"Alright. I'll do it" Chelsea said and stood up. "When's he arriving in Miami?" she asked.Dylan straightened up and exhaled satisfactorily. "Today" he replied. "Fine. I should get going then. Where will he be lodging?" she asked again, walking towards the table to collect the case. "The Imperial Place. That's where he'll be lodging" Dylan replied, observing her as she got to the table.She paused for seconds, inhaling and exhaling deeply. She stared at the package in front of her as though it was a symbol of judgement. She felt it strike her mind, aiding the ongoing dilemma within her. Would she deliver this job? Or would she take the ticket out and bolt away from Florida immediately?She heaved and finally grabbed the case firmly, gently lifting it off the table. It was surprisingly light. For something that contained a jewelry so powerful, valuable and expensive, yes, it was surprisingly light. She turned and walked towards the exit of the room. "Wait" she heard his voice and p
Chelsea was dropped off by Hill outside the Cross Estate where she boarded a new vehicle owned by a contract driver. She watched as Hill drove the Urus back into the estate and dissappear into the main premises far off."Let's go" she instructed the contract driver and he immediately ignited his engine.The man looked through the rear view mirror at Chelsea and observed her intently. "A reminder again, Ma'am. Where are we headed? For clarification" he asked."The Imperial Place" Chelsea replied, observing him as well through his reflection in the rear view mirror.He looked devious and mischievous. Like he was going to deflect at the last minute and hand her over to some people who may have declared her wanted. Maybe Stone or one of Ceaza's accomplices here. Ever since the incident with Alex Shaw, she always had a lingering fear that Ceaza had more men here in Miami. If Alex could be sent here to look for her, she expected he would send others too. And given the fact that Alex hadn'
Chelsea walked to the window inside her suite and looked out at the city at night. She had observed Prince Hakeem's convoy of expensive cars and escorts cruising from a distance towards the hotel. Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Ferraris and Lamborghinis sped across the highways, switching lanes uniformly as they approached The Imperial Place. She had heard of Arabian princes and Dylan had even emphasised this man's wealth. But witnessing the unapologetic display of automobilian magnificence was a feeling on a whole different level. She watched as the lights shone, blinding the eyes of any who dared stare directly at them. The convoy finally slowed down and drove into the premises of the hotel, ending the cinematic show for her.She stepped away from the window and retreated to a part of the suite where she helped herself to a bottle of Bourbon she had ordered earlier. She opened the bottle bottle poured herself a glass.As she drank, she reflected on the level of affluence emanating from t
As she walked towards the elevator, she rehearsed what she would say when she met Prince Hakeem. She would first acknowledge him with a honorary greeting to please his ego. Then she would request for a more private location. "Easy peasy" she exhaled and stepped into the elevator. She set course for the ground floor and soon arrived there. She saw a couple of expensively suited men walking elegantly towards a corner in the reception and followed them discreetly. She watched them get to a door and reach into the inner side of their jacket. They each retrieved a gold coin and showed it to the guard who stood at the door. He greeted them courteously and opened the door for them to pass.She walked confidently to the guard and showed him her coin. He looked at her skeptically for some seconds, possibly trying to see if he could recognise her."Do we have a problem, Sir?" she asked calmly in a refined manner.The guard immediately bowed lightly. "No, Ma'am. I'm sorry if I caused you any d
"How did it go?" Chelsea heard Dylan ask as he sat down on a stool beside her. He had a weird smile as he turned to face the bartender. The type of smile a successful man made when he wanted to woo a lady he found attractive. "Two glasses of Bourbon, please. For me and the beautiful lady here" he winked at the bartender and tapped the counter table rhythmically. The bartender gave a light bow in affirmation and turned to his cabinet to fetch the Bourbon."What are you doing?" she asked in a soft whisper, not looking at him."Getting an update on the assignment" he replied casually, not also looking at her. The bartender poured the liquor into two glasses as requested and served them both. "Thank you" Dylan said to the bartender and turned to her.She exhaled. "I got his interest piqued. He had one of his acquaintances give me an access card. I'll be meeting him at his suite in three hours" she reported without turning to him."Splendid. I knew you could handle it excellently. The f
"Come this way, Ma'am. Master Hakeem has been expecting you. He's waiting in the meeting room" the female attendant said smilingly. Chelsea concluded she was the head of the attendants, given the golden crest attached to her cloth that held her name tag on it. She had observed other attendants and she had seen their crests too. Theirs was just a uniform regular silver. She followed the attendant, walking elegantly behind her as she led her towards the supposed meeting room. As they walked, she couldn't help but wonder who was trying to look elegant more, her or the attendant. She chuckled indiscernibly and clutched the package in her hand.They got to a palatial room that had guards stationed all over. The guards in this room had mean expressions and all observed her carefully. She looked around and saw Hakeem seated with his acquaintances, all looking at her expectantly. Hakeem sat on a golden chair in the middle, clearly pronouncing his status as the lion in the room. The female a
