Chapter 33 Farewell
Anna's POV
My chest heaved violently, sweat clinging to my skin, my heart slamming against my ribs like it wanted out.
“You’re awake.”
I turned sharply and saw Eve standing beside the bed.
My heart skipped. “How did you get in?” I asked.
“You didn’t lock your door,” she said calmly. “You should always lock your door at night.”
I gave a dry laugh. “Too bad I won’t be able to take that advice.”
She frowned. “Why?”
“I’m being auctioned today," I said as I got up from the bed and headed to the bathroom.
Her expression softened immediately. “That’s…” she paused. “I was starting to like you.”
“Same here,” I said. "Give me a minute to freshen up."
She nodded and I went into the bathroom, took a quick shower and was out after ten minutes.
"You're out so fast?" she said, surprised.
"There's no point staying that long in the bathroom. By the way, I meant to ask, are there Dons worse than Xavier?” I asked, my voice quieter than I intended.
Eve didn’t answer immediately. She tilted her head slightly, like she was weighing how much truth I could handle.
“I have no idea,” she finally said. “The Mafia world is very complex.” She paused, then added with a small, almost reassuring smile, “But I’m positive you would navigate.”
I let out a soft breath, not sure if that was supposed to comfort me.
“And who knows,” she continued, “Xavier might still change his mind.”
My eyebrows went up instantly.
“Change his mind?” I repeated, turning fully to face her. “What is the possibility of him doing that?”
Eve shrugged lightly. “I have no idea. Xavier is unpredictable.”
That word again. Unpredictable. It followed him everywhere like a shadow.
“Plus,” she went on, “the issue you created with Marco… and Xavier killing him. Zack might try to retaliate.”
My expression tightened slightly.
“If he does,” she added, “other Dons would be scared to get involved. That could force Xavier to keep you instead.”
I shook my head slowly. “I don’t think Zack would do something like that… not when he’s already on the hunt.”
Eve smiled faintly, like I had just proven her point.
“That’s the thing with Dons, Anna. You never can tell what they will do… or what they wouldn’t do.”
Her eyes held mine. “Your part is just to be prepared for anything.”
I swallowed.
“As for comfort…” she added, her tone shifting slightly, “I think Xavier likes you.”
I let out a short laugh, shaking my head. “Xavier doesn’t like me. Lucas does.”
Eve’s smile didn’t fade. “I’ve worked with Xavier for years,” she said calmly. “Trust me when I say Xavier likes you.”
A small pause. “Lucas too,” she added. “But that’s not a good thing for you.”
A chill ran through me, though I forced a shrug.
“It doesn’t matter,” I said. “None of it matters. I should get prepared.”
Eve nodded and pushed the tray toward me. “Here is your breakfast. At least eat something nice before you leave.”
“Thank you,” I said softly.
I got dressed, sat down and started eating. Surprisingly, I was hungry, really hungry.
Each bite grounded me, gave me something real to focus on instead of the chaos waiting ahead.
I could feel Eve’s eyes on me as I ate, observing, silent.
By the time I finished, I wiped my mouth lightly and exhaled.
And just then— The door suddenly opened.
Three men stepped in, wearing black suits and dark shades.
My heart skipped a beat. I had never seen them before.
My heart skipped a beat as the three men stepped further into the room, their presence immediately suffocating the air.
They didn’t look like Xavier’s regular guards.
These ones were different.
Their suits were perfectly tailored, their shoes polished to a mirror shine, and their expressions were cold in a way that made my skin prickle. Not the chaotic cruelty I had seen in Xavier’s men… this was something else.
Eve stiffened beside me, her earlier ease completely gone. I noticed it immediately.
So I wasn’t the only one unsettled.
One of the men stepped forward, removing his sunglasses slowly. His eyes landed on me, scanning me like I was already an item on display.
Which, I realized, I was. “Miss Anna,” he said smoothly. “It’s time.”
I swallowed. So this was it.
I rose slowly from the chair, wiping my hands on the napkin even though they weren’t dirty. It was just something to do… something to steady myself.
Eve stepped closer to me, her voice low. “Be careful.”
I glanced at her. For a second, something passed between us. Something unspoken.
Then I nodded faintly. “I will.”
I turned back to the men, forcing my shoulders back, my chin up.
If I was going to walk into this, I wouldn’t walk in like prey. “Lead the way,” I said.
The man gestured toward the door, and I stepped forward, my heartbeat loud in my ears.
Each step felt heavier than the last.
As I walked through the halls of the mansion, I couldn’t help but notice how quiet it was.
Like the house itself knew what was about to happen. Or maybe it was just my imagination.
They led me downstairs, past the grand entrance, and out toward a line of black vehicles waiting in formation.
My eyes flickered around instinctively. Armed guards everywhere.
No easy escape. Not that I had expected one.
One of the men opened the car door for me. “After you.”
I paused for just a second.
Then I got in.
The door shut behind me with a soft but final click.