Chapter 97 The Journey
Anna's POV
A knock sounded on my bedroom door. "Come in."
The door opened and Lilly stepped inside with her usual composed smile. "Mrs. Anna, the cars are ready."
I rose from the edge of my bed and nodded. "Thank you."
Serena also stood, adjusting her black jacket.
I looked at Lilly. "Serena will be coming with me."
Lilly's eyes shifted toward Serena. "Very well."
I smiled. "I don't think I've properly introduced her."
"This is Serena, she's my friend."
Lilly extended a polite hand. "It's nice to finally meet you."
Serena shook it with a small smile. "The pleasure is mine."
"I've heard good things about you."
Lilly looked pleasantly surprised. "I hope they're true."
Serena laughed. "I suppose I'll find out today."
The three of us left my room together. As we walked through the mansion corridors, several guards bowed respectfully.
Being treated like the lady of the house still felt strange. Not long ago they barely acknowledged me.
Now every pair of eyes followed me with respect.
Outside, three black SUVs waited in formation.
Lilly opened the rear door of the first vehicle. "Our escort is ready."
I glanced behind us. "The other two cars?"
"Security ma'am, but don't worry, they'll follow from a distance."
Exactly as I expected. I climbed inside first.
Serena sat beside me while Lilly occupied the passenger seat.
The driver started the engine. Seconds later the gates opened.
Our SUV rolled onto the main road while the remaining two vehicles fell in behind us like silent shadows.
I watched them through the side mirror. Even without Xavier around...
His protection never left me. Or perhaps... His surveillance.
Either way, there was no turning back now.
The city gradually replaced the quiet estate roads.
Traffic thickened. Street vendors filled the sidewalks.
For a while nobody spoke. Then Lilly smiled. "It's been years since I last visited Parkview."
I looked up. "You know the area?"
She nodded. "I grew up there."
Both Serena and I turned toward her. "You did?"
Lilly laughed. "Is it really that surprising?"
I smiled. "A little."
"I stayed around Parkview for a while too."
She looked interested. "Really?"
"What part?"
I hesitated. "I'd rather not say."
Not because I didn't trust her. Because saying it would lead directly to my foster parents' house.
And eventually... Lucas.
Lilly respected my silence. "I understand."
Serena suddenly leaned forward. "So, If we're discussing personal lives..."
She looked mischievously at Lilly. "Do you have anyone special?"
Lilly blinked. "What?"
"A boyfriend."
"A fiancé."
"A secret lover."
Lilly's cheeks flushed instantly. "No."
Serena gasped dramatically. "No?"
I joined in. "Surely someone has caught your attention."
She shook her head. "I've... never dated."
Serena and I exchanged looks. "Never?"
Lilly looked embarrassed now. "I've been single all my life."
"I've never even been with a man."
Serena placed a hand over her chest. "That's impossible."
Lilly laughed nervously. "I've just been busy."
"Busy serving Xavier?" I teased.
She nodded honestly. "Pretty much."
"The work never leaves much room for relationships."
Serena grinned. "So you're telling me this beautiful woman has never kissed anyone?"
Lilly covered her face. "Please stop."
I couldn't help laughing. "You blush very easily."
"I know."
Serena pointed playfully. "We've found Lilly's weakness."
Lilly sighed dramatically. "I already regret coming."
The car filled with laughter. Things almost felt normal.
Nearly forty minutes later the convoy slowed.
"We're here," the driver announced. "The location you gave."
I looked outside. The streets looked painfully familiar.
Old buildings. Small grocery stores.
The cracked sidewalks. Nothing had really changed.
My heart tightened.
Lilly stepped out first while the guards secured the area.
I followed with Serena.
The fake office sat across the street exactly where Serena had described.
I turned to Lilly. "I'd rather go in alone, you can wait in the car."
She frowned. "I don't think that's wise."
"I'll only be a few minutes."
"I should still accompany you."
I smiled reassuringly. "You've already done enough."
"Please."
"Wait in the car."
She looked uncertain.
"The guards can remain outside."
"I'll be perfectly fine."
She hesitated before finally nodding. "If you insist."
"I do."
"Very well."
"I'll stay close."
"If anything happens..."
"I'll come in immediately."
"I know."
Serena and I crossed the street together.
She lowered her voice. "I still think this is a terrible idea."
I smiled faintly. "You've mentioned that."
"I'm serious."
"So am I."
She sighed. "I just hope you're right."
We entered the building.
Inside waited a young man in a charcoal suit.
The moment he saw Serena he stood. "Ma'am."
His voice trembled slightly. Serena nodded. "This is Anna."
He quickly bowed toward me. "It's an honor."
I smiled politely. "Thank you for helping us."
"N-no problem." His nervousness was obvious.
Sweat had already formed along his forehead.
Poor man. He probably wasn't used to pretending in front of mafia guards.
Serena checked the time. "Don't leave immediately."
I frowned. "What?"
"Wait two or three minutes."
"If any of Xavier's men decide to verify the meeting..."
"We'll know."
She was right. Leaving too quickly would raise suspicion.
We sat. The young man poured coffee for us with shaky hands.
Nobody touched it. The silence stretched.
After nearly two minutes Serena tried one last time. "You can still change your mind."
I shook my head. "No."
"Anna..."
"Lucas deserves to explain himself."
"He already explained himself."
"He drugged you."
"He kidnapped you."
"He betrayed Xavier."
I looked away. "I still need to hear it from him."
She sighed heavily. "I hope this doesn't become the biggest mistake of your life."
I glanced toward the window. The guards remained outside.
None of them had entered. I checked my watch.
"It should be safe now." I slowly stood.
"So this is it." Serena nodded reluctantly.
"I suppose." I reached for the door. Before my fingers touched the handle...
My phone rang. The sound froze every one of us.
I pulled it from my handbag. The screen lit up.
Xavier Calling.
My heart dropped into my stomach.