"Anyway, they both told me the same thing. They were asked to make a deal at the warehouse, but when they showed up that day, they believed Phoenix was setting it up for them. Bellamy told me that when they entered the warehouse, they only started shooting because they thought they were being attacked, and once they realized it was you, they were too scared to come forward to say anything."

"I don't understand, so they weren't informed that we were there?"


Kaylin shook her head.

"They were set up to kill you. When Bellamy and Kieran understood this, they wanted to get out of Davies, but they doubted who to talk to. Everyone could be in on it."

Michel rubs a finger over her forehead, trying to understand what she's explained but doesn't feel quite right about it.


"So what are you trying to say, they just kept quiet?"

"They're waiting for the right time to leave but they know it won't be easy." She explained further.


Michel nodded.

He is undecided on what he wants to do next because just following his intuition is too great a risk to take in this regard.

However, after going back and forth in his head, he concluded that he didn't have many options to start with.

"So no one knows. Apart from these two." He said again, to reassure himself rather than ask Kaylin.

She nodded anyway, confirming her findings.

"Okay." He sighed, running a hand through his very messy hair, knowing full well that he was about to take a huge risk.

"I guess that explains why Christian seems so oblivious the whole time. Anyway, give me a meeting with them. Stay away from prying eyes and don't tell them what it's for. And I need both there, okay?" His eyes were fixed on hers, showing her how serious he was about this.

"I get it, boss," Kaylin smirked, the corners of her lips curling up into a slightly evil but triumphant smile.

---

Andy sighed when Michel again didn't answer his phone call.

Looks like he's busy and doesn't look like anything he has to say is urgent.

About to call Charles, he saw the two walk into the living room he was in, looking tired but engaged in a heavy discussion.

It didn't take long for them to fill him up, immediately telling him what Kaylin had explained.

"You think it's a bit risky? I mean this could be a setup and Kaylin could be in on it." Charles retorted, walking over to the mini bar and pouring them all their drinks.

This comment did not surprise Andy.

Charles is known to be suspicious of anything and everything, always wary of any possible threat.

But he wasn't about to protest.

After all, it was Charles who began to question Gwen's motives and thus saved this family.

"I know. But what other clues are there?" Michel threw back his drink and cleared his throat at the burning sensation in his chest.

At this moment his phone suddenly rang, he immediately fumbled in his pocket to answer.

It's a blocked ID but at this point, Michel will take all risks at the prospect of some insight.

"Hello, who is that?"

"I'm sure you recognize this voice, Michel."

Mr. Aiden.

Michel looked up with his eyes wide and frantic, pressing the loudspeaker button when he could barely gather himself to answer.

But he doesn't even have to.

Because Mr. Aiden has not been contacted to hear from Michel. He called to set his terms.

"Mr. Aiden, what do you want?"

"I suggest you stop throwing a tantrum and start listening, boy. It's time to not only take back the profits you thought you had any claim to but let you prove you are. how much are you willing to give up for this little bitch."

"I swear to you..."

"What if I talk?"

Michel's non-phone hand clenched into a fist as his jaw tightened, trying his best not to lose it.

"I want you to write all over the Black Roses territory and share plays and vaudeville. I don't need real estate, I have my own."

Everyone in the room was shocked as soon as they heard Mr. Aiden, their eyes and mouths gaped as Michel felt like someone just ran over him with a truck and hit him with a baseball bat.

"What?"

"Now I know that not everything is going to be quick, they are some legal implications to consider. But I give you a month."

"What? Who do you think you are? You..."

But he was once again cut short when Mr. Aiden just calmly talked about his words.

"You want that girl back, right?" He said, his voice soft.

Fanny.

Michel swallowed.

Looking at the two other men in the room with him, he could see that even they didn't know what to answer.

However, he knew for sure that they were definitely not willing to give up all of the Black Roses's assets like that.

Mr. Aiden was asking for the value of their lives, their safety, and their dignity...

Michel, on the other hand, couldn't care less.

All he can see and think about is Fanny and how to get her back safe and healthy.

And before he knew it, he heard himself give in, noticing Charles stepping forward in silent protest.

"Good. Give the girl back and I'll do the same."

Mr. Aiden giggled on the other end of the line.

"Michel. What happened to your negotiation skills?"

Michel heard him laugh for a few more hours, then a lighter as he was probably smoking while Michel and his men were on the verge of losing it.

"But the girl stays with us."

"You... damn it."

"Look at your filthy mouth, Michel. Because every time she takes a risk, she has to face the consequences, you know?"

The tumor in Michel's throat was only getting bigger, making him feel like he wasn't getting enough air and feeling dizzy as a result.

"But I have to say, she's quite pretty, isn't she? And such lovely creamy skin. Although, I must say that a few bruises here and there have made her... so it's a bit ugly."

Michel's heart sank, panic ran like a chill down his back, causing his rotation to stiffen.

"If you touch her..."

"If?" Mr. Aiden gasped, his amusement obvious.

"I like this side of you, Michel. So unexpected. Let's get this straight. I'll give her back to you. However, in what state, well... We'll see about that. "

"You're an asshole. Damn..."

But it was too late.

Mr. Aiden disconnected the call.