Chapter 8
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“Mr. Hawley, the tip pointed us to this spot, but after scouring the place, we didn’t find anyone like The Seraphic or anyone with medical know–how,” a man reported with caution.
Julius replied, “We’ve been made. The Seraphic surely won’t stick around here.”
Shane said, “Not so fast. The best hiding spot is right under everyone’s nose.”
Down the alley, as Quiana turned a corner, she caught some guys chatting. The name “The Seraphic” pinged her radar, but before she could move, two bulky guards stepped in her way.
“Who are you?”
“What’s your business?”
The voices startled the group, and they all turned to look.
There was a guy in a wheelchair, his legs under a thin gray blanket. His face was like something from a sculpture, with teardrop moles at the corners of his eyes that sparkled like gems in the sunlight.
Despite the constant frown, his high–class vibe was clear, standing out in the rundown scene.
Quiana recognized Julius, her so–called fiancé. She squinted, pulled back, and coolly told the guards, “I live here.”
Quiana was tall, about twenty, with a face that could stop traffic. Her eyes were clear and calm, with a vibe of class.
Shane’s usually steady eyes flickered with surprise, and he murmured, “This true Larson daughter, at least she’s got the looks to match yours.”
They’d seen Quiana’s photos, done their homework.
Julius looked around, pulled out a white handkerchief, covered his mouth, and coughed lightly. His pale face was a blank as he said, “Let her through.”
Quiana smirked, strolled over, and as she turned down the side hall, she glanced back, head tilted, eyebrow raised at Julius. “I see a shadow on your forehead, sir, and a bad vibe. I think your clock’s ticking.”
“What crap are you talking?” Leo’s face darkened, his gaze hardening. “Cut the nonsense!”
Everyone in Janivielle knew Julius’s face; Quiana would recognize him for sure. Shane adjusted his glasses, a flash of coldness in his eyes.
Julius narrowed his eyes, leaned back in his chair, pulled the blanket higher. His voice was flat as he asked, “I wonder if you have any advice?”
Quiana, oblivious to the glares, pulled a tiny white bottle from her bag, shook it in front of Julius with a cheeky grin.
“I’ve got a potion here. Won’t fix what ails you, but it’ll buy you some time. Since fate brought us together, I’ll give you a deal -300 thousand dollars.” Her tone sounded like a scammer.
Leo’s face got darker. “It is so expensive.”
Julius raised an eyebrow, leaned back with a lazy chuckle. “I didn’t know you have a side hustle as a fake, Ms. Levine.” Quiana wasn’t fazed that he knew her. Being called a fake didn’t ruffle her. She kept smiling, all innocence, “It is all for life.”
Knowing who they were and still playing it cool, Shane thought Shane was different from the reports. A glint showed behind
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WED, TO ADI
Chapter 8
Shane’s glasses.
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Quiana shook the bottle again, her voice tempting, “Chances like this don’t come often, you know, Want to think it over, Mr. Hawley?
300 thousand dollars was pocket change to Julius. He coughed lightly, then said calmly, “Leo, pay her
Leo hesitated, not knowing why Julius did this. Quiana’s act, her tone, was more convincing than any con. There was no way Julius would buy her story.
Not just Leo; even Shane frowned and asked, “Julius?”
Julius looked down, hiding his feelings. His voice was icy and firm. “Pay her
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