obsessively mine

CH#5 HIM

The Next Morning

Marco and I made our way to her house, the Angelino estate. I had never been here before, only heard whispers of their power and influence. The name Angelino carried weight, even after most of the family had met untimely ends. Stacey was one of the few remaining, the last standing in what was once a formidable empire.

We pulled up to the mansion, an imposing structure that dominated the landscape. I stepped out of the car, taking in the grand exterior. It was larger than I expected, with expansive balconies and oversized glass sliding doors that reflected the morning light. The surprising thing, however, was the lack of visible security. No guards patrolling, and no cameras that I could see. It was as if the mansion was wide open, waiting. It didn't fit the profile of someone like Stacey, who had made it clear she valued her privacy—and her safety.

Marco and I walked up to the main door. He rang the bell, and after a moment, Stacey appeared, looking half-asleep. She glanced at Marco, a slight frown creasing her forehead.

"Marco? What are you doing here at this hour?" she asked, her voice tinged with irritation.

Before Marco could respond, I stepped forward, cutting him off. "Why? Is there a problem with us visiting you?" I asked, my tone dripping with sarcasm.

Her eyes flicked to me, and she quickly masked her surprise. "No, I don't... It's just unexpected," she replied, her expression settling into a neutral mask.

She stepped aside, gesturing for us to enter. I followed her in but paused at the doorway, turning to Marco with a cold stare. "Stay outside and keep watch. I don't want any interruptions. Understood?"

Marco nodded, moving to his post outside as I stepped into the mansion. The interior was just as impressive as the exterior, almost regal. The Angelino influence was evident in every corner, from the opulent decor to the meticulously arranged artwork. It was like stepping into a different world—a world of power and history.

I turned to face Stacey, who was already watching me with a knowing smirk, the door clicking shut behind her. She leaned casually against it, arms crossed.

"It seems Mr. Vince has been doing his homework," she said, her voice smooth and calm. "Let me guess, you're here to confirm a few things. Maybe you've got questions about me, or maybe you're looking for answers to those questions I asked that got under your skin. Am I right?"

Her confidence was palpable, almost daring me to respond. There was no hint of fear or hesitation, just that same enigmatic smile that had been haunting my thoughts since our last meeting.