Chereads / BACCARA: It's all an Illusion / Chapter 63 - Chapter 63 - Preparing.

Chapter 63 - Chapter 63 - Preparing.

Two days later

HealZone Hospital

Savannah stepped outside the hospital, the cool air brushed against her skin, a welcome relief after being cooped up inside. Bella walked beside her, her scrubs a bright contrast to the drab hospital walls. They about everything and nothing-how she was planning to binge-watch a new series, how Savannah is ready for the island visit.

But then, something caught her eye. A figure stood by a sleek black car, dressed in a striking red ensemble that screamed luxury. The fabric clung perfectly, tailored in a way that made it look expensive, yet somehow too extravagant for this setting. She stood perfectly still, almost as if she were waiting for someone, her expression unreadable.

"What do you think?" Bella whispered, nudging Savannah slightly.

"Definitely not your typical hospital visitor," she replied, raising an eyebrow.

The woman's gaze seemed to pierce through the crowd, scanning the busy entrance with an intensity that felt out of place among the usual hurried passersby. Savannah could see her lips painted a bold shade of crimson, matching the vibrant hue of her outfit. There was an elegance to her demeanor, yet an underlying tension that made her curious.

"Maybe she's here for someone important," Bella speculated, her voice low, almost conspiratorial.

"Or maybe she's the one who needs to be taken care of," I countered, half-smiling. The image of this glamorous stranger flitting through the hospital corridors was almost comical.

Savannah shook her head, dismissing her as she continued walking with Bella, who was still animatedly discussing her latest binge-watch.

"Savannah!" The woman's voice sliced through the ambient noise, halting Savannah in her tracks. She turned, confusion swirling in her mind. Her smile was disarming, and as she removed her oversized sunglasses, recognition flickered this was the woman who had appeared out of nowhere a few weeks back, rambling about something or other. Savannah had thought she was just another eccentric visitor, her nonsensical chatter fading into her memory like a bad dream.

"Uh, hi," Savannah said cautiously, her stomach knotting slightly.

"Why haven't you called me? I thought we were going to discuss how you can help with-" she began, her voice dripping with urgency.

But Savannah didn't want to hear it. Savannah took a small step back, glancing at Bella, who looked just as perplexed as she felt. Savannah picked up her pace, the desire to escape bubbling within her. "I really can't right now," she muttered, starting to walk away.

"Savannah, wait!" Veronica called after her, her voice rising slightly. "It's about lif-"

"I really can't right now," Savannah said, quickening her steps, trying to put distance between them.

"Savannah, wait!" she called after her, her heels clicking sharply against the pavement. "I just need you to understand-"

Ignoring her, Savannah focused on the exit, her mind racing. she didn't want to delve into whatever strange narrative she was spinning.

"Savannah, this is about life and death--" Savannah freezed in spot, She felt a cold rush of anxiety wash over her, and turned back toward Veronica who was panting from walking she looked, messed.

"What did you say?"

Brew Haven

The café was warm and inviting, a cozy refuge from the crisp autumn air outside. They settled into a corner table. The last time they met, her frantic energy and desperate words lingered in her mind. She had approached her out of nowhere, weaving a tale that felt as tangled as the leaves swirling outside.

"What's going on?" Savannah asked, trying to keep her tone steady. Her intensity was palpable, and she could feel her curiosity piquing.

"It's about life and death," she said, her voice low. Savannah's heart skipped a beat. Those words hung in the air, heavy with implication. "I need your help."

She leaned in, drawn by the urgency in her voice. "What do you mean?"

Veronica glanced around, as if checking for eavesdroppers, before she continued. "My husband, he's been involved in some shady business dealings. I'm afraid it's much worse than I realized. I need to gather information about his illegal activities to expose him before it's too late."

"Illegal activities?" Savannah repeated, her mind racing. "What kind of business are we talking about?"

