Chapter 10 - Mr. Ford (1)

MIKHAIL'S POV

She’s gone.

I stared at the door in silence before turning my head to where Mother’s portrait was. I glanced down at the camera remains, then lifted my phone and swiped the screen.

My thumb hovered over the app which was frozen, and I clicked on it. The app icon showed the feed loading, and soon blank live feeds appeared on my phone. I clicked on the replay feed, and soon a video of me squatting in front of the camera appeared.

I glanced at the portrait just as the version of me in the video removed the camera and broke it. My eyes narrowed slightly as I glanced at the door.

How did she notice so quickly that there was a camera there?

“Looks like she’s not as foolish as I thought.” I swiped out of the feed and pressed the LIVE section, and multiple live feeds appeared.

One showed Eleanor sitting in front of the makeup table blow-drying her hair in her nightdress. Another showed Calista standing in her room with her phone in her hand.

“Fuck.” Her voice sounded from the speaker and she threw her phone on the bed, her hands gripped her hair as she turned around. I walked over and sat on my bed, watching the frustration on her face.

“Why now of all times?” She grabbed the hem of her shirt and pulled it over her head without hesitation, throwing it on the floor. She removed her skirt and kicked it away.

All that was left on her body was a pair of boxers and a singlet.

She reached into her wardrobe and grabbed a big T-shirt, then turned around and collapsed on her bed.

“She’s something,” a chuckle left my lips, and at that moment my phone buzzed and an ID flashed at the top of the screen. I clicked on it and placed the phone to my ear.

“Boss, we found them,” said Maco Deluca, one of my right-hand men.

“Send me the address.” I glanced at the window, and at the same time, my phone dinged. I brought my hand down and swiped the screen. A map ping was there. “Good. Do it, and send their remains to their leader.”

“Understood.” He answered, and the call ended.

I turned my head to the window and got up, walking over to it. I yanked the curtains aside and noticed the men on patrol.

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CALISTA

“Mikhail! It’s almost 7:30! I can’t be late!” I yelled, putting on my lip gloss. I grabbed the comb and packed my hair into a sleek half-up, half-down ponytail, the crown smoothed back into a high tie while the remaining length fell in glossy waves down my back.

I glanced at the mirror and at my outfit, wondering if it was too much. I wore a cream sleeveless chiffon blouse tucked into a fitted black pencil skirt, paired with a tailored black blazer.

On my feet were black closed-toe pumps, and I carried a structured beige handbag, which Eleanor forced me to carry with me.

“It’s just an interview, there’s no need to dress this way,” I groaned, putting on simple pearl earrings and a delicate pendant. I twirled a little and blew a kiss to the mirror, my left leg bent up.

I grabbed my files. “Time to go,” I said and walked out of my bedroom.

Clanking sounds came from the kitchen as I hurried down the stairs, and from afar, I saw Eleanor cooking. I sniffed the air and my mouth watered instantly.

“What are we having for breakfast?” I walked over to her, and she turned at the sound of my voice.

“You’re done.” She smiled, cleaning her hands with a towel before placing the towel on the table. She walked towards me and adjusted my blouse while saying, “I made your favorite eggs Benedict and truffle-infused avocado toast. It is my way of wishing you luck on your interview, child.”

She tapped my shoulder lightly before turning back to the pan. I stood there in silence watching her wipe her forehead, and I clenched my hands tightly.

“I’m sorry about last night,” I whispered, looking away. “It was wrong of me to yell at you… in front of him too.”

She didn’t stop stirring. “It’s in the past, Cali. I know you didn’t mean it. I am also sorry for ruining your plans with my decision without discussing it with you first.” She finally paused and turned halfway to me. “I promise it will never happen again. Now go sit your ass at the table while I serve breakfast.”

I nodded, a smile spreading on my face, but I turned before she could see it.

A few minutes later, she served the dishes and smiled at me before going upstairs.

Mikhail decided to join us later, but when I saw him, a frown formed on my face.

“Are you just waking up?” I asked.

Mikhail glanced briefly at the dining table before walking to the coffee machine.

“Hello oh?”

“I can hear you.” He grabbed the mug and placed it under the machine. “My assistant will drive you to work… I’ll be back before you’re done with the interview.”

“And you didn’t think to discuss it with me?” I clench my spoon, my eyes fixed on him.

Mikhail didn’t reply and instead grabbed the mug and lifted it to his lips.

I stared at his back for a few seconds before turning to my food, and suddenly I lost my appetite. I set down my spoon, grabbed my files and bag, and got up, pulling the chair back.

I walked past him to the door, ignoring his gaze — that is, if he was even looking.

The door opened before I could reach for it and I saw a handsome man standing in front.

“Hi,” he smiled, and oh Lord, his smile was charming 'cause the anger inside me somehow disappeared.

“Hi,” I returned the smile.

“I’m Maco Deluca, your temporary driver.” His eyes went to my hands and then back to me. “May I help you with it?”

I glanced down at my hand and saw what he was referring to.

“Uh, yes-” before I could finish, Mikhail's annoying voice sounded behind me.

“No.”

I frowned and turned to Mikhail, my brows shooting up. His left hand was inside his pocket, and his right hand held the mug as he stared at me lazily.

“She has hands to carry those little things. You’re to drive her and then return,” he said, lifting the mug to his mouth, “with your mouth shut.”

“Sorry? I didn’t hear that?” I stepped towards him, but Maco urging us to leave stopped me from continuing.

After giving Mikhail a hard glare, I followed Maco, and soon we were out of the compound.

As we took a U-turn, I caught sight of a familiar car driving into the compound from the corner of my eye.