A Scandal in Nueva Aurora

008. The Game of Wits

Chapter 008:
The Game of Wits

· · ────── ·𖥸· ────── · ·
RAINE

After a tedious exchange with a fool and perhaps a dawdler as well, the pieces finally aligned. With a subtle spark of my reasoning, the mental chessboard sprang to life once more.

The next morning unfolded like any other. Zane sat at the table, his attention fixed on his phone, chuckling at yet another cat video as he sipped his coffee. Meanwhile, I sprawled across the long sofa, my gaze locked on the blank wall, thoughts quietly weaving themselves into knots.

Payday had arrived for the flat rental, prompting my older sister to drop by and hand her payment directly to Mrs. Nuñez. Known for making her rounds on such days, Mrs. Nuñez often rewarded punctual tenants with her delectable, freshly-baked cookies while delivering a sharp reprimand to those who had developed a habit of paying late.

"Elizalde's in the clear," I said, shattering the awkward quiet that always settled in whenever my sister visited.

"But the blackmailer's still out there," she replied, finishing her second chocolate chip cookie, seated with Mrs. Nuñez at the kitchen table.

"It's all about his secrets. He's scattered them among people he trusts, those who know him well," I said, the puzzle slowly taking shape. "But was it really wise to keep the police from locking up those men in black?"

"They work for your client," she replied coolly. "Their only aim is to shield Zephyros from the unseen threat lurking around him."

"I knew it!" I exclaimed, sitting up abruptly, the excitement in my voice enough to make Zane flinch and glance my way, startled by my sudden burst of energy.

"Knew what?" my sister asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Look, I've figured out the new drug invention as well. Don't ask how, especially since your clues yesterday were less than helpful," I replied, dodging the fact that I'd used her account to dig through confidential files. "The client from yesterday cleared him. It wasn't his fault the combustion occurred."

Zane's brow furrowed, his confusion evident. "Why didn't you tell me any of this? How much did I miss yesterday?"

I turned to Zane, a sarcastic smirk tugging at the corner of my lips, words poised on the tip of my tongue. But just as I was about to respond, the glow of my phone's screen stole my attention.

"Does the Celestial Virtuoso know about this drug?" my sister pressed, but her question went unanswered as I focused on the notification that had just appeared.

"The drug... and the combustion? What's going on?" Zane asked again, his confusion deepening.

A new message lit up my phone screen-Mr. Indomitable wishing me a good morning.

"Are you even listening, li'l sissy?" Elizabeth asked, her tone laced with impatience.

"Oh, yes, I'm listening," I replied, setting my phone aside and turning to face her. "Those men, judging by their presence, are from abroad. My godmother mentioned that my client holds a significant position here. I'd rather not jump to conclusions, but for now, it seems that Elizalde will stay out of harm's way-so long as he doesn't play games with those men."

"And let's not forget how close we came to disaster, all because of that mission to pose as some arrogant actor's therapist," Zane muttered, his eyes remained glued to his phone.

"Oh my goodness, what have you two been up to?" Mrs. Nuñez gasped, her eyes wide with concern. "I thought you were just helping others in a simple way, and now-"