Chapter 68
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THE usual hum of chatter and laughter filled the boys’ favorite hangout, the dim lights casting a relaxed glow across the polished wooden tables. Adrian, Jakes, and Leonard were seated at a corner table, drinks in hand, the clatter of glasses and muffled music providing the perfect background for their conversation.
Adrian’s new companion sat quietly next to him, absorbed in her phone, scrolling and occasionally letting out a soft chuckle at something on the screen. She didn’t say much, didn’t interact much, just observed the room in casual detachment.
Leonard, however, seemed different tonight. A cough had started, subtle at first, but now it had become more pronounced. He reached for his drink and cleared his throat again, louder this time, his hand pressed against his mouth.
“Man, you sound worse than last week,” Jakes remarked, leaning back in his chair.
“I have had this cough for a while,” Leonard admitted, finally speaking. His tone was low, almost weary. Headaches too… and I have been feeling feverish on and off.” He rubbed his forehead, grimacing slightly. “It has been going on for some time now, but you know me, I don’t bother myself with these things until it is serious p>
Adrian tilted his head, watching him carefully.
“You can’t just ignore it, Leonard. This isn’t like us missing a match or a toast. You need to do a proper check-up before it gets worse p>
Leonard waved him off, coughing once more.
“Relax. I will handle it. Maybe it is just something minor, nothing serious.” He coughed again, louder this time, drawing a few curious glances from nearby tables.
Jakes shook his head, concern etched across his face.
“Minor or not, man, you are not getting younger. You can’t just power through it. What if it is something serious? Headaches, fever, cough, sounds like it could be anything. You need a doctor p>
Leonard sighed, looking down at his drink. He was quiet for a moment, almost lost in thought. Then he glanced at Adrian, a small smirk appearing.
“You are all over me tonight, huh? Don’t worry. I will book something. Maybe tomorrow, after we finish here p>
Adrian’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“Don’t put it off, Leonard. No excuses. And if it turns out you need treatment, you better start it immediately. You are not getting away with ‘handling it myself’ this time p>
Jakes chuckled lightly.
“Finally, Adrian being responsible for something other than his own mess p>
Leonard gave a faint grin, though it didn’t reach his eyes.
“Fine, fine. I will go. Don’t make a fuss about it.” He coughed again, the sound harsh and unrelenting this time. He pressed a hand against his chest, and for a brief moment, his usual composure faltered.
Adrian leaned back, watching him carefully.
“This isn’t about fussing, Leonard. We care about you. You are stubborn, yes, but you are also our friend. Don’t push yourself too far p>
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Leonard took a deep breath, settling his shoulders.
“Alright. I will go see someone. But let’s talk about something else for now, yeah p>
Jakes smirked.
“Like your latest conquest, Leonard? Or are we going to keep pretending Adrian’s mistress is invisible while she is sitting here p>
Adrian shot Jakes a warning glance, but Leonard laughed softly, shaking his head.
“Let her be. She is quiet, but I like quiet p>
The woman beside Adrian didn’t look up from her phone, only letting out a soft, almost inaudible hum. Her presence, though, didn’t go unnoticed; it added a subtle tension to the table, though no one addressed it directly.
Jakes leaned forward, sipping his drink.
“Seriously though, Leonard. Health first. I have seen too many guys shrug this off and regret it later. Don’t be one of them p>
Leonard nodded, finally taking their words to heart.
“Fine, fine. Tomorrow, first thing. I will call the clinic and get checked. Can’t have you two nagging me endlessly p>
Adrian raised his glass, signaling an end to the serious discussion.
“Deal. But remember, this isn’t just about you. You are part of this crew. We don’t just watch each other drink and laugh. We look out for each other too p>
Léonard chuckled, lifting his own glass in return.
“Alright, alright. I get it. Health first, crew second, mischief third p>
Jakes grinned.
“Finally, some sense in this den of chaos p>
For a moment, the table relaxed again. The night continued with laughter, drink, and playful banter, though Leonard’s cough remained in the background, a quiet reminder that even in their world of power, control, and fun, reality had a way of forcing itself in.
And somewhere in the room, Adrian’s new mistress kept scrolling, silent, unbothered by the conversation, observing the dynamics, and perhaps making her own quiet calculations.
Vivian stepped out of her car, the soft fabric of her long maternity gown brushing against the interlocked floor of the compound with each measured step. The gentle sway of the gown accentuated her growing baby bump, and though she was exhausted from her antenatal appointment, her posture remained poised, almost regal. She reached back to make sure the car door was locked before continuing her walk toward the house, phone pressed to her ear.
“Yeah, how is it going? Did you get my email?” she asked, her voice calm but with a sharp undertone that left no
room for error.
“Yes, madam,” came a deep, unsettling voice on the other end. “I got the pictures, contacts… everything I needed p>
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“Good,” Vivian said, her tone now colder, precise. “Do a clean job. And do it well. No trace p>
“Okay, madam. Noted. No trace,” the voice replied, the formality thick, almost reverential.
She moved along the porch, her heels clicking softly against the tiled floor as she entered the house.
“You received the transfer as well?” she asked, her eyes scanning the living room briefly as she walked past.
“Of course I did,” the voice said.
“Good. Will be completed once the job is done,” Vivian continued, her pace unhurried, deliberate.
“Aware of that,” came the curt reply.
“I await good news then,” she said, her voice softening ever so slightly, though the edge of command remained.
“Yeah, right. Soon, latest tomorrow p>
“Nice. Goodbye,” she said, ending the call, sliding her phone back into her purse as she stepped fully into the house. Her heels clicked once more on the polished tiles, echoing lightly through the quiet halls. The doors clicked shut behind her, and for a moment, the house felt still, the air charged with her presence.
Vivian’s eyes flicked briefly toward the stairs and the living room, already thinking ahead, already calculating. The phone call had been brief, but it carried weight, she had plans, and she ensured they would be executed without
error.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.