After an hour-long drive, the cityscape came into view. S City was just as bustling as she remembered—far from the eerie tranquility of Ravenwood Estates.
"Where should I take you, Miss Levine?" the chauffeur asked, his voice smooth yet formal.
Levine, having just woken from a brief nap, blinked away the haze of sleep. She straightened her posture, stretching slightly. "Just drop me off at Vaughncroft."
"Isn't it an exclusive boutique?" Victor muttered.
"Indeed, the boutique with it's long standing history and newly appointed talent became second to none when it comes to jewelry and tailored clothing, making it a sought-after shop, a friend of mine happens to be there." She replied.
A thought struck her, By the way, I haven't learned your name, Sir?" she asked inquisitively "You can call me by the name Victor.
"We have arrived." Pulling up to a stop by the boutique's entrance," Victor stepped out and opened the door for her. Having alighted from the car, Levine turned to face Victor, "though I can't express my thanks properly with a coffee, I still want to thank you for taking me here." She smiled, "Please extend my gratitude to Mr. Blackwood as well, I deeply appreciate his thoughtful gestures."
Victor nodded politely "It is my job to assist you, and rest assured I will surely pass your words to the boss. Now, if you'll excuse me." He bowed curtly, before getting in the car
As the sleek black sedan drove away, she sighed, shaking off the lingering feeling from the chain of events that had transpired.
Watching the vanishing car, she jolted in surprise when her best friend Shanna appeared at her side, holding a coffee.
"Who was that? And where were you last night?" She inquired worriedly.
I told my secretary to fetch you but you were nowhere to be found, thank God you're fine.
Faced with a barrage of questions, she resigned herself, gone were the plan to keep it all a secret. "It's a long story, can we talk about it inside?"
Realizing that they were still outside Shanna's eyes gleamed with curiosity but nodded, linking arms with Levine as they entered the boutique.
Inside, a few clients turned their heads, eyes fixated at the sight of them passing by, captivating the onlookers. More than just friends; they were like sisters—each in a league of their own. No matter where they went, they draw attention.
These two women exude effortless elegance, their beauty undeniable. Some admired them in awe, while others watched with quiet envy.
Once in Shanna's private office, Levine recounted the events of the past night, her voice carefully measured.
Shanna, who had been taking a sip of her coffee, nearly choked. "No way! That sounds like something you would read in a novel!"
Levine squinted her eyes. "Is it really? because I'd rather forget about it."
"But… did you mentioned a Blackwood in the Ravenwood Estates? Shanna pondered aloud... I've been there several times but I haven't heard of anyone with a Blackwood surname is he maybe a new resident?"
"Perhaps? I don't know really know" Levine said tilting her head to admire the paintings, her friend is quite fond of collecting them. "He's probably an old man. And you know I have no interest in relationships." She muttered uninterested.
Shanna sighed dramatically. "You're already 25 I wanted you to have a partner, but not an old man." She sipped her coffee thoughtfully. "Still, I have to admit—it's intriguing, and you aren't sure about his identity."
Levine shook her head. "Enough about that.
"By the way," Shanna whispered leaning closer, "I've been informed awhile ago that the Li family's Li Yunhao is back, causing quite a chaotic stir in the city."
Levine raised an eyebrow. "You said he was staying in Europe for good, why would he return now?"
"Even I don't know, but it may be because Old Master Li is no longer as energetic, and their only daughter and her husband died in that tragedy several years ago. Their grandson might have returned to ease the Old Master's worries." Shanna mused.
"That might be the case," Levine nodded in agreement.
The rhythmic ticking of the old clock subtly reminded them that lunchtime had arrived. "hm? Look at that, it's time for lunch. Shall we grab a bite?!"Shanna exclaimed.
"Absolutely," Levine respond with a nod.
"I know a place. I'll take us there." Shanna said taking her car keys.
After a few minutes of driving, they finally arrived at a restaurant right next to the Li Enterprise. "I'm a regular here so they gifted me a VIP membership, you can look forward to this. I'm sure you'll enjoy the menu."
