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I watched Vincent’s back disappear around the corner, his security detail falling in step behind him. The moment they were out of sight, I shoved against Primo’s chest, breaking free from his grip. His laughter echoed through the gallery.
“So this is what you’ve been up to.” Primo straightened his tie. “I must thank you, really. Getting a dinner meeting with Vincent himself? That’s quite the achievement. He’s the only one of the big five I haven’t properly connected with yet.”
“You snake.” I spat the words. “You think you can just waltz in here and-”
“And what? Take advantage of an opportunity?” His eyes glinted. “That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
“You’re overplaying your hand,” Adrian’s. voice cut through the tension. “Vincent won’t appreciate this kind of interference.”
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Primo’s smile widened as he turned toward the exit. At the doorway, he paused and looked back over his shoulder. “You know, I did warn you both about crossing me.” His gaze fixed on Adrian. “I think I’ll start with you, Consider this your first and final warning.”
The click of his shoes faded down the corridor as he left.
I stared at the empty doorway where Primo had disappeared, my hands shaking with rage. “What are we going to do now? That manipulative bastard just hijacked everything we’ve worked for.”
Adrian’s calm demeanor didn’t waver. “Actually, this works in our favor.”
“How? He’s going to-”
“Vincent already gave us what we needed, his trust. Primo showing up like this only makes him look desperate.”
I ran my fingers through my hair. “God, I could strangle him with his own tie. The
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way he just inserted himself-”
“Come on, let’s get you home.” Adrian
placed a gentle hand on my lower back, guiding me toward the exit.
The cool night air hit my face as we crossed the parking lot. My car was just a few meters ahead when the screech of tires pierced the silence.
“Watch out!” Adrian shoved me hard to the side. I stumbled, catching myself on my hands as a black sedan roared past where we’d been standing. Adrian rolled in the opposite direction, the car missing him by inches.
“Adrian!” I scrambled to my feet, rushing to where he lay on the ground. “Are you okay?”
He pushed himself up, brushing gravel from his suit. “I’m fine. You?”
“Just scraped palms.” My heart pounded as I helped him stand. “That was Primo’s doing, wasn’t it?”
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“He doesn’t waste time.” Adrian’s eyes narrowed at the direction the car had
disappeared. “But this is sloppy, even for him.”
“He’s angry. When he’s angry, he gets reckless.”
“Then we’ll use that against him.” Adrian checked his watch. “For now, we need to get back.”
The drive back passed in tense silence, both of us processing what had just happened. The mansion’s lights came into view, and I let out a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
As we walked through the front door, Dad rushed toward us, his face beaming. “There you are! Vincent Castellano just called.”
My stomach dropped. Had Primo already-
“They were incredibly impressed.” Dad clasped my shoulders. “They want to come
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for dinner next week to discuss some potential business opportunities.”
Relief flooded through me. “Really?”
“Really.” He turned to Adrian, studying him for a moment. His eyes caught on the dirt. still clinging to Adrian’s otherwise immaculate suit. Before Adrian could step back, Dad pulled him into a tight hug.
“They specifically mentioned you,” Dad said, releasing him. “Said they hadn’t met such a knowledgeable art consultant in years. The way you discussed that Monet piece? Vincent was particularly taken with your insights.”
Adrian’s carefully maintained composure slipped for just a fraction of a second, revealing genuine surprise at the embrace and praise.
“Listen,” Dad’s voice softened. “I know we didn’t discuss how long you’d be staying, but after tonight… You’re welcome here as long as you want. We have plenty of room,
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and clearly, you’re an asset to the family.”
“That’s very generous of you, sir.” Adrian’s voice carried a warmth I rarely heard. “I appreciate the offer.”
“Please, call me James.” Dad clapped him on the shoulder. “Now, both of you should get some rest. We have a lot to plan for this dinner.”
I sank into my chair at the dining table. The kitchen staff had prepared a late dinner, some kind of pasta dish that smelled divine. Adrian sat across from me, his jacket discarded but his tie still perfectly knotted despite our earlier brush with death.
“Here.” I pushed the bread basket toward him. “You must be starving after-”
The crunch of tires on gravel cut through the quiet evening. My fork clattered against the plate. Adrian’s posture shifted.
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“Are we expecting anyone?” I glanced at the ornate clock on the wall. Past ten.
“Your father mentioned a business call, but not until tomorrow.” Adrian’s voice
remained steady, but his eyes tracked toward the entrance.
Footsteps echoed through the marble foyer. The sound was familiar, too familiar. My stomach twisted as recognition hit.
The dining room door swung open.
Yesha Foster stood in the doorway, wearing a crimson dress that seemed designed to draw attention. Her lips curved into that practiced innocent smile that made my blood boil.
“I hope I’m not interrupting.” Her saccharine voice filled the room as she glided forward. “But when I heard about the excitement at the gallery tonight, I just had to check on my dear friend.”
I gripped my knife tighter, knuckles white against the silver handle. Of all the people
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to show up tonight – this couldn’t be a coincidence.
“Yesha.” The name tasted bitter on my tongue. “What an unexpected surprise.”
