Chapter 20: The birth of a new plan
4 months later…..
Aubrey hailed a taxi and got in, ready to head to her meeting place with Lucky. They had chosen a secret location where they could plot against Humility without being discovered.
"Where would you like me to drop you off?" the taxi driver asked, taking a quick glance at Aubrey in the rearview mirror.
"Drop me off at the back of The Prince restaurant," she said, rummaging through her bag. "It's a bit secluded there."
"No problem," the taxi driver said, pulling up to the curb. "Your fare is $3."
Aubrey handed him the money and got into the car. The driver closed the door behind her and pulled away from the curb, heading towards the restaurant.
He started the car and pulled away from the curb, driving towards their destination. The ride was quiet and uneventful, and before long, they arrived at the agreed-upon location. The driver found a spot to park the car and gestured for Aubrey to get out.
Aubrey stepped out of the taxi and stood on the side of the road, watching the car drive away. Only when the vehicle was out of sight did she take her next step, reaching into her purse and pulling out her phone.
She stared at the screen for a moment, then put the phone back in her purse. Her actions were quick and deliberate, as if she was hiding something.
She brushed her hair back, trying to tame the windblown strands. Then, she tucked it into a sleek ponytail, her every movement precise and controlled. She took a moment to look around, checking to make sure she was alone.
Satisfied that she was unobserved, she turned and walked into the shadows, moving stealthily as if she were about to commit a crime. Her boots made a loud thud with each step, but she did her best to tread lightly. She held her bag close to her body, as if she were afraid someone might try to snatch it from her.
"Finally," she exhaled in relief, having reached her destination. She stepped into the ramshackle house, hoping to see Lucky already there. She knew he was always late and she wasn't about to put up with it today. "If he keeps me waiting any longer," she thought, "I'll leave."
This was the day they had been waiting for, the day when they would finally meet someone who could help them further their plan.
It was the day she had been waiting for, the day when everything would finally come together. They had given the couple enough time to make memories and feel comfortable, and now it was time to strike. "At least the baby is four months old now, which is more than enough time for a mother to bond with her child," she thought, a cruel smile on her lips.
She pushed open the door to the dingy house, and to her surprise, Lucky was already there, waiting for her. "You took your sweet time getting here," he snapped, his face scrunched up in annoyance. "I've been waiting for ages."
"Isn't it always you who makes me wait?" Aubrey retorted, her voice rising in indignation. "You should be the last person to complain about being kept waiting. And don't you dare raise your voice at me!"
Lucky looked at her, stumped for a moment. He knew she was right, and he had no defense. He took a deep breath and changed the subject.
"All right, let's get down to business," he said, taking a pack of cigarettes out of his back pocket.
Aubrey took a seat and waited for him to speak. She looked around the room, trying to spot their new ally, but the woman was nowhere to be seen. "Where is the woman who's supposed to help us gain access to Kiara's house?" she asked, her voice tinged with impatience.
"She's on her way," Lucky replied, blowing a cloud of smoke out of his mouth. "She should be here soon."
Aubrey shifted in her seat, growing increasingly restless.
"I hope she's on time," Aubrey said, her voice growing more impatient. "I don't have time to waste."
"The gift she's bringing to Kiara's doorstep is already ready," Lucky said, showing Aubrey a small box. "This gift will change her life for the worse." His eyes gleamed with anticipation, and a sly smile crossed his lips.
Aubrey got up from her seat and walked over to him. She took the box from him, examining it curiously. "What's in here?" she asked, not knowing what to expect.
"You'll see," he said, a sly smile playing on his lips. He seemed to enjoy the suspense, drawing out the moment.
"I trust…" Aubrey's words trailed off as the door swung open, cutting her off. She and Lucky both turned to look, excitement and anticipation bubbling up inside them as they realized who had just entered. Its their ally they have been waiting for.
"Sorry I'm late," the woman said, walking over to them. "I hope you weren't waiting too long."
"Where is the package?" The woman was standing only inches away from Lucky, who seemed oblivious to her presence.
Aubrey handed the package to her, and the woman took it with a grin.
"I promise you, I'll do a great job," she said. "It'll be so satisfying to see my stepdaughter suffer." She tucked the box into her bag, her eyes shining with anticipation.
"She's such a pain!" Lucy said, her voice dripping with resentment. "And she always seems to get away with everything! But not this time. This time, I'll make sure she doesn't escape." Her eyes glinted with malice.
"This is the perfect opportunity," Lucky said. "My spy in the household told me that Enzo is away on a business trip and won't be back until 8:00 PM. You should head out now. It's already 3:00 PM, and you know how fast time flies." He took another puff of his cigarette, smoke curling around him.
Lucy nodded in farewell, then turned and left to carry out the plan. As she walked away, she muttered to herself, "Get ready, Kiara, because I'm coming for you." An evil smile played across her lips.