Going straight to the third floor, an attendant lead them to their designated room and proceeded with their order.
True to her friend's words, the delicacies were indeed to her taste, savoring every bite of their food, they ate in silence.
However, not long after, Shanna received a message. She glanced at the screen, her expression turning serious. Followed by a persistent call demanding an immediate response.
Shanna, better known as Navi Anesha Vaughncroft, was the talent who led the Vaughncroft Enterprise to unprecedented heights in the jewelry and clothing industry. They said being a Vaughncroft is a blessing, but being Navi Anesha Vaughncroft is a curse. After ten years of friendship, Levine could attest to that much. At 28, Shanna still choose to bear the weight of her family's business line. "If she keeps it up, I would take it in my hands to introduced her to an acquaintance." She mused, delighted by the thought. "Now that I think about it, they might suit each other well."
Seemingly done with the call, Levine watched her closely, dabbing at her lips with a napkin wearing a serious expression.
"Did something came up?"
Shanna sighed. "I have to go to New York. There's an issue with our main jewelry shop. I might not be back for a month."
Levine frowned. "It seemed serious. When will your flight be?"
"My secretary already booked it. I have to be at the airport by 16."
"It's past 13." Levine stood. "I'll take you there."
Shanna hesitated. "You don't have to—"
"I insist." Levine smiled warmly. "If I can't see you for a month, at least let me say goodbye properly."
Shanna exhaled in defeat. "Alright, let's go."
—
As they made their way out, they encountered an elderly couple at the lobby. Shanna, having immediately recognized them, initiated to greet, her lips curling into a warm smile.
"Master and Madame Li! What a surprise."
The older man, despite his years, held an air of quiet authority, while the woman beside him exuded grace."I see it's the Vaughncroft's talent here. This old bones can't keep up with the young anymore prompting us to go out less," Master Li chuckled.
"If not for our dear Xiaoyun, inviting us for a dinner, we wouldn't be in this bustling part of the city." Madame Li chimed in, her voiced laced with affection.
Her soft gaze then shifted to Levine. "I see you're with a companion?"
Shanna turned to her friend. "Forgive my manners. This is Anastasia Levine Devereaux."
Levine dipped her head slightly, her tone gentle yet assured. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you in person, Old Master and Madame Li."
The elderly woman studied her for a moment before smiling. "Such a polite young lady."
Master Li's gaze lingered, his thoughts unreadable. "A pleasure indeed."
Just then, a deep and clear voice broke the air.
"Grandfather. Grandmother."
Levine turned to were the voice came from. Approaching them was a man of striking presence—tall, effortlessly refined, exuding quiet dominance. His sharp eyes cut through the distance, dark and unreadable, carrying the weight of a storm held at bay.
---
Old Master Li sighed, his expression a mix of exasperation and fondness. "Look at you. What took you so long?"
"Business." His response was curt, yet laced with a warmth cannot be expected from him.
Madame Li's sharp eyes gleamed with expectation. "Alright, now that you are here, come closer and introduce yourself to the ladies," she gestured smoothly.
The man stepped forward with deliberate ease, closing the distance between them. "Li Yunhao." stating as he extended a large, well-worn hand, Levine held her ground. Lifting her chin, she met his gaze—cold, unreadable, like a winter sky void of warmth. A flicker of something indiscernible passed between them before she finally took his hand.
"Anastasia Levine Devereaux," she stated, her voice composed, unwavering.
He studied her briefly before turning to Shanna, who, under the weight of his presence, managed a brief introduction, "Navi Anesha Vaughncroft." To which he responded with nothing more than a polite nod.
"Alright, you two lovely ladies look like you have somewhere else to be. We won't keep you any longer." Old Master Li's words were courteous, yet there was an undercurrent of finality that made it clear they had been dismissed.
"Thank you, Old Master and Madame Li. It would be a pleasure to meet with you again in due course, for a fine dinner." Shanna said, offering a warm smile as she and Levine bid the elderly couple farewell.
As they walked away, Levine felt a strange unease settle in her chest—a quiet warning, a whisper in the back of her mind.
Something told her this was only the beginning.