~ Exactly Seven Days Earlier ~

Andreas stepped from the small, sleek private jet and shifted the leather pouch draped protectively across his shoulder. The pouch's contents were priceless and his mistress had given him orders to guard it with his life.

Such a phrase was not merely an assemblage of words for his mistress. Andreas knew that Helena Cassadine would not hesitate to end his life if the servant displeased her.

He had no intention of displeasing her.

Slipping into the rear seat of an idling limousine, Andreas directed the driver toward their first destination. The big armor-plated vehicle eased into motion as Helena's handsome manservant reached deep inside the leather pouch.

Andreas' instructions were explicit. Each instance was to be handled as directed. With no exceptions.