"Dylan Cross" Hakeem repeated with a smile of acknowledgement. "Was that why he walked to you back at the party?" he asked."You can say that" she replied, not hinting at either an affirmation or a denial.Hakeem chuckled heartily. "Here I thought Mr. Cross was just being Mr. Cross, wooing the mysterious elegant lady in the room" he said and turned to her."I would like to see the face behind that masquerade mask of yours" he continued as he put on the necklace delightedly. She smirked. "I'm afraid I only show my face to those whom I kill the next minute. I want them to remember my face so they can expect me in hell" she replied gently. Hakeem chuckled. "I like you. You really are a vicious bird, Miss Raven" he said and walked back to his seat, sitting on it majestically. "What may I offer you in return for this wonderful service you rendered to me?" he asked.Chelsea could see that he was greatly pleased after receiving the necklace. His eyes, face and entire demeanor exuded a sens
Immediately they arrived at the hotel, they lodged in Dylan's VVIP reserved lounge. The second the door was shut, Chelsea jumped onto Dylan, grabbing him by his hair while her lips descended on his fiercely. He reciprocated the gesture by grabbing her waist and pinning her on him while he kissed her back with equal ferocity. He gently stepped backwards, guiding them to his exquisitely arranged room. The first thing that hit them was the fragrance of rose and cinnamon. "Was someone drinking in here?" Chelsea asked admist the kisses. She smelt a strong scent of brandy, adding all the more generously to the overall raunchy air that surrounded them."I don't know" was Dylan's simple reply. He was too engaged to give proper thought to the question or the scent that he failed to acknowledge. He stopped moving when he felt his legs meet the bed behind him."Whatever" Chelsea said conclusively and climbed down, pushing him onto the bed. Of course he fell freely without hindrance. He immedi
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
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
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
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
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
Inside The Hades Room Dylan held Clara's body as it gradually turned cold. Her eyes still stared at him with pure hate and intense resentment. He gradually dropped to his knees, his eyes fixed on the face of his ex-wife. She was beautiful, there wasn't a doubt about that. She had to be beautiful to be Dylan Cross's wife of course. But she also had a darkness in her that was too contaminating, it eroded her beauty. He couldn't quite understand why she hated him so much. People tend to accept society as it is and live with it. But she had to go out of her way to hate him and want him dead. Not that it was possible anymore. But still, she was once his wife. "But... you could have at least shot her in the leg. You could have rendered her immobile. You didn't have to kill her, Victor" Dylan said gently. It was plainly obvious he didn't didn't her dead. Maybe he still had a soft spot for her. "I'm sorry Pope. But I doubted that would have stopped her. I'd rather prefer you lose your ex-
Clara opened her eyes and met Dylan's cold stare. She could see the steam from the nose if the pistol. Her ears still whirred a little. She turned slowly and saw a hole in the space beside he head on the chair she sat on. A bullet was embedded in it. A real bullet! He had deliberately missed her head. Even so, this was unexpected. Did he really just shoot at her? "Is that supposed to scare me?" she mustered up the courage to say. Dylan smiled. "It wasn't meant to scare you. It was simply meant to warn you. My patience is simply a thread. And like all threads, it runs out. I'd hate for you to be the person who makes the last pull" he said calmly. He was so calm that it sounded too dark and evil. Clara knew it was best not to provoke him further. She was already aware that he didn't love her anymore. All he had for her was just out of regard for her being Derek's biological mother. That aside, she was just like any other lady in his eyes. She knew how bad he was when he snapped. Sh
"What did you say?" Dylan's pupils were dilated. Victor immediately turned around and saw Dylan already up from his sit. He had grabbed Nick by the neck, lifting him and shaking him vehemently. "What did you damn say, Nick?!" Dylan screamed. Nick was still dejected. His face still dropped downwards everytime Dylan shook him. He couldn't look Dylan in the eyes. He couldn't look the boss he had betrayed in the eyes. "It's the truth, Pope. Madam Clara was the one who hired us" he replied quietly. Dylan gritted his teeth. He couldn't believe his ears. The same woman he had once called his wife had sent an assassin to kill him. The same woman who had born his child. It sounded rather inconceivable to him. True, he was dark and bloody. He had done many despicable things to people. But this one outdid him. To think that Clara would go this far. And Nick just said "us". There were more? "Us?" he gently asked, his teeth still gritting against each other. "How many of you did she hire?"
Dylan and Chelsea laughed and discussed as they ate and drank, occasionally having their little disagreements and fights until one conceded to the other, of course always Dylan. He knew Chelsea would never accept defeat. So if he didn't, the argument would continue. He wasn't ready for that. After much pleasant talks and exchange of passionate words, Dylan felt it was time to do the deed. If he didn't do it now, the date would drag on for long and Chelsea would grow even more suspicious. He had to quell her curiosity now while still stalling for time so the assassin would make his move. Just as he reached into his inner coat pocket, they heard a loud sound. Bang! It was a gun shot. If Dylan heard well, it was a sniper. That was it! The assassin had taken the bait. He stood up abruptly, much to the confusion of Chelsea. His hand dropped the ring case and took hold of his phone instead. He brought it out and immediately dialed Victor. "Vic" he spoke into the phone. "Already on it,