be in trouble because of him.

Shea glanced at her wristwatch and nodded, "Then see you..." She smiled amiably.

Shawn bid her and waved his hand to leave, but she suddenly remembered something and clutched his jacket running in front of him. Shawn asked, seeing her struggle and thinking to speak. "What's wrong?"

She started hesitatingly, "Brother Nick asked me to focus on internship and studies." Shawn nodded, waiting for her to complete.

Shea pleaded with Shawn. She had heard Nikun asking Aaron to break her leg if she tried to go anywhere,  "May I come to your club occasionally? I promise I won't try to hook up and bring any trouble..."

Shawn wasn't expecting her to be an obedient girl of the family. He understood she didn't want them to report her activities to Nikun or her family,

Shea heard no response, so she tried again, "How about I go only when you play or be in the club?" She had already heard Shawn doesn't play regularly. It always depends on his mood and other works.

Shawn could imagine Shea, who lived like a free bird in country S, was feeling caged, and the fear of kidnap had rooted deep in her. "Oh, is it only for the club?"

Shea sheepishly grinned, shaking her head. She was looking forward to checking out Mocon.

Shawn unthinkingly rubbed her head, trying to comfort her, "Alright. Now go back to work." Shea was dazed, craving to touch her head where he had touched, "You can join Dads and grandpa at home if you want to have a drink or two. They won't mind or judge you for that."

Shea's eyes sparkled hearing him. She wanted to change her family and settle in the Rivas mansion. She obediently nodded at Shawn as she waved her hand at him. "If you don't leave, I will keep on eating your head."

Shawn chuckled as he left. He thought one less thing for Aaron to be worried about.

----

At Highland Club, around nine in the evening.

Dax nodded at the young business associate for whom he visited the club. Once the man left, Dax was drinking when he felt a cold gaze on him. He looked up twice but failed to catch those eyes.

On the next try, he caught the steely grey eyes trying to burn him alive.