I couldn’t shake the eyes on me... as if a vulture strived for its next pick to whisk into the air. I peeled my gaze off my breakfast to the twins.

I cleared my throat, taking a bite out of the fresh berry, but I don’t know how long I could just sit here and act as if I don’t feel the bloodlust directed at me.

Suddenly, the doors opened, and Elliot came in, brushing something off his suit before his eyes moved to the breakfast spread on the table and then me.

"Ana..." He looked a bit surprised to see me.

"Good morning..." I said sternly.

He paused, looking at his brothers and then back at me. "You’re here?"

"Yes, why is she here and not holed up in her room like she usually does?" Dante finally spoke up.

"Please, Dante...." Elliot chastised softly, taking his seat. "It’s good to have you join us. Maybe consider doing it more often."

I have no intention of doing that. I only came here for one reason.

"Let’s hope she doesn’t take an impressive shit this time..." Dante uttered.

Luca snorted, almost coughing up his cup of coffee. Elliot looked perplexed.

I rolled my eyes. "When will Don Salvero be joining us?"

"He won’t."

I scowled. "Why?"

"He has work."

You mean I came out here for nothing?

"I see..." I muttered. "What kind of work?"

"Torture..." Luca grinned, resting his hand on his cheek. "That’s one of his favorites."

"Luca..." Elliot scolded before pinning me with his gaze. "He’s at the company. He had to be there early for a board meeting."

"Oh..." I lifted the teacup to my lips and took a sip.

Elliot narrowed his eyes. "Do you want to see him?"

I set the cup down, thinking of the right words to use. "Something like that..."

I grew nervous because their eyes were on me now, as if waiting for me to spill all my secrets.

"Is it possible... to um..." I swallowed. "To um... see him? I have something I want to discuss with him."

The corners of his lips lifted slightly. "Of course. Dante and—"

"Oh hell no...!" Dante interjected. "The last thing I want to do is watch her." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"It’s alright, I don’t need a constant parasite monitoring me. I can drive there myself."

"Did you just—"

"Dante..." Elliot shunned him.

"She got you there..." Luca chuckled, eating his croissant.

He seemed to be enjoying this more than anyone else.

Dante glared at me as if he was gonna murder me, and I returned the favor. Asshat.

"I’ll take you..." Ellias proposed. "I can’t have you off on your own."

"I can drive myself," I said.

"I didn’t say you can’t."

"That’s very considerate of you, but—"

"How much of the old quarter do you know by chance?"

I shut my mouth. None.

I didn’t say anything, and he smiled as if he could read my mind.

"We will head there after breakfast."

"Good luck..." Luca said.

"You’re gonna need it," Dante added.

"What’s going on with you two?"

"Experience." They uttered in unison.

Elliot looked to me as if in hopes I’d throw in light, but I just silently sipped my tea.

~☆~

I got into the car, slamming the door shut, adjusting my glasses."Shall we?"

Elliot lingered for a bit before he pressed the button, and the engine roared. "What exactly do you wanna see him for if you’re willing to go to him?"

"It concerns my future."

"Your future?" He drove out.

"Yes, and I’d like to spend the rest of this ride in silence, thank you."

He smiled. "Though... don’t you think you should give me a heads-up?"

"A heads-up for what?"

"The twins are not particularly game about the idea of me escorting you."

"That’s because they are insufferable. No offense."

"None taken."

Thankfully, we spent the ride in a comfortable silence.

I got more sightings of the old quarter and it never ceased to amaze me.

The car pulled up in front of an entrance.

I got out first, taken aback by the view. The building stood tall, all pale stone, towering windows, and aged architecture that spoke of old money rather than modern wealth.

Just look at the size of that thing. It was impressive.

I took off my sunglasses to feed my eyes more with this incredible view, but I heard a sharp snapping sound that triggered my eyes to move at speed.

"Ana?"

I looked to Elliot, who caught on quickly, detecting the paparazzi near parked cars.

He sighed, quickly typing something on his phone as we walked through the large revolving door made of brass.

"I underestimated their enthusiasm."

"What?"

"They have been eager to get a picture of you after the wedding."

They were? I didn’t realize I was now a celebrity, oh wait... My so-called husband plastered our wedding photos all over the internet.

I have only been out to the shopping arcade, and I must say I expected the attention, but this was getting too far.

Will I never have a private life anymore?

"I wouldn’t be surprised if they have one on Zade already," Elliot said as we made our way to the elevator.

"You say that as if it’s a bad thing. Isn’t this like a normal Monday for you guys?"

He pressed the button, and we stepped in, the brass doors sliding shut.

"It could mean both, but they must capture the couple together," he replied, and I rolled my eyes.

Why did I even ask?

We got to the top floor, and the doors opened to a reception area with dark wood and floor-to-ceiling windows

I walked ahead, eyeing the empty desk and chair. Getting close to the door, I found it slightly ajar.

My first instinct was to peek, and when I did... Lisa stood in front of the executive desk.

Her blouse was off, and her fingers hooked beneath the strap of her bra, slowly pulling it down.