Is this destiny?

Jeff was in the study, attending a video conference with three other people related to sale of one part of Cox Industries when he got a call from the security in the White family villa.

Security notified him that there is an intruder on the property, caught on one of the cameras.

Jeff swiftly put conference call on hold and asked security to show him the footage.

On his screen Jeff saw back of a person squatting next to few bushes for few seconds before squeezing between them and disappearing out of the view. From the video, Jeff could not see who it is.

Jeff can tell based on the information from the camera that this is quite a distance from the house. "Is there a better angle?"

"I'm going through video footage, Young Master. Nothing at this point. We don't have many cameras so far from the house, this is the first one that picked up something."

Jeff frowned. "Keep looking. Send people to apprehend him and find out how he got in."

"Yes, Young Master."

"Where are Miss Hill and my parents?"

"Miss Hill is in the side garden, and Master and Mistress are in the dining room."

"Send additional security to the side garden. Get them to follow Miss Hill while she is outside of house, but don't disturb her. Keep me informed of any changes." Jeff took a deep breath and returned to the video conference. "Sorry about that. We can continue…"

It was not uncommon that someone gets into the property. It was mostly paparazzi, who didn't know not to mess with White family. Occasionally, someone would show up with a hope to get few good shots and sell them for large sums. One time, one man trespassed with a goal to pitch his idea for business, hoping that they will finance it. Those people were harmless. Annoying, but harmless.

…

Outside, JoAnna was strolling through the garden and admiring variety of flowers. The garden is immaculate; beautifully landscaped and JoAnna found it very relaxing to spend time in there. She was observing variety of flowers and took notes of the ones she likes with hope to have them in their own house in Los Angeles, once they buy one.

JoAnna noticed that few more bodyguards appeared, but they were quite far away, and didn't disturb her, so she tried to ignore them. As she ventured deeper into the garden, JoAnna was happy to discover a beautiful pond with a gazebo in the middle. A small bridge connects gazebo with the shore, and comfortable seating inside made it even more inviting. JoAnna could not resist and decided to spend some time there. Everything was very well made and maintained, and JoAnna liked it very much. She only wished that Jeff can join her, but she knows that he is busy. She took time off from work, but he can't be so free. He is managing a large company, and a lot of people depend on him.

JoAnna started daydreaming about their honeymoon. They still didn't talk about where they will go, and she does not care. Even if they stay home, she will be fine with it. Because the part she looks forward the most is that he will take one month off from work. One month, no work… they can focus only on each other… how wonderful!

It would be nice if by then they find a house they can call home, on a large lot so that they can have a garden. Similar to this one. She imagined a pond… with a gazebo… and a comfortable furniture… and two of them… Smile appeared on her face and she blushed from her own thoughts.

…

Inside villa, Jeff finished video conference and was looking through his schedule for the day. He was disappointed that his next meeting starts in less than five minutes. He does not have time to go and check on JoAnna. Jeff feels guilty that they are in his family home, and he is working while she needs to entertain herself.

His thoughts were interrupted with another call from security.

"Young Master, we have intruder on the video."

Jeff immediately switched to see the feed which security sent him. Deep frown appeared on his face when he recognized intruder as Timothy Cox.

"Why is he not apprehended?!" Jeff subconsciously raised his voice.

"We tried, Young Master, but he escaped us twice already."

"Where is he now?"

"Sorry, Young Master, we don't know. Last time we saw him, he was moving toward the villa from South East."

Jeff was feeling uneasy. If Timothy continues that way, he is moving toward front of the house. Jeff was already on his feet, walking outside the study. "Where is Miss Hill?"

"Miss Hill is in the garden. Should we escort her inside?"

Jeff didn't have time to respond when he heard man speak again. "Young Master! The man is approaching front of the house, he is close to the driveway."

"Don't let Miss Hill come near there!" Jeff rushed outside.

Jeff's only thought was for JoAnna to stay safe. Nothing else mattered. Thought crossed his mind that Timothy might go around, to the back of the house, and then he will meet JoAnna. Jeff can't allow that to happen.

He does not know what Timothy's intentions are, but it can't be anything good. He lost his business, money, family is probably in shambles because of cheating and Lindsay ending up in jail. The man is probably desperate. And desperate people are capable of crazy things. Jeff can only hope to find Timothy before he finds JoAnna.

…

JoAnna was walking slowly toward the villa. She was close to the swimming pool when she observed number of bodyguards rushing toward the front. She approached one which was passing nearby. "What is going on?"

He didn't respond her question. He paused for a second. "Miss Hill, stay here." And then he continued toward front of the house.

JoAnna frowned and decided to follow the ones that rushed away, to take a look. She didn't reach far, when one bodyguard blocked her path. "Sorry, Miss Hill. You can't go to the front of the villa at this time. It's for your safety."

"Why? What is going on?" JoAnna's confusion was apparent. She can tell that something is going on. Why is no one telling her anything. She observed the man who was not responding, and with each passing moment she was getting more anxious.

In a moment, JoAnna's confusion turned to anxiousness and hundreds of questions swelled in her mind. What is going on at the front that she can't go? Where is Jeff? Something is going on, so how come he didn't come for her, or call her? He would never leave her in danger. What if he is there?

A thought crossed her mind to dash for it, but the bodyguard in front of her is three times her size. And she would need to pass two more of them before she reaches corner of the villa. She has no chance to outrun them.

JoAnna rushed inside the villa.. From there she can find out more.