Chapter 12 I watched Vincent's back disappear around the corner , his security detail falling in step behind him . The moment they were out of sight , I shoved against Primo's chest , breaking free from his grip . His laughter echoed through the gallery . " So this is what you've been up to . " Primo straightened his tie . " I must thank you , really . Getting a dinner meeting with Vincent himself ? That's quite the achievement . He's the only one of the big five I haven't properly connected with yet . " " You snake . " I spat the words . " You think you can just waltz in here and- " " And what ? Take advantage of an opportunity ? " His eyes glinted . " That's exactly what I'm going to do . " " You're overplaying your hand , " Adrian's . voice cut through the tension . " Vincent won't appreciate this kind of interference . " 80 % 19:03 1/8 Chapter 12 81 Primo's smile widened as he turned toward the exit . At the doorway , he paused and looked back over his shoulder . " You know, I did warn you both about crossing me . " His gaze fixed on Adrian . " I think I'll start with you , Consider this your first and final warning . " The click of his shoes faded down the corridor as he left . I stared at the empty doorway where Primo had disappeared , my hands shaking with rage . " What are we going to do now ? That manipulative bastard just hijacked everything we've worked for . " Adrian's calm demeanor didn't waver . " Actually , this works in our favor . " " How ? He's going to- " " Vincent already gave us what we needed , his trust . Primo showing up like this only makes him look desperate . " I ran my fingers through my hair . " God , I could strangle him with his own tie . The 80 % 19.03 2/8 Chapter 12 way he just inserted himself- " " Come on , let's get you home . " Adrian placed a gentle hand on my lower back , guiding me toward the exit . The cool night air hit my face as we crossed the parking lot . My car was just a few meters ahead when the screech of tires pierced the silence . " Watch out ! " Adrian shoved me hard to the side . I stumbled , catching myself on my hands as a black sedan roared past where we'd been standing . Adrian rolled in the opposite direction , the car missing him by inches . " Adrian ! " I scrambled to my feet , rushing to where he lay on the ground . " Are you okay ? " He pushed himself up , brushing gravel from his suit . " I'm fine . You ? " " Just scraped palms . " My heart pounded as I helped him stand . " That was Primo's doing , wasn't it ? " 80 % 19.03 3/8 Chapter 12 " He doesn't waste time . " Adrian's eyes narrowed at the direction the car had disappeared . " But this is sloppy , even for him . " " He's angry . When he's angry , he gets reckless . " " Then we'll use that against him . " Adrian checked his watch . " For now , we need to get back . " The drive back passed in tense silence , both of us processing what had just happened . The mansion's lights came into view , and I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding . As we walked through the front door , Dad rushed toward us , his face beaming . " There you are ! Vincent Castellano just called . " My stomach dropped . Had Primo already- " They were incredibly impressed . " Dad clasped my shoulders . " They want to come 80 % 19 03 4/8 Chapter 12 for dinner next week to discuss some potential business opportunities . " Relief flooded through me . " Really ? " " Really . " He turned to Adrian , studying him for a moment . His eyes caught on the dirt . still clinging to Adrian's otherwise immaculate suit . Before Adrian could step back , Dad pulled him into a tight hug . " They specifically mentioned you , " Dad said , releasing him . " Said they hadn't met such a knowledgeable art consultant in years . The way you discussed that Monet piece ? Vincent was particularly taken with your insights . " Adrian's carefully maintained composure slipped for just a fraction of a second , revealing genuine surprise at the embrace and praise . " Listen , " Dad's voice softened . " I know we didn't discuss how long you'd be staying , but after tonight … You're welcome here as long as you want . We have plenty of room , 80 % 19:03 5/8 Chapter 12 and clearly , you're an asset to the family . " " That's very generous of you , sir . " Adrian's voice carried a warmth I rarely heard . " I appreciate the offer ." " Please , call me James . " Dad clapped him on the shoulder . " Now , both of you should get some rest . We have a lot to plan for this dinner . " I sank into my chair at the dining table . The kitchen staff had prepared a late dinner , some kind of pasta dish that smelled divine . Adrian sat across from me , his jacket discarded but his tie still perfectly knotted despite our earlier brush with death . " Here . " I pushed the bread basket toward him . " You must be starving after- " The crunch of tires on gravel cut through the quiet evening . My fork clattered against the plate . Adrian's posture shifted . 80 % 19.03 6/8 Chapter 12 " Are we expecting anyone ? " I glanced at the ornate clock on the wall . Past ten . " Your father mentioned a business call , but not until tomorrow . " Adrian's voice remained steady , but his eyes tracked toward the entrance . Footsteps echoed through the marble foyer . The sound was familiar , too familiar . My stomach twisted as recognition hit . The dining room door swung open . Yesha Foster stood in the doorway , wearing a crimson dress that seemed designed to draw attention . Her lips curved into that practiced innocent smile that made my blood boil . " I hope I'm not interrupting . " Her saccharine voice filled the room as she glided forward . " But when I heard about the excitement at the gallery tonight , I just had to check on my dear friend . " I gripped my knife tighter , knuckles white against the silver handle . Of all the people 80 % 19:03 7/8 Chapter 12 to show up tonight - this couldn't be a coincidence . " Yesha . " The name tasted bitter on my tongue . " What an unexpected surprise . "