The night grew late, but the party at Silver Spire only grew livelier. The orchestra transitioned to the soft rhythms of jazz, while guests moved from the dance floor to the balcony to enjoy the cool Harlington night air. Alicia kept herself busy serving guests, trying to avoid any more attention after her interaction with Leon Greyson.
But a strange feeling continued to haunt her, as if unseen eyes were watching her from afar.
Alicia was clearing an empty table in the corner of the room when a deep voice suddenly spoke behind her.
"I didn't expect to see you here."
The voice made her body freeze. Marco Viani.
She turned slowly and saw the cold-faced man with a scar on his right cheek standing before her. Marco wore a dark suit polished enough to pass as a party guest, but his sly eyes betrayed who he really was.
"What are you doing here?" Alicia whispered, her voice filled with unease.
Marco smirked, revealing his yellowed teeth. "You know I'm never far from you, Alicia. Our world is too small. But I must say, you're quite bold to show up in a place like this."
Alicia clenched her fists. "I'm working here. That's all."
"Really?" Marco stepped closer, his voice dropping to a sharp whisper. "You know I don't like it when someone tries to step out of the rules I've set. I gave you a job, and you ran away."
He reached for her arm, but Alicia quickly pulled away. "I don't want anything to do with you, Marco. I never did."
Marco chuckled softly. "Oh, sweetheart, do you think you have a choice? This world doesn't let anyone leave without paying the price."
Alicia felt her chest tighten. She knew Marco wasn't bluffing. But before he could say more, another voice interrupted their conversation.
"What's going on here?"
Alicia and Marco turned simultaneously. Leon Greyson stood nearby, his sharp eyes assessing the situation with a cold demeanor. Behind him, his assistant Daniel stood ready, prepared for anything.
Marco immediately shifted his demeanor, smiling amiably like a polite guest. "Ah, Mr. Greyson. Nothing at all. I was just catching up with an old friend."
Leon didn't respond. Instead, his gaze shifted to Alicia, who looked anxious and frightened.
"She doesn't seem comfortable," Leon said, his voice calm but laced with authority. "I think you should leave."
Marco stared at Leon for a few seconds, as if weighing whether to challenge him. But he knew who Leon was. He wasn't just a CEO; he was a man with power that couldn't be underestimated.
Marco raised his hands in mock surrender. "Of course. My apologies if I caused any disturbance. Good evening, Sir."
He stepped back, giving Alicia one last look before disappearing into the crowd.
Leon remained silent for a moment, ensuring Marco was truly gone before turning to Alicia.
"Are you all right?" he asked, his voice softer this time.
Alicia nodded slightly, though her hands were still trembling. "Thank you, Sir. I don't know what would've happened if you hadn't come."
Leon studied her with his piercing blue eyes, as if trying to read her thoughts. "Who is he? He's not just another guest."
Alicia hesitated, afraid to reveal too much about her past. "Just… someone who shouldn't be here."
Leon narrowed his eyes. "Did he threaten you?"
"I can handle it," Alicia replied quickly.
Her answer made Leon smirk faintly, though there was no warmth in his smile. "You don't look like someone who belongs in this world. But you're here, and that makes me curious."
Alicia remained silent, unsure if Leon was suspicious of her or merely intrigued.
Leon stepped closer, making Alicia tense. "Be careful, Alicia. This world isn't kind to those who don't know how to play the game."
Then, he walked away, leaving Alicia with a storm of thoughts.
After the party ended, Alicia walked home through the dark alleys. Her footsteps quickened, and her eyes darted around, scanning for any signs of danger. She couldn't shake the feeling that she was being followed.
When she reached her apartment door, she found a small envelope slipped under it. With trembling hands, she opened it to find a short message written in red ink:
"Don't forget your place, Alicia. We'll meet again."
She swallowed hard, staring at the note in fear. Leon's world might have given her temporary protection, but Marco's world wouldn't stop until he got what he wanted.
Inside the apartment, Luca was fast asleep on their small sofa. Alicia looked at her brother with a mix of fear and determination. She knew one thing: she had to protect Luca, no matter the cost.