Chapter 7

Chapter 7

“It is included in the rule that they cannot kill someone, unless it is their opponent in the battle.” Ace read aloud the rules that are attached to the invitation that I received.

“I won't die, Ace.” I simply replied, sounding bored and not even worried. Why would I get worried? I know that I can defeat whoever would be my opponent.

“Adira, we still have choices to raise your clan. Let's not take this risk and put your life on the edge,” I quickly chuckled when Louis said that. It was like a joke to me.

“Are you serious? Since the day we were born in this kind of life, our lives are already on the edge of death,” I shook my head to the two of them. They both turned silent as they knew that I was telling the truth.

“How about your father? He won't allow you,” Louis is still pushing me not to go.

“That's right. I'm sure Dad won't agree with this,” Ace added. They are both trying to convince me not to go.

“He doesn't have to know,” I replied. “He's out of this. This is my battle,”

“But Adir—”

“No buts. I'm done here,” I stood up from my seat and left them all there.

They all know me well. Once I made my decision, I never took it back anymore. The Mask Battle will be the easiest solution to uplift our clan. I don't know when we can defend against all the attacks. As much as possible, we have to do something to upgrade our clan’s rank in this Mafia world.

“Dad, what are you eating?” I asked when I found him in the living room, watching TV, while having his meal.

“Vegetables. The maids told me that you ordered the Chef to cook healthy food only for me,” he glared at me but he knows that he has no choice but to eat it somehow.

“Of course. You have to be healthy, Dad. You cannot eat steak forever,” it is what he always wants to eat.

“Anyway, we have a new investor. He came from a huge clan,” my brows met immediately when he mentioned that.

“Who is that?” I quickly asked. I don't feel good about this anymore.

“The Oliveros,” I tilted my head while trying to remember the clan he mentioned.

“I heard about that clan before, but I'm not familiar with them.”

“They have twins, one of them will soon take over the clan. I haven't seen any of them, but Otis Oliveros reached out and he wants to invest in your company and join hands with us,” he was wearing that huge smile that could totally rip his lips.

“Why would he want to invest in us?” Isn't it suspicious? He wants to invest despite the fact that we are falling.

“Is that even important? I know that they have plans. They might use us, but we can use them, too. That's how it works, Adira.” My father seems happy with that. But for me? I don't feel good about it.

“I'll be the one to decide, Dad. I cannot just let them in. What if their plan is to erase us, too?” I can't let my guard down.

“I trust you, Adira. You do what you want. But if they invest and help us, it would benefit us a lot. They are powerful, the other clans who want to erase us from this world won't dare to touch us again. Attacks will lessen,” I know that he only wants what's good for our clan. But I cannot just trust anybody that quick. Especially that Otis Oliveros came from a powerful clan that can surely eat us alive.

After finding out about that, I informed Ace and Louis about it, too.

“Oliveros? They are really powerful, Adira.” Louis commented while I was practicing shooting.

“That's suspicious. They won't benefit anything from us,” Ace said, thinking deeply beside me.

“Not yet, but soon? They will benefit from us. We will owe them a lot, so in the future, when they need us, we would have to pay them back.” That's how it works.

“What do you think?” Ace asked.

“We will accept it,” that's my decision. Right now, I am very desperate.

“Are you sure about that?” Ace.

“We're running out of time, Ace. We cannot defend the clan forever. If we stay like this, we will all end up being dead in the hands of these cruel people. We have to move…we have to accept everything that will be given to us,” if the Oliveros will use us, then I will be willing to be used by them. As long as we will be able to go back with the same rank we were, I don't mind doing everything at all costs.

The next day, the meeting was set. Otis Oliveros insisted on coming here instead of meeting outside. I told Nathan to guard my father until Otis leaves the house. I don't know what might happen. At least, I know that my Dad is safe with Nathan, whatever happens.

“Who's the visitor?” Chase asked while waiting in the meeting room we have in our house.

“Otis Oliveros,” I replied.

I saw how he paused all of a sudden as if he knew him. “Do you know him?”

He shook his head quickly. “Of course not. His name sounds powerful,” he chuckled.

“He is powerful. Be ready, Chase. If they do something, I want him…I should be the only one to punish him,” I ordered.

“I'll bring him to you,” he replied firmly.

“He's here,” Louis said as he entered the room. Ace gave me that be-careful-look as he went inside as well.

“You must be Adira Sanchez,” I stared at the man, wearing a black leather jacket. He's wearing a casual outfit, looking like an arrogant man in the Mafia world. His smile was deceiving, I could tell in one glance.

“It's my pleasure to meet you, Otis Oliveros.” But I have to ride it in, despite my suspicion.

“No, it's my pleasure. I've heard a lot about you,” he chuckled.

“Have a seat,” Ace offered.

I paused when I found him looking at Chase standing right beside me. His eyes became playful as if he was playing with Chase.

“Is he your bodyguard?” Otis asked.

“He is,” I replied.

“I see. I didn't know that you need someone to protect yourself,” he whistled after that.

“I don't need one. My father was the one who wanted this,” I explained immediately.

“Really?” He nodded, wearing that sly smile.

I don't like that smile. I couldn't help but be annoyed by him.

“Anyway, I am here to invest. I can give the money right away,” he said, cutting to the chase.

“Why do you want to invest, Mr. Oliveros?” Now, I cornered him with my cold stares, reading him inside and out. Judging by his looks, despite the fact that he is good looking, I don't see him as someone trustworthy.

“Is that even a ques—”

“Of course, it is a question. Our clan is falling, I don't see any reasons for you to invest and help us.” That annoying smile finally vanished.

He heaved a sigh before meeting my eyes again.

“Just take it as a debt, Ms. Sanchez. Once I need your clan in the future, you would have to pay me back.” Just like what I was expecting, it is what he is planning. But something inside me makes me doubt his motive. How can I be sure that he is telling me the truth?

“If you betray us,” I paused and pinned him with my deadly stares.

“I will make sure to kill you,” I didn't hesitate to tell him that straight. Now, his smile came back from his lips, as if he was enjoying everything. I wonder if he could still smile once I punish him with my own hands.

“Don't worry, Adira. You have my word. I will help your clan go back to where you used to be,” he said firmly.

“Give him the contract,” I ordered, without removing my eyes.

He signed the papers as agreement for his investment in our company.

“Are you going to attend the Mask Battle?” He asked in the middle of signing the papers.

“Yeah.”

“I'm gonna be there, too.” As if I care. Of course, he would be there. Their clan is one of the powerful clans.

“Together with your twin?” I asked. I remember that he has a twin, according to my father.

He froze the moment I brought that up. His annoying smile widened again.

“I'm not sure if he could go. You know, he's busy trying hard to accomplish a mission, in order to inherit everything we have.” He cackled, and it was surely a kind of mocking of his twin. I could tell that he is not on good terms with him.

“I won't go easy on you, Adira.” He locked his gaze at me after signing everything.

I only smirked. “You should wish not to be my opponent that night…” I went even closer to him.

“I wouldn't want to kill my new investor,” I whispered.

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