As soon as the meeting wrapped up, I got an urgent phone call from the company.
"Sir, I've just received an urgent call from the company. They're saying the systems are being hacked again," I informed him as he got settled in the car.
Vincent's face fell as the driver accelerated toward the company.
✿✿✿✿
"I assure you, I'm doing everything possible," the so-called backup coder responded.
Vincent appeared incredibly frustrated and angry. It was the first time I had seen him this upset, and I must admit, it felt somewhat satisfying.
*He's finally experiencing some of his own consequences.*
The atmosphere in the room was tense, with everyone visibly stressed by the unfolding situation. I noticed the coder, however, remained calm, showing no signs of retaliation or urgency to respond.
"Mind if I take a look?" I approached the coder and asked.
Everyone else was too preoccupied with their anxiety to pay attention.
"Y-y-yeah, of course!" he stammered, flipping the laptop around.
I grabbed it and typed in a few lines of code, and just like that, the system was back on track. The previously noisy chatter in the room faded away. I passed the laptop to the coder, who shot me a sharp look, prompting me to take a step back. *Oh no! This is strange; I should have kept my hands to myself.*
Unfortunately, I found myself in the elevator heading back to Vincent's office. I usually thrive in awkward silence, but this was different—it was palpable. To break the tension, I began fiddling with random numbers on my phone's calculator.
*Bam!*
I glanced up to see what had caused the noise, only to be met by Vincent's piercing gaze. It hit me—I was trapped with no chance of escape. Quickly, I averted my gaze, pressing my hands against his chest to avoid being squeezed in the tight space between us.
He wore a broad smile that was hard to reconcile with the stress he had just displayed moments earlier.
Gently, he cradled my chin and lifted my gaze to meet his eyes once more.
"How did you manage that?" he inquired.
I struggled to hold his gaze.
"Do wh-what?" My mind was clouded; all I wanted was to escape the moment.
Then he fixed me with a steady look.
"Oh, um, I picked up coding back in high school," I stammered.
"Why? Engaged in some shady activities?" he teased, yet there was a seriousness behind his tone.
"Wha-what? No! I used to run a Facebook page called *Girlens*. I poured my heart into it, and it really paid off—I gained a lot of followers. But then it got hacked, and I wanted to retaliate, so I learned to code, just in case our paths crossed again. I'm not really into coding anymore, but I still have a desire to get back at that hacker," I explained.
He gave me a peculiar look, as if he were let down, saying, "Such a great talent, wasted on such a silly reason."
"I really should have just kept my hands to myself," I muttered under my breath.
In that moment, I felt his hand rest on my waist.
*Oh boy.*
"Don't fret, little de; every one of your unexpected talents will be beneficial to me from now on," he grinned, leaning his face closer to mine.
I could feel his breath warming my cheek.
*Oh my gosh! How do I escape this...*
*Ding* The elevator chimed perfectly timed.
*I think I'm falling for the elevator; if only it had a phone, I'd definitely save its number.*
Adriel stood waiting just outside the elevator, and he definitely caught sight of us.
Vincent quickly regained his composure and stepped out.
Adriel looked momentarily stunned before regaining his bearings.
"We have a situation regarding the packages, sir," Adriel said, clearing his throat.
"Alright, take her home; I'll join the others," Vincent ordered.
*More like, take her to her cell.*
Adriel gave a nod and stepped into the elevator just as the doors slid shut.
I could definitely catch a teasing grin on his face.
*Ughhh! Not this again.*
✿✿✿✿
Riley: Where are you?
Bloom: I'm on a business trip, but I'll do my best to join you all soon.
Riley: Alright, I have to run.
Bloom: Take care.
Riley: Byeee!
Riley was at the hospital with Lisa and Samantha. I managed to chat with both of them, and it turns out they were doing well.
Now I could finally relax a bit.
"So, what's going on between you and my brother?" Adriel asked, keeping his gaze fixed on the road.
"Huh?!!!" I exclaimed.
"W-w-wait, Vincent is your brother?!" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
"Yes." A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"That makes the family resemblance clear. I knew you two were related, but I didn't realize you were that close. Why do you even call him Sir?" I inquired.
"In case you're unaware, he's the head of a Mafia organization, so it's only proper for me to refer to him formally, as I'm also part of it," he clarified to me.
"Yeah, I realized from the moment I laid eyes on him that he was probably involved in something like that. Still, I don't agree with having to address him so formally," I responded.
"How did you two meet?" he inquired.
"I'm not sure I want to get into that," I replied, my gaze fixed out the car window.
"Oh, come on," he pleaded.
"Fine! It was at a party. I was talking to an old friend when I noticed him watching me. He eventually approached our table and left with the same friend I was chatting with. And that's how everything changed for me," I said, still focused on the world outside.
"That definitely sounds like my brother, but he's really not that bad," he said optimistically.
"Yeah, right. I forgot he's your brother, so you wouldn't really get it," I muttered under my breath, though I was pretty sure he caught it.
He let out a soft laugh, "No worries, I'm here for you if you need anything."
"Sure, maybe," I replied.
A few moments later, we arrived at a house via a private driveway accented with towering trees and perfectly groomed lawns. The exterior is striking, with lofty walls and gates that guarantee both security and seclusion.
As I walked in, I was welcomed by a bright, contemporary interior. Soaring ceilings and expansive windows foster a feeling of spaciousness, while a muted color scheme exudes elegance.
I spotted a sleek, modern kitchen, ideal for hosting gatherings. The living room boasts a cozy seating arrangement, equipped with cutting-edge TV and sound systems.
A secluded study or office area is neatly tucked away, featuring a generous desk and inviting seating. Floor-to-ceiling shelves adorn one side, brimming with leather-bound books.
Heading upstairs, I discovered a generous master suite complete with a lavish en-suite bathroom and a spacious walk-in closet. French doors opened up to a private balcony, showcasing breathtaking views.
Additional amenities encompass a fully-equipped gym, a private cinema, and a secure safe room. Each aspect showcases Vincent's sophisticated taste and dedication to luxury and safety.
"This place is seriously impressive," I remarked to Adriel.
"Uh-huh, that's my brother for you," he replied.
Two maids approached and bowed to Adriel, who acknowledged them with a nod.
"This is Cynthia; she'll be assisting you here. And here's Lily, who manages the kitchen and other areas," he explained, gesturing toward them as they bowed. Cynthia wore a look of disdain, while Lily appeared quite courteous.
*I really hope I get along with Lily, not Cynthia.*
Adriel checked his watch. "I have to run; Cynthia will show you around." He departed before I could respond.
*Great, I'm left with Cynthia, who seems unfriendly and shares a name with the senior who tormented me in high school. Sigh.*