Chapter 158 MY DISGUISE.
\~~~TALIA
I slipped into the back seat of the sleek black car, my heart pounding like a drum in my chest.
The door clicked shut behind me, and I adjusted my skirt trying to make it feel like my own. The leather seat was cool against my legs, and I crossed them carefully, clutching the bag in my lap.
This was it. The first real test of my disguise. If I could fool this driver, I could fool anyone. The man, tall, and broad-shouldered with a neat suit and a polite nod hurried around to the driver's side. He looked familiar from the photos I'd studied, but names blurred in my mind after all these months on the run.
Gabriel? Viktor? It didn't matter yet. He slid behind the wheel, started the engine with a low hum, and pulled away from the curb smoothly.
The city streets blurred past the tinted windows as we drove. I stared out, pretending to be lost in thought, but really, I was scanning for any sign of trouble.
The man glanced at me in the rearview mirror, his eyes curious but professional.
“Did you have a nice day at work today, ma'am?” he asked, his voice steady and friendly.
I grunted a quick “Yes,” keeping my eyes on the passing buildings.
I had no time for chit-chat. I wasn't here to make friends. I was only here to take back what was mine.
He paused, then asked again. Are you sure? You look exhausted.”
Irritation bubbled up inside me like hot water.
Who did he think he was, playing concerned chauffeur? I frowned, leaning forward slightly. “Gabriel?” I called out, my voice sharp. I wasn't entirely sure if that was his name as Raina's life was a web of details I'd memorized but not lived.
“Yes, ma'am,” he replied, sounding a bit surprised.
“It will be so nice if you mind your fucking business and drive me home safely,” I snapped, my tone laced with authority I hoped Raina never used.
“What are you thinking, chatting with me unnecessarily? Are we friends?”
I watched in the mirror as his mouth fell open, just a little, like I'd slapped him with words.
Shock flickered across his face before he straightened up and focused on the road.
Satisfied, I looked away, pulling out the phone, Raina's phone, from my bag. The screen lit up with notifications, and I swiped to the messages. My eyes scanned the chat with Luciano, the endless back-and-forth that made my stomach twist. Sweet nothings, plans for dinner, and inside jokes I didn't share. But the last message caught my attention and it was that he might not be home tonight.
It was from earlier, something about a late meeting.
A small smile tugged at my lips. That wasn't bad at all. I needed time to settle in, to prowl the house like a cat claiming territory. No husband underfoot meant I could snoop without questions. The good Lord, or maybe just dumb luck, was on my side today.
The rest of the ride was silent, just the hum of the engine and the occasional honk from outside.
I could feel Gabriel stealing glances at me through the mirror, his eyes darting like he was trying to figure out what had gotten into his boss's wife.
Let him wonder. He wasn't the least of my worries now. If Raina had been putting up with this kind of casual disrespect from the staff, it was going to change. Fast. No more soft-spoken COO, I was bringing back the real boss, the one who commanded respect with a single look.
Finally, the car turned into the gated compound, the wrought-iron entrance swinging open automatically. I looked out the window, and for a moment, awe hit me like a wave. The house, no, mansion, loomed ahead, all grand columns and manicured lawns, lit up by soft evening lights. It was more opulent than I'd imagined from the photos, a fortress of wealth that screamed Moretti power.
But I couldn't let that show. I sat still, my face neutral, as if this was just another day coming home to my house. Gabriel parked smoothly in front of the steps and got out, circling around to open my door.
I stepped out, breathing in the fresh air deeply, relief washing over me.
Step one; Done.
No alarms, no suspicions and I was in.
Raising my bag, I thrust it toward him without a word. He blinked, confusion creasing his forehead.
“Do I need to spell this out?” I said, my voice low and impatient.
“Ma'am?”
“Take my bag and take it in,” I ordered, arching an eyebrow.
He nodded quickly, taking the strap from my hand.
“Of course,” He led the way up the stone steps, through the massive front door that opened into a foyer bigger than most apartments. Marble floors gleamed under crystal chandeliers, and the air smelled of fresh flowers and polished wood. I followed, my heels clicking sharply, keeping my chin high.
Inside, he turned to hand the bag back, like that was the end of it.
“My hands hurt,” I said, still not taking it from hims and not moving.
“So lead the way to my bedroom,” I hissed the words, letting my irritation show.
He hesitated, then started up the grand staircase. I trailed behind, wondering how the hell Raina had been living like this. Handing her own bag? Opening her own doors? I wouldn't be shocked if they expected her to waltz into the kitchen and cook her own meals.
No wonder she had clung to this life so desperately. It was a cage of luxury, but still a cage if you let the help walk all over you.
I am going to change all of that too. Everything.