Chapter 144 - An Introductory Party Two Months Later Dylan and Chelsea were now a public item. The news, social and other media carried it in droves. It was a blast. Different stories rose up. Several hypothesis were raised and conclusions drawn. It was a highlight for the city of Miami and Florida at large. Both the public society and the underground world were taken by surprise. They went to parties together. They shopped and dined together. They went on trips together. They practically did everything a couple did together. Always holding hands as they walked. They shared kisses in public. Even on interviews, Dylan always mentioned her name and called her his partner. There was never a shortage of pictures and clips on the media. The news also transcended the borders of Miami, Florida and America, reaching far across the globe. Dylan's cell and inboxes were flooded with calls and texts from both old acquaintances and new. Some were subtle with their questions while others went st
Decorations were at their most glamorous. The lighting, the music and every aspect of the hall depicted a billionaire's taste. The guests had already started arriving. And true to Dylan's words, they were really the most prominent and powerful people in the society. Business tycoons, politicians, powerful billionaire families, and people of equal calibre were in attendance. In the garage, there were no cars less than the best of the best. Most cars there were even the only pieces ever produced. Customized and special editions. Chelsea stood from the balcony above as she observed the guests. She had her hair done at the last hour and put on her special dress that Dylan had imported without her even knowing. It was a white gown with designs of gold on it. She didn't even know when he planned and organized everything without her having a hint. What even surprised her more was the hall. She never knew the mansion had such an enormous hall within it. There were places she hadn't explored
Chelsea was dumbstruck. She had been expecting it but it still came as a shock to her. There he was, Dylan Cross, the King of Miami, the kingpin of the most notorious mafia cartel, the leading businessman in the city, on one of his knees, asking for her hand in marriage. It all seemed so surreal to her. She was stuck in a blur that she didn't know when time flew by. She returned to reality and saw Dylan still positioned on one knee, his hands holding out the box that contained the shiny diamond ring in it. He was patiently waiting for her answer. She was still contemplating. Was this what she really wanted? Was this really her way out from the life she had been living? To be a wife and mother now? Her life events flashed before her eyes. It was a big decision. One that would change her life forever. She had to make the right choice. As she was still thinking about it, she heard a familiar voice behind her and turned. "Aunty Chelsea!" It was Derek. He wore the same suit as his fath
Chelsea shuddered on hearing his name. Was this fate playing games with her? Just when she had finally gotten a shot at a happy life. Just when she had decided to start anew. Now her past had come to haunt her future. Why was life cruel? Dylan continued. "He just attacked one of my warehouses. He has challenged me to come face him or he'll destroy my name with the evidence and proof he has on me. I never expected him to stoop so low but I guess Ceaza has always been a scumbag. "I've already made arrangements for Joyce and Derek to be taken to a safehouse. You'll be safer here. I'll be going to face him off at the warehouse now" he added. "Why are you going? It's obvious he just wants to kill you. Why not send someone else? You have capable hands" Chelsea fired. Dylan smiled. "No. This is a personal battle that started years ago. I have to finish it myself" he replied. "I don't want anything happening to you, Dylan. Please don't go?" Chelsea begged. Her eyes became teary. She trul
Dylan got to the mansion alighted the Urus. His entire clothing was roughed up and covered in blood. He looked around and noticed the Bentley Continental missing. He immediately had a bad feeling and dashed inside the mansion. None of the guards asked him any questions. This made him even more worried. He got to Chelsea's room and opened the door without knocking. It was empty. He found the safe open and empty as well. His heart began racing. He dashed to his room but he didn't see her in there either. He felt his knees getting weak. He checked the study and all then rooms on the down floor but he didn't find her inside any. He got upstairs and checked the accessible rooms and halls in the mansion but still nothing. "Chelsea!" he yelled. His voice echoed throughout the entire hallway, back and forth. There was no response. "Chelsea!" "Chelsea!!" "Chelsea!!!" Dylan slowly came down from the steps. He got to the base of the steps and sat down on the last step. His face was deje
Miami, Florida Chelsea ran hastily under the rain, the water bodies on the road splashing about as she stepped on them. She couldn't slow down, she just couldn't. She gripped her luggage bag tightly as she leapt onto puddles after puddles. She had just duped a merciless Georgian mafia don, based in Atlanta, of hundreds of thousands of dollars and she knew she'd be on the run for life. She had escaped to Florida but she still didn't feel at peace. She felt like someone had followed her onto the bus she boarded and was still following her. She had to shake whoever it was off and lodge in a hotel. She finally came to a stop at the entrance of Golden Petals, a premium-looking hotel. "I wanna book a reservation" she said, panting heavily. The security outside exchanged looks and looked at her skeptically. She was wet and tattered and panting. Anyone who could afford Golden Petals either came in their own car or at least an Uber. The lady before them looked nothing like those people.
She couldn't explain the expression on his face. It had gone from confident to confused, now it was like he had seen a ghost. Had he seen her before? Her heart started racing. Maybe she had swindled his friend and that friend had shown him her picture. Then he smiled. She was half-relieved. "Atlanta reminds me of my parents. I lost both of them there" he said with a sad smile. "Oh, sorry to hear that" Chelsea replied. "It's nothing. Welcome to Miami, the heart of Florida" he beamed. "Thanks. I hope to establish my business here. Jewelry" she replied, returning the smile. "Oh. You're talking to just the right person. How about we continue this discussion in my office tomorrow? Would be more convenient for us" he said reaching into his inner coat pocket from where he retrieved a card. "Here's my card. You can hit me if you want to reschedule" he added. "Alright, Mr. Cross" Chelsea spoke sleekly. "I'll be getting back to my table then. Enjoy your stay at Golden Petals" he wink
After lunch, which was actually servings of sushi and a wine Chelsea hadn't heard of before, the duo headed to Dylan's jewelry store. They alighted Dylan's Lamborghini Urus and walked into the appropriately named Cross Adornments. The entire staff paused and bowed the moment Dylan stepped in. The interior was breathtaking. Even for a high-end bad bitch like Chelsea, this was money speaking. From the several feet high glass ceiling down to the richly marbled floor, diamond, gold and silver watches, earrings, necklaces and other adornments rested, encased all over the store. Other precious stones and pearls shone brightly as though in a contest to beat each other and manage whatever space the diamonds left for them to shine. "Wow" escaped Chelsea's mouth subconsciously as her eyes scouted the enclosed Iceland. Dylan smiled as he observed her from the corner of his eye. He was glad she was impressed. This piqued interest meant more meetings. After taking a tour round the store