A Dance with Danger

Chapter Forty-One

** Estelle POV**

We returned to Chicago after the call two days ago. As much as I hated leaving the island, I knew there was work to be done. There was always something—some event, some obligation pulling me in different directions. But this time, it was Miriam Hopkins, the CEO of *Darlings* magazine, who had asked me personally to plan a surprise birthday party for her granddaughter, Mika Mori.

Mika was sixteen, a striking goth girl with the essence of both her Japanese father and Brazilian mother clearly shining through her features. Her style was bold—dark clothing, vivid piercings, and a certain aura of mystery that made her stand out even more. As I sat down with her to discuss the details, her usual detached expression was softened by something else, something unspoken.

"I would like a surprise cake," she said, her gaze fixed on the window, seemingly lost in thought.

I nodded, but her distant tone caught my attention. "What's wrong, Mika?" I asked gently. "I can't help you if you don't tell me anything."

She turned her head toward me, her eyes dark, yet there was a vulnerability beneath them. "I met this girl... Her name is Laila Greene. We've been together for at least four months," she said, her voice almost a whisper as if unsure whether to share this part of her life.

I paused for a moment, unsure how to respond. I wasn't sure what to say, but I knew that behind her tough exterior, there was someone just trying to figure things out, someone who didn't want to be judged.

“I’m happy for you, Mika,” I said, offering her a small, encouraging smile. "But remember, communication is key in relationships. If something is bothering you, talk it out."

She hesitated, as though considering my words, then nodded slowly. "Thanks, Estelle."

After our conversation, I left for home, my mind still preoccupied with the delicate situation between Mika and Laila. It was funny, how the simplest interactions could leave such an impact.

I had to admit, the party planning wasn’t the problem. The issue lay with the unexpected, unspoken emotions I was beginning to feel about Tiberius. He was morally gray, a man who didn’t always walk the line of right and wrong, but when it came to me… he was different.

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It was late when I finally got the chance to sit down and relax after a busy day. The whole mansion was quiet, save for the faint hum of the TV. I slipped into some comfortable sweatpants and grabbed a bowl of popcorn. *Aladdin* was playing on the screen—my favorite childhood movie. The nostalgia made me smile.

"Malýshka!" Tiberius’s voice called out from the kitchen, his deep tone vibrating through the air. I turned just in time to see him stroll into the room, his coat draped over his arm. He gave me a small smile, his eyes soft, and in a sudden, unexpected move, he set his coat down on the couch beside me. Without saying a word, he leaned in, his lips brushing mine in a swift, firm kiss.

I froze, caught off guard. Before I could say anything, he pulled back, his eyes locking with mine.

“I’ll be right back,” he said, his voice steady, almost casual, as though nothing had just happened.

I watched in confusion as he walked out of the room. I couldn’t help but feel my heart beat a little faster. What was that? Was it just… a kiss? Or something more?

Five minutes passed, and just as I was starting to shake off the moment, Tiberius returned. But not in the way I had expected. Instead of his usual tailored suits, he was wearing a pair of well-worn sweatpants and a loose shirt. I raised an eyebrow.

“Did you really just change into sweatpants?” I asked, half-amused.

Tiberius smirked, settling down on the couch beside me. “Comfort is key,” he replied with a shrug, grabbing a handful of popcorn from my bowl. “Now, what are we watching?”

I couldn’t stop the smile that tugged at the corners of my lips. "Aladdin. You’ve never seen it?" I asked.

“Can’t say I have.” He leaned back, looking at the screen with mild interest.

We both watched in silence for a moment, but before long, we were both sucked into the movie. As the scene with Jasmine and Aladdin unfolded, I couldn’t help but voice my thoughts.

“Jasmine’s my favorite character," I said, glancing over at Tiberius, who was now looking at the screen with a raised brow.

“Really?” He chuckled. “I thought you might be more of an Aladdin person.”

“Nope, I love how strong she is. She knows what she wants and doesn’t settle for less.” I grinned, hoping he could see the appeal.

Tiberius snorted. "Well, she does get a bit whiny at times." He made a face, clearly unimpressed.

"Whiny? She’s assertive!” I shot back, laughing.

We started arguing playfully over Jasmine’s personality, both of us passionately defending our views.

“Oh, come on,” I said, nudging him with my elbow. “You can’t say you didn’t love the scene where she takes control of the whole situation and stands up for herself.”

Tiberius raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced. “I don’t know, she could’ve been a little more… gracious with her attitude.”

“Gracious?” I laughed. “You’re talking about a princess who’s been trapped in a palace her whole life. She’s finally standing up for herself. And I admire that.”

He sighed, but the hint of a smile on his lips said he wasn’t entirely disagreeing. “I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree.”

I leaned back against the couch, content in the comfortable silence that followed. As the credits rolled, Tiberius looked over at me.

“So, what’s next?” he asked, his tone more relaxed than I had ever heard it.

I smiled, my mind still on the movie and on him, the way he had softened around me without even trying. “We’ll see. But don’t think this is over. We still have to finish our debate.”

Tiberius chuckled, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “Oh, I’m sure you’ll make me see things your way eventually.”

We stayed in silence for a while before Tiberius speaks once again. “ I want you to come with me to a meeting tomorrow."

I turn to him in confusion. “ They now allow their wife to join the conversation?" I teased, Tiberius chuckled.

“ It's more just three people, me,you and my worker." I bit my lip thinking, I don't have anything do tomorrow.

Olivia is with her boyfriend in D.C for the opening of his new company. Reillyis visiting her little sister mielai (me-e-lay) in college and harmony is on bed rest.

According to her husband,she is two weeks pregnant with twins and there in Costa Rica for a two month vacation alone.

“ Okay.”

“Good." He pulls me closer to him,my head was on his chest as we continue to watch Aladdin and change it to moana.