She hesitated for a moment, then launched into a whirlwind of details. "He's involved in

smuggling, and there are people who want to silence him. He's done things in the shadows - things I only recently discovered. I'm afraid if I don't act soon, he could end up... well, you understand."

Her words were a mix of truth and uncertainty, but Savannah could sense the genuine fear in her eyes. Savannah took a deep breath, weighing her words. She didn't want to get entangled in a web of deceit, but she couldn't ignore the urgency in her plea. "If I help you, I need to know everything. No more secrets."

Veronica nodded, her relief palpable. "Of course. I'll tell you everything I know. I just don't want anyone else to suffer because of his actions."

Savannah felt a strange mixture of apprehension and resolve. She didn't want to see anyone harmed, especially if there was a chance to prevent it. "Okay, I'll help," I said finally, my voice steady. "But it's just a one time meeting nothing else right?." Savannah asked to confirm if there's something more she needs to double think again.

"Yes, yeah only one time simple meeting" Veronica reassured her, she too doesnt want any harm to this woman seating across her.

"But we need a solid plan. We can't rush into this." Savannah continued "The story about how we met to how everything happened everything" Veronica looked amazed at Savannah "Woww, I didn't thought about this" Savannah rolled her eyes 'Expected!" Veronica smiled at her with the same twinlking eyes "I've the story ready" Savannah nodded.

"Thank you, Savannah," she said, a hint of desperation melting into gratitude. "I promise, I won't let you down."

As they began to discuss her husband's business, Savannah realized she was stepping into a world she didn't fully understand. But there was no turning back now. She was committed to help her now.

France

The city of Paris sprawled beneath him, a beautiful facade hiding the chaos that simmered just below the surface. Blaze leaned against the cold steel railing of the rooftop, his eyes scanning the streets below. It was surreal-this city of lights and love, and yet here he was, a mafia man deep in the shadows, overseeing the operation that had brought him to France.

Although he was here but his heart was back home, his home, to Savannah, he couldnt stope thinking about her all these times, he had talked to her over a call just for a second, yes just for second because Savannah had to go had her lunch before the time runs up and he couldnt let her starve, so he hung up but he wanted to listen to her voice for a little longer. For a bit long. He can't wait to go back home soon.

Arthur stood a few steps back, his sharp gaze fixed on the streets as he relayed updates about their men. "The shipment is on schedule. We've got eyes on the warehouse, and everyone is accounted for."

He took a moment to absorb the scenery-the Seine shimmering under the evening sky, oblivious to the darkness that surrounded it. Blaze's thoughts flickered back to his crew down below, where they were assembling weapons and preparing for the next phase of their operation.

"Are we sure the buyer won't flake?" Blaze asked, his mind racing through the possibilities. In this line of work, trust was a rare commodity.

"We've vetted him thoroughly. He's eager, and he knows what's at stake. He won't back out unless he wants to end up in a trunk." Arthur informed.

Blaze chuckled darkly, the humor doing little to lighten the weight on his shoulders. He had built this empire through blood, sweat, and ruthless determination, and he wasn't about to let some loose ends unravel everything he'd worked for.

The warehouse was a hive of activity, men moving with precision as they prepared the weapons for the deal. He had a network of loyal men, but loyalty could be fragile, especially when money was involved. He needed to keep a close eye on everything.

"Let's head down," Blaze said, pushing away from the railing. The chill in the air was nothing compared to the heat of the business they were conducting. He made his way to the stairwell, his mind calculating every detail of the plan.

As they descended, he could hear the distant sounds of the city-laughter, music, and the clinking of glasses from the cafes. It felt so distant from our reality, where every decision could lead to life or death.

When they reached the warehouse, the atmosphere shifted. The air was thick with tension as men loaded crates and prepared for the deal. Blaze moved through the space, mhis presence commanding attention. Every pair of eyes turned to him, and he could sense their loyalty mingled with fear. It was the perfect balance; in this world, you needed both.

"Is everything ready?" he asked, looking around at the organized chaos.

