As the pulsating music and the gyrating bodies faded into the background, Victor and Elaine stepped out of the Velvet Curtain, the cool night air, was a complete opposite to the club' smoky warmth.
The street lights were not as bright as they ought to be, they can't because people have been messing with them, the only sounds were the distant hum of traffic and the soft click of Elaine's heels against the pavement. Elaine paused beside her car, a brand-new Audi R8, its sleek lines flashing under the dim streetlights. She ran a hand along its polished surface, a satisfied smile playing on her lips.
Victor stopped beside her, his gaze lingering on the car. "A new acquisition, Elaine?" he asked, his voice laced with a bit of amusement.
"Indeed," she replied, smiling widely. "A little reward for all the hard work I have been doing." She added cheekily. Victor's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Hard work?" he echoed, his tone skeptical "Or perhaps other explicit sources of income? Because you and I know you do not work hard, Elaine." Victor added. Elaine chuckled, a low, dry sound.
"Darling, you underestimate me," she said, mockingly turning to face him.
"I am a woman of many talents, Victor. And I am not afraid to use them."
"Talents that include an impressive investment portfolio?" Victor asked, raising an eyebrow. "Among other things," Elaine replied, her smile widening. "Let us just say I have been extremely resourceful. And this beauty right here is a testament to my resourcefulness." She said, her hands making a squeaking sound as she rubbed it against the cars body.
Victor's kept his eye on on the car for a few seconds, a flash of curiosity on his face.
"Quite impressive." He finally admitted, his voice coming with a little admiration.
"Though, I must admit, I am curious how you managed to afford such a luxury item."
"Let us just say I have a thing for finding opportunities." Elaine replied, with a mild laughter. "And I am not afraid to seize them."
"Are these opportunities that come from strategic networking?" Victor asked, a subtle smile playing on his lips.
"Precisely," Elaine confirmed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "And some strategic long term investments."
Victor nodded slowly. "I see," he said, his voice smooth. "Well, I admire your resourcefulness, Elaine. It is indeed a rare quality."
"Thank you, sweetheart." Elaine replied, a fake smile plastered on her face. She opened the car door, sliding into the plush leather seat. "Thank you for the stimulating evening, Victor," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "I will be in touch." Victor nodded, his eyes never leaving her face. "Drive safely, Elaine," he said, his voice smooth. "And remember, there is no longer enough time on our hands." Victor reminded her.
Elaine started the engine, the powerful roar filling the air. "Of course, darling," she replied. "The end result is everything. I want to deliver an exquisite job and that takes time, Victor." She shifted the car into gear, pulling away from the curb and disappearing into the night, leaving Victor standing alone on the street. Victor watched the taillights disappear around the corner, his expression unreadable.
He knew Elaine was now playing her own game, and he knew she was hiding something. But he also knew she was valuable, a useful tool in his grand design. He would keep a close eye on her, and when the time was right, he would use her to achieve his ultimate goal.
*****
The next day dawned bright and clear, the sun casting long shadows across the nearly manicured lawns of the soon-to-be-wedded couple's matrimonial home. Elliot stood amidst a flurry of activity, overseeing the final touches on the large property.
His father, who was always the perfectionist, had insisted he personally supervise the work, ensuring every detail met his exact standards. His father felt he was barely involved in what was going to be his future life. The doorbell chimed, pulling Elliot out of his thoughts.
Elliot looked up, surprised to see Clara and Lila standing on the porch. He stepped forward, with a polite smile.
"Clara, Lila, what are you two doing here?" Clara stepped forward to offer a quick kiss on his cheek. "We thought we would surprise you babe. Check on the progress, maybe offer a second opinion on the nursery?" she added, gesturing vaguely towards the interior of the house.
Elliot's eyes went straight to Lila, a flash of uneasiness in his gaze. He could not quite shake the feeling that something was off. Lila's presence, in particular, felt weird. Since their last encounter they have not been this close and Elliot was no longer comfortable with her. Lila offered a bright smile.
"Just wanted to see how the future home was shaping up, Elliot," she said, her voice too cheerful. "It is going to be gorgeous." Elliot gave Clara a questioning look, but she simply returned a reassuring smirk.
"Lila was just being helpful," she said, calm and composed. "She has got a great eye for design, you know." Elliot nodded slowly, still feeling a sense of unease.
"Right," he said, his gaze shifting back to Lila. "Well, come on in. There is still a lot to see." They spent the next hour wandering through the house, Clara and Lila offering suggestions and comments on the decor and layout. Elliot on the other hand found himself distracted, his mind replaying the previous night's argument with Jonah. He was still reeling from the fallout, the coldness in Jonah's eyes as he had declared his intention to go to the police.
As they moved through the house, Elliot's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, he lifted an eyebrow as he read the message. "I have to step outside for a moment," he said, his voice tight. "It's work related." He stepped out onto the porch, dialing the number displayed on his phone. "Hello sir, is this Mr. Elliot." A light voice whispered into the phone. "Yes it is." Elliot replied. "Okay, I am calling from the bank. I was newly assigned as your account officer. Well our cash movement service is ready to deliver your withdrawal to a certain Jonah Hartfield." The account officer told Elliot.
"That is great." Elliot replied.