SERENDIPITY

~20~ The Agreement And Keeping Distance ✔️

"Hey there, Raquel," Adrian greeted with a mischievous grin. "Or should I say, Mariella?"

"I'd prefer Raquel, Adrian, but feel free to call me whatever you like after we're finished here."

"Well, well, well, look who's come prepared for this little rendezvous. I guess I can't blame you, considering I gave you every reason to be on your toes. It was pretty obvious, you know. Both Mariella and Raquel live in the same apartment complex. Last night, Ethan dropped you off as Mariella, and earlier today, he picked you up as Raquel. You left the party with Mia as Mariella, and now you're staying with her as Raquel. Oh, and there's one more little detail I discovered that led me to a conclusion, but I can't spill the beans just yet."

"Ugh... I have to go, Raquel. I've got other things to take care of. Catch you later. It was nice meeting you, Adrian," Mia interjected, standing up from her seat.

"The pleasure was all mine, Angel face," Adrian replied, his expression softening as he nodded his head.

"Alright," I responded, realizing it was futile to argue. "Let's get back to the matter at hand," I continued as Mia departed. "You can't deny knowing Leonardo de la Fuente," I focused my attention on Adrian. "Come on, spill the beans. What have you discovered about him?"

"Let's just say I have my ways of gathering information," he replied, that irritating smirk still lingering on his face.

If only I could wipe it off with a snap of my fingers.

"Fine," I conceded.

"What's your connection with him?" he inquired.

"Since you seem to have your own sources, why don't you find that out yourself?"

"You're quite fond of challenges, aren't you?" he quizzed, one eyebrow raised.

"It might as well be my middle name."

Adrian let out a dry chuckle, his amusement laced with a hint of cynicism. "Haha, very clever," he remarked. "But what if, let's say, the entire world, or in our case, the whole city of Boston, discovers your true identity? Especially Leonardo."

My eyes narrowed, and a warning tone laced my words as I retorted, "Don't you even think about it."

A mischievous smirk curved Adrian's lips as he dared to ask, "Or else...?"

"Adrian," I said, shaking my head in disbelief, my eyebrow raised in challenge. With a smirk of my own, I continued, "Or else the entire world, not just Boston, will unearth the dark secrets hidden within your family's history."

A perplexed expression replaced Adrian's smirk as he questioned, "What do you mean?"

"Exactly what I said, Adrian. I'm referring to your comprehension of the truth. The knowledge of how your grandfather was deeply involved in the mafia and the painful abandonment your sister endured. Let's delve further... Every possession your family holds today can be traced back to your grandfather, who amassed his wealth through dubious means. Can you imagine the uproar when the world discovers this hidden past?"

His voice stern, Adrian warned me once again, "Don't you dare."

A playful smile graced my lips as I wiggled my eyebrows, taunting him. "Or else?"

"Fuck," he cursed, sinking onto the couch. "What is it that you want?"

"Ah, an excellent question. The answer is simple. You will assist me in bringing Leonardo de la Fuente down to his knees, submitting to my will, and in return, I'll aid you in your search for your long-lost sister."

Adrian's voice trembled with disbelief. "What? Are you serious?"

"I believe my intentions were quite clear," I affirmed, unwavering.