Total pages in book: 108
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108768 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 363(@300wpm)
Duck nodded. “And no way the woman comes from Rowe Street Mob. We’ll be ending them soon.”
“That leaves the Flower Mafia.” Hu looked at Chen. “Actually, I heard that Dima's mother was a—”
“No.” I held my hand up. “I don't even want to know what you're going to say.”
“It's not that bad.”
I frowned at him. “It better not be.”
“I was simply going to say that most brag about how she was able to maintain power among men because she is a master in the art of seduction.”
Chen and I exchanged glances.
I could see the wheels turning in Chen's mind, calculating the possibilities and potential benefits of involving someone from the Flower Mafia.
Honestly, it made sense, after all.
They were known for their manipulation skills and ability to charm and seduce their way to get what they wanted. And if there was one thing I needed right now, it was a crash course in wooing Monique.
“Alright,” I finally said, breaking the silence. “Let's reach out to Dima's mother, but. . .I don't want Dima to know the details of what is going on so make sure she agrees to this being a private matter.”
Chen nodded. “I'll make the necessary arrangements to set up a private meeting with her.”
“Mrs. Ivanov is going to teach Lei how to be seductive?” Duck let out a chuckle. “I want to be at these classes.”
I turned back to the window and spotted the top of Mount Utopia.
Here we go.
My eyes were immediately drawn to a group of men clad in blue, their postures rigid and alert. They stood in a protective semi-circle, and at the center of this formation was a figure in a flowing white dress that caught the morning light.
And there you go.
I leaned in closer to the window and frowned. “That is not pale blue.”
Chen cleared his throat. “I think that we have enough problems stacking against us, Lei. Perhaps, you should let me handle Monique.”
“No one handles her, but me.”
Chen sighed. “Actually, it does look blue to me. Doesn't it, Hu?”
“Uh yeah.” Hu muttered. “Very very very pale blue.”
Duck chuckled. “Bullshit.”
“Oh yes.” Chen bobbed his head. “I'm certain of it. Even from here. The palest of blue.”
As we drew closer, the details of that dress became clearer, and anger rose within me.
There she was, Monique, standing amidst my men, looking like a breathtaking vision against the rugged backdrop of the mountain. Her dress, despite Chen's insistence on pale blue, was a pristine white in the bright light and flowing around her like a cascade of purity and defiance.
Oh really?
I took off my seat belt.
The sight was surreal, almost otherworldly. Monique, standing there on my mountain, in a dress that defied the norms I had set, surrounded by my men who looked as if they were guarding a rare and precious treasure.
Duck spoke, “Did you call her yesterday?”
I kept my gaze on her. “I couldn't.”
“Why not?”
“I had her phone.”
I didn't know if it was Chen or Duck, but one of them loudly groaned in annoyance.
“You could have called one of her men and had him hand the phone to her.” Duck sighed. “Women don't like to be ignored and mishandled—”
“I was searching for Chanel—”
“The excuse that you couldn't call because you were searching for your ex's dead body isn't typically a winning one.”
Chen jumped in, “First of all, the dress is very pale blue, but even if it wasn't, Lei has planned an excellent day for her today. Very romantic. I think that should be the focus—”
“She's not entering the East wearing white.” My frown deepened.
“No one would truly see her, but the palace’s staff.”
I shook my head. “It doesn't matter—”
“Perhaps, this was a misunderstanding—”
“Then, I'll make sure to be clear with my words this time.”
The helicopter's blades churned the air into a frenzy as it descended onto the mountaintop. I was already on my feet before it fully touched down, my impatience and urgency overriding all safety and protocol.
“Lei, calm down.” Chen fumbled with his seatbelt. “This is a sensitive—”
“Stay out of it,” I grabbed the door latch and waited for the pilot to shut off the helicopter. “This is between Monique and me.”
I was beyond caring about his or anyone else's opinion at that moment. All that mattered was Monique and that damn white dress.
Once the helicopter shut off, I pushed the door open, and the rush of cold mountain air brushed against my skin.
The deafening noise of the rotors began to fade into the background.
I jumped down.
My shoes hit the ground.
Pissed, I moved away from the helicopter, my every step taking me closer to her.
The men in blue, my trusted men, now stood in formation in front of her.
As I approached, they separated, giving me a clear path.
And there she was, Monique, her eyes meeting mine with an intensity that took my breath away.