Taking in his warning, I nodded and walked away to find Ace. I could ask Tobias about his mom, but I knew he wouldn’t tell me. Because it was another of the few secrets Achilles Valencian had locked inside him.

The only way to find out was, ask Achilles Valencian himself. And for that, I knew what to do.

THIRTY-TWO: JUST AS FRIENDS

When I was outside of his office, the door was ajar. Voices were coming out through the gap.

As I raised my hand to knock, I heard him.

“I’m glad you took care of the police regarding the drug case when I was… busy. Thank you, Arthur. I knew you’d handle them well.”

“You don’t need to thank me, Achilles. I wanted to sort everything out with them as soon as possible. I know how you and Caleb don’t do well with the… law.” Came Arthur’s voice. “The more they stay away from us, the better.”

A crease formed between my brows. Ace and Caleb had problems dealing with the police and law? Why?

“But we have to do something to stop Antonio. Because the way he’s adamant to dig up our past, I’m afraid if he gets his hands on something—”

“He won’t.” Caleb was cut off by Ace’s sharp voice. “People don’t get anything out of ashes.” Everyone went silent until Ace cleared his throat and spoke again. “Don’t worry about him. I will handle him myself.” His voice dripped with venom.

What do they have in their past that Antonio wants to find out so badly?

Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping, I knocked on the door and stepped inside.

All three pairs of eyes fell on me.

Caleb flashed me a warm smile when Ace’s hard gaze softened up.

“Hello, Emerald. How are you?” Arthur asked with a polite smile. The smile that never reached his eyes.

What are you up to with Sierra? I wanted to ask. But I returned his fake greeting, plastering a smile as well. “I’m good, Arthur. Thank you.”

“Rosebud? What’re you doing here?” Striding closer, he placed a hand on my waist. Gray eyes waited for my reply.

Couldn’t this man keep his hands to himself?

With flushed cheeks, I threw glances at Caleb and Arthur. While Caleb hid a simper, Arthur wore a blank face.

“Uh, I’ve come to call you for the meeting. It’s about to start.”

His lips pressed tight. “Where is Carter? He sent you here instead of doing his job himself?”

I rolled my eyes. “He’s busy. That’s why he sent me. It’s not a big deal.”

“Of course it is! He can’t order you to do anything. It’s the other way around!”