Chapter 16

Chapter 16 – Midnight Encounter

The night air was freezing, biting through Ariana’s coat. She stepped out of her car, her sharp eyes scanning the nearly deserted park. The shadows of towering trees swayed under the dim glow of streetlights, creating an eerie atmosphere.

"Why here?" she muttered under her breath, biting her lip to suppress the nervous energy creeping up her spine.

This park held memories—memories of whispered promises from Daniel, once sweet, now tainted with betrayal. Now, it was a battlefield between her past and her present.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed behind her. Ariana stiffened, her fingers reflexively reaching for her phone. Before she could unlock the screen, a voice she knew all too well spoke.

"I knew you'd come."

Ariana spun around. Emerging from the shadows, Daniel walked toward her, his hands tucked into his coat pockets. His expression remained cool, but something flickered in his eyes—triumph mixed with resentment.

"Let's cut to the chase, Daniel. I don't have time for your games," Ariana said sharply.

Daniel let out a quiet chuckle, approaching her with lazy strides. "Relax, Ariana. We're just two old friends catching up. Can't we exchange pleasantries first?"

Ariana clenched her fists. "We're not friends. I want to know who's protecting you and who's been helping you all this time."

Daniel raised an eyebrow. "You're that desperate to know?" He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Alright. But you should know—every answer comes with a price."

Ariana narrowed her eyes. "I've already paid too high a price for trusting you before. I won’t make the same mistake again."

Daniel chuckled, though his gaze darkened. "Oh, Ariana... still as stubborn as ever." He smirked before finally speaking with deliberate slowness. "Richard Coleman."

Ariana's breath hitched. The name struck her like a hammer. "Evelyn's father?"

Daniel nodded, a smug look crossing his face. "He's the mastermind behind it all. Did you really think I could survive without someone powerful backing me? I'm just a chess piece in a much bigger game."

Ariana's throat went dry. She had suspected something larger at play, but she never expected Richard Coleman to be involved.

"Why would he help you?"

Daniel’s smirk widened. "Because I can do the dirty work that his clean hands can't."

Ariana stepped closer, fury burning in her gaze. "You sold yourself to someone more powerful, Daniel? That’s pathetic."

Daniel chuckled lowly, but his eyes narrowed. "Don't act so righteous, Ariana. You're seeking protection too, aren’t you? From Vincent?"

Ariana’s jaw tightened.

Daniel took another step, his voice dropping to a chilling whisper. "Do you really think Vincent is helping you out of the goodness of his heart? Do you think he doesn’t have his own agenda?"

Ariana swallowed hard but kept her gaze firm. "I don’t need a protector. I can take care of myself."

Daniel’s grin widened. "Then I’d love to see how you get out of this situation."

Suddenly, two large men emerged from the shadows, their faces concealed by black masks, their stance threatening.

Ariana took a step back, her muscles tensing.

"You think I came alone?" Daniel’s smile was full of satisfaction. "This isn't just about you and me anymore, Ariana. It’s about who holds the real power."

Tension thickened in the air. Ariana knew she couldn't fight them off—not like this.

"You think this will scare me?" she asked coldly.

Daniel stepped even closer. "I don’t need you to be scared. I just need you to lose."

Ariana’s mind raced for a way out, but before she could act, the sound of approaching footsteps cut through the night.

"That's enough, Daniel."

Daniel tensed.

From the darkness, Vincent stepped forward, his expression calm but lethal. His gaze was ice-cold, laced with unspoken threats.

"I warned you, Daniel. Don’t touch Ariana."

Daniel let out a small chuckle. "Ah, the hero arrives right on time."

Vincent moved slowly, his hands slipping into his coat pockets. "Let her go now, or you won’t like what happens next."

Daniel studied him carefully. "And if I don’t?"

Vincent sighed quietly—then moved.

In a blink, he grabbed one of the masked men, twisting his arm behind his back. A pained shout filled the air. The second man lunged, but Vincent was faster—driving a sharp kick to his knee, making him collapse onto the pavement.

Ariana took a step back, stunned by Vincent’s speed and precision.

Daniel’s eyes darkened as he watched. "You really like this guy, don’t you?"

Ariana didn’t hesitate. "Better than loving a coward like you."

Daniel’s expression flickered with anger, but he kept it controlled. "This isn’t over."

Vincent released the man he had restrained, then turned his cold stare to Daniel. "Leave before I change my mind."

Daniel exhaled slowly, then cast Ariana one last glance, a small, knowing smirk playing on his lips. "Be careful, sweetheart. You might think you know who your friends and enemies are, but in this world… the one protecting you can be the most dangerous of all."

Ariana stiffened. Was that a warning—or a threat?

Before she could respond, Daniel turned and disappeared into the night, his injured men trailing behind.

As they vanished, Ariana let out a slow breath, her adrenaline still pumping.

Vincent looked at her, his expression unreadable. "Are you okay?"

Ariana met his gaze. "I don’t know who to trust anymore."

Vincent was silent for a moment before he said, "Then trust yourself, Ariana. That’s the one thing they can’t take from you."

She wanted to believe that. But deep down, she knew the game was only just beginning.

As they walked toward the car, Ariana's phone vibrated. A new message from an unknown number.

"Vincent isn’t as good as you think. Trust only yourself."

Ariana stared at the screen, her mind unraveling.