Chapter 34

Over the past 2 weeks, Carlie's schedule has been packed. First, she had numerous meetings with clients for wedding dress fittings. October is often considered the busiest month for weddings according to some survey experts. Although Carlie has never known the reason, she would easily conclude that October might just be a lucky month in whatever belief. Or perhaps, some people simply enjoy hosting wedding parties amidst the falling leaves, welcoming the autumn season. Her days were filled with meetings with clients or her own design team, which had been working overtime lately. As a result, every day, Carlie bought each of them a Starbucks drink to motivate their hard work.

Secondly, it was about gathering evidence to sue Tiffany. Ian visited Carlie every few days to update her on the progress. After thoroughly digging through all of Tiffany's data, which was only stored on her computer and Tiffany's phone was returned the next day, to the point where she didn't even realize it had been missing, they finally found a message exchange history that could potentially serve as evidence.

The messages were exchanged between Tiffany and her close friend, Stella Martin.

The essence of the messages was Tiffany's complaints about how she regretted never surpassing Carlie Eloise's ranking and she was contemplating doing whatever it takes to win the Best Designer of the Decade Award.

In the messages, Stella Martin strongly opposed Tiffany's desire, stating that dealing with Carlie Eloise Heston was a disaster to be avoided. However, Tiffany completely disregarded Stella's advice. She confidently stated that she had 'someone' she could rely on to help her and she would not fail.

Carlie still smiled broadly every time she opened Tiffany's message. Even though she had analyzed it more than ten times over. There were two things that made the message perfect evidence.

Firstly, the message clearly showed Tiffany's nefarious intentions. Secondly, not once was Jonathan Austin's name mentioned in the conversation. Just 'someone'. From this, Carlie understood that Stella Martin didn't know about Tiffany's family's illicit dealings. Therefore, Tiffany couldn't openly say that it was Jon - her fiancé-to-be - who would help her and that meant an even more beautiful fact.

"We can certainly use Stella Martin for this,"Ian said, mirroring Carlie's smirk, as she widened her sneaky smile.

"If she fits our estimation, not being from the underworld, it means she doesn't have any syndicate or cartel connections to assist her, and that means-"

Carlie interrupted,"we can pressure her to be on our side."

"That's the progress i've made in the past 2 weeks."

With pride, Carlie folded her arms, raising one foot to cross over the other. That afternoon, fortunately, Carlie had no meetings with anyone. In other words, she was free and she used that opportunity to go to Jona's residence and inform him of her plans, along with every detail of the developments on her side. Although, of course, knowing Carlie's impatience in explaining anything, the explanation she provided ended up being entirely unclear. Not coherent and many important parts were omitted.

Devan, who was listening in, even furrowed his brow several times. Trying to understand all of Carlie's explanations, which unfortunately he couldn't manage to do until the end. Devan made sure he had to read the document report about Carlie's research that would be sent to his email later, once again. However, on the other hand, Jona seemed to fully understand what Carlie was saying. Even though her explanation was no better than that of an elementary school child reading a legend short story.

Maybe two crazy people, when put together, would understand each other, huh? Silently, Devan pondered to himself,"how about you? You always share your updates with me, but i never hear about yours,"Carlie said, raising an eyebrow.

"It's going smoothly,"Jona replied.

"Do you think that's enough of an explanation? Give me details,"Carlie commanded. Jona sighed deeply. Like Carlie, he wasn't fond of explaining things like a teacher. But this time, he had to.

"The marijuana plantation progress is going smoothly. Every day, it puts more pressure on the Emerald family's failures. I think it won't be long before our plans can move to the next step, just waiting for Falcon Emerald to come to my aid,"Jona said, as usual, in his hoarse, flat tone.

"I intend to visit the plantation today. Do you want to come?"

Carlie frowned,"didn't you say the plantation is in Mexico?"

"Yes."

"So, after this, you're going to Mexico?"Carlie asked. Jona didn't answer, and that soft 'yes' was enough for Carlie to catch. She rolled her eyes in annoyance. "And if i say no, will you just leave me be? Or, as usual, manipulate me into going wherever you want? I guess the second answer is less surprising."

Jona's smile instantly widened. A smirk.

"Devan, let me know when the plane is ready."

Carlie grumbled,"i should've just called you to convey this instead of coming here and ending up flying to Mexico."

Jona chuckled gleefully once again. "After i finish up some work here, we'll leave. And while waiting, you can stroll around to alleviate boredom. Devan will call you when the plane is ready for takeoff."

****

Darkness. A single concrete word to describe the Austin family mansion.

The lighting in this place was very. Even though the long hallways of the mansion, only a few small wattage bulbs were embedded in the high ceilings. Dark gray tiles, as well as walls even grayer than the tiles. Almost black roofs. All furniture either black or white and there were only a few. In essence, the family mansion was immeasurably dark. Just like the Austin family crest. A Mafia family. A fitting color.

The last time Carlie wandered alone in this place, she encountered the Yones siblings, beaten to a pulp. But luckily, her wounds were hidden beneath her clothes. Though there was still some pain and Carlie resented Paul and Paula for that evening she was somewhat grateful, because if not, Ian would go mad finding her injured upon his return. Perhaps mere excuses wouldn't be enough to contain his rage anymore. He might seek out every detail of Carlie's disappearance timeline and charge forth with condemnation soldiers against Jonathan Austin.

This time the hallways were eerily silent. No sound. Not even the echoing of Carlie's steps sounded as loud as thunder. Because every tap on the tiles sounded loud. Carlie, though only guessing, concluded that to maintain the family's privacy, Jona didn't employ many servants in this house. As few as possible, so that there wouldn't be many who could divulge its location information. With hesitant steps, Carlie continued to explore the hallways. Enjoying the artworks engraved on the walls. Although she wasn't a poet who could compose sweet poems to describe a masterpiece, Carlie could express her admiration through impressed sighs.

'Jona had a good eye for art.'

Her echoing steps suddenly stopped in unison, abruptly halting. Right in front of a giant framed photo that was no longer unfamiliar to her. Jona's family photo. The only photo in the entire house that had the face of the owner of this semi-palace. The only family photo displayed, yet still didn't seem warm at all.

Previously, Carlie had gazed at the stern faces of Jona's brother, Nathanael Austin. But today, her attention was drawn to a different figure, to his mother.