Arthur stepped up beside him, nodding. "We're good to go. Just waiting on the buyer."

He scanned the faces of his men, reading their expressions. Trust was earned through bloodshed and respect, and he had earned it all. But the underworld was a fickle mistress; one wrong move, and everything could come crashing down.

"Keep your eyes open," he ordered, his voice firm. "No room for mistakes."

As the minutes ticked by, Blaze felt the weight of anticipation hanging in the air. The city outside may have been beautiful, but down here, in the heart of my operation, it was all about survival. He wouldn't let anything or anyone get in the way of what he had built. Not now, not ever.

HealZone Hospital

Savannah sat in the cafeteria, the hum of conversation and the clinking of trays a comforting backdrop as she picked at her salad. It was her usual midweek routine-a brief escape from the chaos that often engulfed her day. Just as she was about to take a sip of her black coffee, she felt a presence at her table.

"Savannah!" Veronica exclaimed, sliding into the seat across from her as if she had appeared out of thin air. Savannah blinked, momentarily taken aback. "I couldn't wait any longer to get this over with."

"Uh, hi," she said, trying to mask her confusion. "I wasn't expecting to see now"

She leaned in, her eyes wide with a mix of urgency and excitement. "I've been thinking about our plan, and I've come up with a story for when we meet my husband."

Savannah raised an eyebrow, sensing trouble. "A story? What kind of story?"

Veronica's enthusiasm didn't waver. "Listen, I thought it would be perfect! So, picture this: We meet at a café, right? And you are behind the counter selling cupcakes." She paused, her eyes sparkling as if she were about to unveil a masterpiece. "You offer me three cupcakes, and that's how we become friends!"

Savannah stared at her, her mouth slightly agape. "Are you serious?"

"Think about it! It's cute and casual. He'll never suspect a thing!" she insisted, her tone earnest.

"Veronica" Savannah began, shaking her head slowly. "That sounds... really dumb."

Her expression faltered, but she quickly recovered. "No, really! It's disarming! It makes it seem like we're just two normal people bonding over sweets."

Savannah couldn't help but roll her eyes, exasperation creeping in. "You think your husband is going to buy that? 'Oh, my wife and her new friend met over cupcakes'? Come on."

Veronica looked deflated for a moment, but her determination returned. "Okay, maybe it's not perfect. But I need to ease him into this. He's not going to take the news well if I just drop it on him out of the blue."

Savannah took a deep breath, trying to rein in her frustration. "I get that you want to protect him, but we have to be smart about this. We can't just spin a fairy tale."

She leaned back, her posture a mix of defiance and vulnerability. "Then what do you suggest? We can't walk in there empty-handed."

Savannah thought for a moment, the cafeteria buzz fading into the background. "We need something believable-something grounded in reality. Maybe talk about how we met through a mutual friend or something related to your husband's work. It needs to be authentic."

Savannah took a deep breath, trying to rein in her frustration. "I get that you want to protect Veronica considered this, her expression softening. "You're right. I just... I'm scared. I want to protect him, but I also need to make him see what he's involved in."

"I understand," I said gently, trying to reassure her. "But we have to be strategic. I'll help you, but let's create a narrative that actually makes sense."

Her shoulders relaxed a bit, and she nodded. "Okay. Let's do this right."

Savannah took a deep breath, trying to rein in her frustration. "I get that you want to protect Veronica considered this, her expression softening. "You're right. I just... I'm scared. I want to protect him, but I also need to make him see what he's involved in."

"I understand," Savannah said gently, trying to reassure her. "But we have to be strategic. I'll help you, but let's create a narrative that actually makes sense."

Her shoulders relaxed a bit, and she nodded. "Okay. Let's do this right."

Author's Note :

How are you guys doing? Hopefully good <3

Take care of yourselves and stay hydrated<3. See you tomorrow:) Enjoy for now ;)

Have a good day/night<3<3