Vlad got shot in the arm. It was not a big deal for him. He still has three men to kill. Judith is one of them. Vlad rested a moment behind a flipped table and covered his arm with a sheet. His men managed to open the door he blocked and took Judith by surprise."The support is near!" Yelled Judith.But despite his warning, Vlad’s comrades were first. His men couldn’t fight them for too long.Vlad got the information: "Ilnero is coming!" Down, Flora felt her heart beating fast. Her father is coming. He's coming searching for her!As much as she was worried about Vlad and the boys, Flora was happy. Her father is really coming for her! She shook her head: "Calm down stupid Flora" said she to herself "You are Claude's now, you can't be happy his men risking their lives for you!.. Claude, please come back fast. I feel I'm getting dumber. I may commit a big mistake" Vlad almost came to kill Judith when the Don came in. And may God be mighty! The Don was accompanied by an army!"Listen me
“Let’s get you back to the mansion. The police took over the city but still, it won’t be safe till a week later,” said Claude while taking Charlotte from Flora’s embrace. Gimmy helped Flora get out. The poor woman looked pale as a leaf. Claude saw it and bit his lower lip secretly: First, the truth will hurt you, torment you to the core. Then, it will set you free. “How are Vlad and the others?” Asked Flora. She concealed her agony for a second so she could come back to take care of others around her. Flora never failed to surprise Claude. “Vlad got shot. But it is not life-threatening.” “Goodness me!” Flora hurried out to check on Vlad outside, while Gimmy asked his boss: “Was her hiding voice proof?” “I don’t think so” “The poor lady. I can’t believe such an angelic woman is the daughter of that b*stard.” “Nor do I… Nor do I…” Flora reached the outside gasping. She found Vlad by the car, discussing with some of his buddies: “Vlad!” Vlad turned to Flora and moved his head
"Madame Flora! Mr. Vlad! Are you both alright?! Where’s Lottie and Mr. Knightly?!” “Carl!” Flora immediately hugged the boy. She seemed full of the joys of spring for seeing him alright. Carl was taken by the warmth. He hugged her back and accepted her maternal kisses on the head: “Lottie is fine” answered Flora while caressing the boy’s cheek “However we had to operate on her ear and she should see a doctor as soon as possible”. Frightened by the news, Carl was about to inquire about the location of Lottie, when he saw Claude coming over holding the little girl: “Get in the car. We are going home” ordered Claude. Flora asked to drive with Claude. He accepted by shaking his head. So on the road, she had the chance of talking to him: “What will you do to the kids?” “For the moment I will get them and you to my manor. It is the safest place around” “Charlotte needs a doctor. And they better get scanned. Maybe something else was implanted in their bodies.” “Okay” Flora explained
Flora was half asleep. She was probably delusional. Then she felt some rough lips touching, caressing, suffocating hers, and she lost consciousness for good. The kiss was hard, yet sweet and warm. She couldn’t tell if it was a dream or reality. But she could tell that it was the sweetest feeling ever. The only kisses she got after her mother’s death, were Jack’s kisses. And they were extremely painful and harsh. But although this kiss is masculine and tough, it was gentle too. And it was gentle enough to drive the anxious heart of Flora, to calm down.When Flora woke up. She was clean and tidy. Someone showered her, removed her makeup, and changed her clothes into a white nightgown. Flora tried to stand up but two things prevented her: The first was her stomach ache, and the second was the red ropes chaining her hands. She looked around to ask for help when she saw him sitting next to her bed.Claude almost fell asleep by the bed of Flora. Under the fragile light of the cloudy morning,
It was chilly outside. Claude put his jacket on Flora's shoulders: "Don't go to the balcony with a nightgown. You may get a cold."Flora smiled at him and asked: "Where are the kids?""I sent them to the hospital to get scanned. Also, Charlotte needs to get her ear treated properly. They will be back soon""You said you think about keeping them?""Yes. I want to foster them. I will start the legal process, once the atmosphere calms down""That's generous of you. I am sure they will be extremely delighted.""They have been through a lot. They deserve the protection of an adult.""The care of an adult, too""I'm not sure if I can help them with the care they need. I may need your help.""With pleasure!"Flora looked so delighted by the suggestion that her cheeks went pinky. Claude was astonished by her happiness.He said: "I believe you can make a great mother one day."Flora's cheeks went from pink to red, hearing his statement. She blushed in the cutest ways leaving Claude hungry for
“The sleeping beauty will wake up in an hour or something,” Claude said after his call with Jade.Flora shook her head in understanding and looked to Carl who sighted in relief and at Lottie who was still asleep. A While ago, Gimmy got the kids back from the hospital. There were no added implants in their bodies. Lottie got proper treatment but she was still unconscious.Martha and Flora prepared three rooms on the first floor to be used by the kids and their nanny. The rooms were not far from the principal hall of the mansion, but they were quite away from Claude’s department:“Aren’t you going to work, sir?” asked Flora in a low voice.“Not yet. At least I want to see the girl awake,” responded Claude who was sitting on the couch by her side“You are extremely careful, aren’t you?”“I am just responsible.”Carl sat on the carpet, by the bed of Lottie. He held her hand and put his head on the bed. He was exhausted after all the action last night. And he needed sleep. Yet, although Fl
