Chapter 3 Attraction or destruction I

Cybil set down the hairdryer, taking one last look at her friend's hair, satisfaction evident on her face. "I got accepted," she said curtly. "So?" Anne urged, wanting more details. "I'm starting next week-two days from now, at Fitch Mansion." "Cyb!" Anne shrieked. "Ah! You startled me. I'm right here, you know!" Cybil retorted, clearly irritated by her friend's outburst. "This is crazy," Anne muttered. "What's crazy?" Cybil asked, staring at her friend, who looked as though she'd seen a ghost. "I'm really not sure how to react to this, you dummy.

You don't know the Fitch? Like, Ares Fitch?" "..." "Ugh, what should I do with you?" Anne muttered, pulling out her phone. "Ares Fitch-young billionaire whose rise shook the business world. No one knows where he comes from... Oh, here's another one." She scrolled and read aloud. "Ares Fitch, age 28, CEO of Fitch Groups, a tobacco company... No public image, never made a public appearance." Anne paused before adding, "Now here's the big one: Rumor has it he's a mafia lord-feared and powerful. Cybil, even the locals say it. Would it be insane to tell you to quit before you even start?" Cybil remained silent, processing the information. Anne studied her, concerned. "Thank God you realize how crazy that sounds. If this is true, backing out could cost me my head," Cybil replied, her tone heavy. "But I can't back out now-not with Mr. Jose, the landlord, demanding rent in two weeks. And the pay is unbelievably good." "Enough, Anne," Cybil said, dismissing her with a wave. "Let's go to bed. And don't tell Theo-he doesn't need to breathe down my neck." Anne knew that was the end of the conversation. Worrying about her friend's decision, she lay down on the bed, her mind racing. --- The sun, peeking through the slightly opened window, had Anne groaning in bed-a silent protest against her ruined sleep. The aroma of breakfast filled the room, adding to her discomfort. She looked up to see Cybil already out of bed, walking in from the kitchen, her face smeared with flour. "Knew it was almost time for you to get up. Had a little flour lying around, so I made a few doughs to get by the day. Tea or coffee?" Cybil asked, her gaze falling on Anne, whose hair resembled a bird's nest. "Coffee... I hate morning people, but I can't hate you," Anne muttered softly, getting out of bed and heading to the bathroom. Cybil chuckled before returning to the kitchen. Breakfast was ready, and they sat in silence. Halfway through the meal, Anne, mouth full, muttered, "I could invest my mother's savings to help you start a small bakery and café, Cyb. Now, I've got more points over that rabid dog, Theo." Anne's jest earned a chuckle from Cybil, followed by the sudden ring of her phone. "Speak of the devil," Anne muttered, picking up the call. "Hey, cop," she answered. "You just had to make it obvious how unladylike you are. A good morning would have been polite," Theo's voice rang out. Cybil chuckled, knowing the two were always bickering. She refrained from meddling, though her chuckle gave her away. "Is that Cyb?" Theo barked through the phone. "Calling this early to watch me when I'm not even on the police blacklist? This is a violation of my rights, Mr. Evans," Anne retorted. "And invading another citizen's privacy so early, isn't it, Miss Warren?" Theo shot back. "You obsessed fool. Well, our little Cyb couldn't stay without me. Guess who she called last night to keep her company?" Anne giggled, knowing she'd hit a soft spot. She hung up before Theo could reply. Cybil shook her head, amused by the childish banter. A soft knock interrupted their conversation about thirty minutes later. They exchanged a knowing look-no need to guess who it was. Cybil opened the door, letting in a breathless Theo. "And here comes the cop to stay guard for us," Anne teased. Ignoring her, Theo moved to hug Cybil. "You alright?" he asked, his concern evident. Cybil smiled at the thought of how similar his concern was to Anne's the night before. "I'm good. Catch your breath first. Let me get you some water," Cybil replied, heading toward the kitchen. "Then why did you call this scatterbrained adult over here first?" he retorted. "Knew that's what you were pissed about, petty adult," Anne shot back, glaring at him. Cybil returned with a glass of water. "Nothing... just thought of catching up with my friend," Cybil said softly. "You could catch up with me," Theo grumbled, but Anne caught the tail end of his childish tantrum, smiling mockingly. "Enough. Let's play cards, kids," Anne said, breaking the tension. "Loser," Theo snorted as Cybil fetched the cards. They continued to play, chatting and losing track of time. --- **Later that afternoon, at a mansion exuding wealth:** The exterior displayed the refined taste of a businessman, luxury cars lined up in the garage, and men in suits stationed at various corners. Inside, the decor was bold and masculine, with no trace of a woman's touch. In a study room, a bulky man, about 6'7", entered after a soft knock. A scar ran across his cheek. He bowed to the man standing by the window, looking out at the movements below. The man, clad in a finely tailored Italian waistcoat and shirt, exuded an aura of command. He stood at about 6'3". "It's been settled, Don," the man with the scar, Dante, said, breaking the silence. He placed a file on the desk. "How about Alexa?" the man, Ares Fitch, finally spoke. His voice was commanding, sending chills through anyone who heard it. "Miss hasn't come out of her room yet," Dante replied. "You may leave, Dante. Call Freya in on your way out," Ares said, dismissing him. Dante left, and Freya entered shortly after. She was the same woman Cybil had met at the café. She bowed to Ares, who sat behind a desk stacked with documents and a black pistol. Ares was a man whose cold demeanor matched his finely sculpted features-he was a man who gave orders, not received them. "How's everything coming along?" he asked.