Let The Games Begin

Julian adjusted the crisp collar of his tailored navy suit, the sheen of the Italian fabric catching the morning light streaming through the villa windows. A pristine white shirt complemented the ensemble, with a deep crimson tie adding a bold accent. His polished black Oxford shoes clicked softly on the marble floor as he crossed the room.  

Theo entered without knocking, as was his custom, holding a leather-bound planner. "Your schedule for today, sir," he began. "You'll be meeting with the investigator again. This time, not here but at a private location, as arranged."  

Julian nodded, his sharp eyes focused on Theo, though his thoughts were elsewhere. He was replaying fragments of the cryptic words Dr. Patel had shared with him the day before: "The answers you’re looking for aren’t just hers—they might be yours, too." 

A knock at the door pulled him from his reverie, and Alexa entered, a delicate tray balanced in her hands. Her smile was hesitant, her movements precise as she approached and placed a steaming cup of coffee on his desk. "Good morning, sir."  

Julian glanced up, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he reached for the cup. "Morning." He sipped the coffee slowly, savoring the rich flavor, but his attention flickered to Theo. The man’s demeanor had shifted; his posture stiffened, and his expression darkened the moment Alexa walked in.  

Did Theo find something out about her? Why does he seem to dislike her? Julian wondered, keeping his thoughts to himself for now.  

"How are you feeling today?" Julian asked finally, setting the cup down with a soft clink.  

Alexa hesitated, her hands clasped nervously before her. She felt the weight of Theo's silent scrutiny. "I'm much better. Thank you, Mr. Salvatore."  

"Julian," he corrected, his voice firm yet oddly gentle. "Just Julian, Alexa."  

Theo’s gaze shifted between the two of them, his brows furrowing slightly. What is this girl doing to him? He wanted to intervene, but instinct warned him not to. Julian was many things, but forgiving was not one of them.  

Alexa, seemingly flustered, gathered the tray and stood. “What time is the appointment with the doctor?”  

Julian glanced at his watch. “Twelve. A driver will take you there. Be ready by eleven-thirty. Miss Yvonne will attend to you in the meantime. Go meet her now.”  

Confusion flickered across Alexa’s face, but she nodded. “Yes, sir—Julian.” She left, her thoughts swirling with questions about Miss Yvonne and what this mysterious “attendance” might entail.  

As the door closed, Theo finally broke the silence. "Is this part of the plan, sir?"  

Julian shot him a cold look. "You don’t get to question my methods, Theo."  

---

Later, at the Secluded Bar

The dim lighting and rustic charm of the hidden bar seemed an unusual choice for business, but Julian respected Mr. Lee’s caution. They exchanged pleasantries, though Julian’s sharp gaze betrayed his impatience.  

"My apologies for the location," Mr. Lee said, his voice low. "But given the nature of this investigation, discretion is paramount."  

He reached into his briefcase and produced a photograph, sliding it across the table. Julian leaned forward. The grainy image showed a masked figure stepping into an unmarked car.  

“This car,” Mr. Lee began, “belongs to Madam Melissa.”  

Julian’s jaw tightened. “My aunt?”  

Mr. Lee nodded. “I traced it through advanced hacking techniques. Her recent movements have been… suspicious.”  

Julian’s hand curled into a fist. He had always distrusted his father’s sister, but this revelation only deepened his disdain. “What else do you know?”  

“There are gaps in the timeline, but her interactions suggest she’s deeply involved in something covert. Was there any conflict between her and your parents?”  

Julian leaned back, his mind drifting. “Yes… there was tension, but I don’t know the details. My memories of that time are… fragmented.”  

Mr. Lee nodded thoughtfully. “If we can piece together more from her past, we might find answers. For now, tread carefully.”  

Julian’s voice was ice-cold as he replied, “I will. And I want updates—fast.”  

---

Meanwhile, at Marcus’s Hideout

The air was thick with tension as Lex stood before Marcus, his hand trembling slightly as he handed over a file. “I have a report on Dante.”  

Marcus leaned back in his chair, his piercing eyes locking onto Lex. “Go on.”  

“Dante was seen meeting with an unidentified individual in an unregistered car.”  

Marcus’s expression darkened. “Did you find out who this ‘individual’ was?”  

Lex hesitated, swallowing hard. “No, but—”  

The deafening crack of a gunshot cut him off. Lex screamed, clutching his bleeding arm as he dropped to one knee.  

“I take no for an answer,” Marcus snarled, his voice deadly calm. “You have 24 hours to find out who it was. Or next time, I won’t miss it.”  

“Yes, sir,” Lex stammered, clutching his wounded arm as Marcus dismissed him with a wave.  

Alone in the dimly lit room, Marcus’s lips curled into a cruel smile. “Let the games begin.”