The secret passage led Claude and Carl to a room underground. Carl followed Claude in. Although they were underground and the room looked quite old, the air smelled fresh: "I take care of this room personally. Except you and me, none know about its existence."Carl grew anxious. He felt the heaviness of the secret Claude was sharing with him. It was night dark there. Claude lit the passage with his phone torch. Then, coming to the room, he moved a metallic bar, and suddenly, ten hanging fire torches flared up. Carl was finally able to see the secret room. It was a library full of aged books. In the middle of it, there was a round table of African Blackwood. Around the table, there were ten fancy armchairs. In front of each chair, there was an open book. Carl opened his mouth in astonishment. His father told him about this before! He thought it was a silly legend! Mesmerized, he took a tour around the table, looking into every book, never daring to touch any: “Latin, Hebrew, Arabic,
Carl was tired, so Flora asked him to take some rest while she take care of Lottie's needs: - I took the day off. We can spend the whole day together!- Do you have another job, Sister Flora?- Yes, I do work as a florist.Lottie laughed hard: - A florist called Flora!Flora shared her laugh: - If sir allows it, you can spend a day with me in the flower shop.- I would like to! I adore flowers!Lottie and Flora went along well. They shared many interests and they both possessed a high amount of empathy and gentleness. After some chatting, Martha bought them a fancy breakfast: Soft eggs, brownies, cream cake, strawberry juice, chocolate milk, cappuccino, bacon, Feta cheese, Gouda cheese, Parmesan cheese, croissant, pain aux Chocolat, and some fruits and fresh veggies. - Oh, Aunt Martha! You didn't have to tire yourself that much! We had to go to eat in the kitchen! Apologized Flora.- Never mind, madam! It's no big deal. Plus, the young master ordered the workers to make sure you a
Flora woke up the next morning to the sound of knocking on her chamber door.“Yes?!” She asked“Are you decent?”“A moment please.”Flora jumped off the bed and went to the bathroom to wash her face. She knew the voice owner: That was the voice of Mr. Wolfgang! Flora changed her clothes and did her hair then she stood up in the middle of the chamber, head high, straight posture, and severe facial expression:“Please, come in.”Wolfgang came into the room and smirked looking at Flora: She tried to appear solemn and severe but the excitement in her eyes failed her:“How was your night, young lady?”“Cozy, thank you. How have you been, sir?”“You can call me Father. Or don’t. That silly son of mine shall marry you first.”Flora got as red as a cherry and she looked down shyly. He knew she was emotionally entangled with his adopted son! “Calm down Flora. Don’t mess it up this time.” She whispered to herself.“Mr. Wolfgang.” She said to him, “I want to talk with you.”“Here I am.”“First,
“Are you happy?” said Mielle. Cassius barely added a word after Claude left him and Mielle. He asked her to give him her seal and gun if she had any. Mielle took off the necklace she kept under her clothes. That necklace had a seal on it: The seal of a thorny rose. With that seal, Mielle has the access to the Brotherhood’s database and has the right to communicate with other members. Without a seal, she is just a hanged member who has no voice. Cassius was not afraid of her. Even if she asks for help, his position as enforcer will prevent her from getting any. Plus, he knew she didn’t want help. Mielle was far too proud to not accept the consequences of her free actions. But he respected the protocol. From the moment she is considered a sinner, to the moment she accepts redemption, Mielle shall stay isolated from the rest of the brotherhood to not spread her sins among them. It was ridiculous, but it was the law that protected this brotherhood for centuries. Mielle gave him her gu
Mielle, the witty coffee shop owner, is an assassin.Cassius, the kind guy, is an enforcer.The enforcer’s job in the Round Table was not complicated. He has to keep order. Every member of the secret society should respect his place, his mates, and the law. And Mielle just broke all of it. Cassius was an enforcer linked to Claude, and Mielle was the assassin linked to Claude. Claude was a knight. Which is a very advanced position. To each knight, the Round Table attributes a functional unit. In the unit, there is an assassin who shall enforce the knight’s orders outside the brotherhood. The Round Table attributes every knight an enforcer in charge of keeping order and punishing those going berserk, even if they were the knight himself.Mille acted without her master’s consent two times. The first time was on the Orient Express where she killed a mafia man: Mr. Fortnight, to avenge her family. The second was in the peace masquerade where she poisoned a guest: Mrs. Ilnero gives her fri
