LINA POV:
I sat in the dimly lit private room, shadows dancing across the walls as the low hum of conversation from the next room seeped through the walls. Sarah, Miles, and Addison watched me with eyes sharp and eager, each waiting for me to break the silence. But it was Sarah who finally spoke, her voice slicing through the heavy air.
"What did Christian say? Why did you look so nervous when you got out of the car?"
Before I could answer, Addison's voice followed, sharp as steel. "Those who don't know how to kill without batting an eye should start questioning their existence."
I turned my gaze to him, cold and unreadable, letting silence speak louder than words. Sarah's fingers drummed against the polished wood of the table. "Is Christian added into the list of your followers? Did he—?"
A low laugh escaped me, humorless. "Nothing. For now. Let's not talk about him."
Addison wasn't convinced. "Christian has deep connections in the European underworld. His identity is secured and well-hidden. People know his name but not his face. Be careful."
Sarah and Miles nodded, their expressions shadowed by concern. I gave no answer but a simple, thoughtful hum. The air thickened, and as if sensing the heaviness of my thoughts, they steered the conversation elsewhere.
"You're leaving for San Francisco tomorrow," Addison said. "What about the meeting in Cape Town next week for the client deal?"
I exhaled slowly. "I'll do my best to finish things before I leave. Ruan already sent the documents, and James is handling the corporation in our absence. I'll just need to organize the remaining details."
James Cole. The CEO of R&L Corporation to the public. But behind closed doors, it was me and Ruan who held the strings as major shareholders. James was just the mask we needed.
Turning to Sarah, I asked, "Have you started acquiring Patrick's company shares?"
She nodded, her expression serious. "I've begun collecting whatever shares have scattered into the market, but Christian is moving faster than I expected."
Lifting my wine glass, I let the rim brush my lips before I spoke. "Addison, take Miles with you. Cape Town is shifting. Miles can be an extra hand."
A shadow passed over the table. Miles exchanged a glance with Addison before nodding. "Understood."
I sighed, the weight of responsibility pressing heavy. "I need to be back in India by New Year. I can't miss Eirene's important moment."
Concern flickered in Sarah's eyes. "Don't tire yourself just to finish the work."
"I know," I replied softly. "But this sudden change has disrupted the schedule."
I set my glass down, fingers tracing the rim absentmindedly. "Sarah, take care of the location in Italy. Finalize the contract with the Romano Group. Once it's done, fly to Cape Town. We'll meet there."
She raised her glass, clinking it gently against mine. Miles and Addison followed. The toast was silent, solemn. None of us drank deeply, we all knew our limits.
Later, Sarah and I returned to the hotel while Addison and Miles left to check on Ruan and Louis before departing for Cape Town. It was already 11:30 PM when I reached my room, exhaustion curling around me like a shadow.
A message buzzed on my phone. A concise text from Christian.
"Reached hotel."
I smiled to myself, my gaze falling on the contact name I'd saved for him, Mr. Romano. A low laugh escaped me as I typed a single reply.
"Yes."
I tossed the phone onto the bed and stepped into the bathroom, letting the hot water wash away the weight of the day. Tomorrow would come soon enough...