Roxanna was aware of the situation. The moment Cassius told her Claude was waiting for her. She nodded and spared herself successfully from the police. She walked into the study where Claude was smoking and greeted him:- I pay my respect to the glorious silver knight.- Welcome Miss La Rosa. Do me the honor of sharing a discussion.It was a bit dark inside. The smoke made the air thick and gloomy. Roxanna knew that Claude was angry. With his dominant posture and cruel face, he looked quite the dangerous. Claude sat in front of Roxanna and offered her a cigarette. She accepted it and smoked as well. Claude sighed and asked her, with a dry tone:- Long story short, are you the one who did it?- Would you punish the one who did it?- No. I want a painful death for that witch. Yet, choosing this time is just irrational.- It was not me Mr. Knightly. If it was me, I would admit it with no fear.- In that case, do you know who did it?- No, no one told me about something like that happeni
Flora felt nausea. What has she done?! Claude will kill her for this! He will damn kill her!Once they heard Bianca’s scream, Flora was about to run into the building and head to the ballroom, when Vlad caught her hand:“Stay here, I will go to enquire.”“Yes.”The moment Vlad disappeared, Ludovic appeared as if he was waiting for her to be alone. “So? Shall we go?”“What have you done?!”“Nothing. But it is a good occasion to run without Jack and Claude noticing us.”“No, I can’t! I didn’t tell Claude yet that I am going with you! I can’t just disappear again! That would be cruel and disrespectful!”Ludovic grabbed the woman’s arm and growled: “Do you want to meet Wolfgang or not?”“But…”“Yes or No?! Make a choice!”“Yes.”“Then let’s go. We have no time left. Soon the two men will get aware of your disappearance.”Ludovic took Flora to his car and ordered his men to act as secretly as possible. And so, when everyone was swallowing the shock of the unpredictable incident, Ludovic
Bianca screamed as her mother collapsed in the ballroom: “Mother! Mother! Wake up!!!”A line of black thick blood was coming out of the mouth of the unconscious woman. “Poison!” cried a lady “She is poisoned!”Claude came to the ballroom with Jack as soon as they heard the screaming:“Is that your doing?” Claude asked Jack the moment they got to the door.“No. Yours?”“No.”“Who then?”They didn’t need that answer for the moment. Instead, they approached the victim:“What the f*ck is this?” said Jack as he knelt beside the collapsed woman.“Oh! Mr. Black! Mother! Mother got poisoned!” responded Bianca crying.Claude ordered his men to call the police and an ambulance. But Jack said coldly as he examined the woman: “Order them to hurry and bring a doctor along. I do not think she can make it in more than an hour.”“Alright. Ladies and gentlemen, please do not leave your positions. Stay where you are until the police are here.”Inside, Claude was cursing. That was far away from being a
Flora looked around her all the time. Claude was nowhere to be seen when she needed to talk to him as soon as possible. Staying around Roxana was the best. But Flora was anxious so she excused herself and went into the hallway to look for Claude. The anxiety made Flora not pay attention to Jack who came after her. But suddenly as she walked in the long corridor, she felt a shiver. And she immediately knew what it was. She turned to look solemn and saw Jack behind her, smiling as the devil he is:- Did you miss your Daddy, babydoll?He said with a teasing smile and Flora had the desire to vomit. And she did not answer. She just kept looking at him with pride and confidence.Jack’s smile started to fade as he sensed something was different about Flora’s eyes. He saw her arrogant look thousands of times before, but this… this was something different:- Come back to your house my dear wife. Your husband and family, we are all waiting for you- Does that include your wipes and ropes?- Of
It was the time for a Valse. Cassius asked Flora to be his partner and she didn’t let him down. Cassius, as the sweet guy he is, attracted many of the ladies at the ball. First, they got disappointed seeing he had a partner. Then, they got even more disappointed to see him dancing with the ball’s queen: Flora La Candida.Cassius only smiled at Flora. No word was said for a while. He led her softly and naturally. They looked perfect dancing together. But after some time, Cassius bent on his partner and whispered:- Tell me he didn't hurt you that night Flora. Please, tell me he didn't.- He didn't- Thank goodness. Cassius sighed. Now that you are back things will get better. As his close friend, I am truly happy you are back, Flora. Claude was acting strong but inside he was burning. Can you believe Mielle herself was kind to him?- Gosh... I am sorry - Don't be. Or be. If you want to apologize, apologize to Ciel. The poor man was having a VERY hard mouth.Flora laughed. Her sweet la
Back to the present,----------Flora woke up after some minutes. Claude was still holding her tight and caressing her back. When she opened her eyes she saw him looking at her and she felt like heaven."We must go back to the ballroom, don't we?""I think we should. I'll never get enough of the shocked face of your stepmother."Flora giggled:"Neither I !""Let me help you dress then I will go and ask a maid to help you with your hair and makeup.""Gosh! I have a problem. I didn't bring anything to correct my appearance!""That's alright. In the resting room, they are keeping some brushes and makeup simple.""What a relief to be in a masquerade held by a billionaire."Claude laughed and said:"Are you aware you came to a masquerade without a mask? All of that to disturb those b*tches?""Well, in fact, I was planning on wearing a mask and meeting you privately. Then I thought: Why am I scared? Let them know I am alive. Let them burn for my happiness. I think it was worth it. I am not