(Kendall's POV)
We're still on the road, and Kyle's been briefing me about some clients and contracts he's handling for our company. Now, silence hangs in the air.
"She met them." I glance at him—I know exactly who he means.
"You shouldn't stalk her like that. Trust her."
"Oh, I trust her. It's them I don't trust. Remember what they did to you?" I rest my chin on my hand, staring out the window. "We both know you're way more concerned about Lonia than me."
"Maybe. But I am still concerned about you… Kends."
I nod quietly and keep my eyes on the scenery.
"Did you get the invitation?" he asks. "Hm? What invitation?"
"The Yellics. They're hosting a party—we're invited."
Honestly, I'm too tired to deal with all this. But like Kyle said: once we start something, we don't back out. We just keep moving forward.
Showing no emotion, I let him keep talking. "I've handled everything—your car, your dress, even your accessories." He's more invested than I am. So I just nod again.
"One thing—Lonia's attending too. How do you plan to 'protect' her?" I ask my scheming cousin. He just smirks, which tells me he already has it all figured out.
***
"So, you're really going through with his plan?" Arsyn asks over the phone.
I'm in my room, getting ready. I slip into a semi-transparent silver dress and match it with a bold, alluring makeup look. I think I'm set.
"It's not like I have a choice… plus, it sounds kind of fun." I say, grabbing my pouch and heading out the door.
"Just be careful, Kends." And with that, the call ends. Another call comes in. I already know who it is.
"He's almost there. You can meet him at the parking lot," Kyle says, confident that his plan will work.
I almost laugh—how does a billionaire drive and park his own car? Shouldn't he have a driver or valet? But with my cousin, I know better than to question logic.
I'm now driving a black Tesla Model S P100D—the exact same model Thoven owns. How do I know that? Well, Kyle exists, that's why.
"He'll park in the VIP section. Just say your name, and they'll let you in. Get there before him," Kyle says. I just reply with a quick "Yeah" and hang up. No point listening to his long-winded nagging.
I follow his instructions, park in the VIP zone, and wait. Soon, Thoven arrives. Before he can get out, I casually toss my keys near his door, crouch down like I'm looking for something, and as he opens the door—
Bump.
"Beethoven?" I pretend to be surprised. I subtly nudge my keys near his.
"KD? What are you doing here?"
"I lost my keys…" I say shyly, crouching again and picking up his keys before he can see. The lighting is dim, so the switch is easy.
"Is this yours?" I ask, handing him my keys. He takes them without suspicion.
"Sorry… I'm really clumsy. If I hadn't bumped into you, you wouldn't have dropped them," I say, bowing my head slightly.
Just then, my phone rings, startling me. I excuse myself and walk toward the entrance, answering the call.
"Did you do it?" Kyle asks.
"I'm not even surprised at your timing," I mumble, slightly annoyed.
"Come on, cus, don't underestimate me. That's rude." He's way too full of himself. "Use your earphones."
I connect my Bluetooth and slide them in. As I walk into the main hall, I feel the eyes. Some look judgmental, others intrigued—who's this girl that showed up to a party full of high-profile entrepreneurs?
I walk confidently, and thankfully, Thoven arrives, stealing the attention. I spot Kyle with Lonia and walk over.
"What an entrance, Kends," Lonia says, wide-eyed.
I smile. I stay by their side, chatting for a while, before heading to find my seat. It doesn't take long before the twins approach.
"KD? It's so nice to see you here," Calvin greets me politely. At least they have manners.
I smile back."You were talking to Lonia Hart earlier, right?" Curtis chimes in. They're so transparent.
"Yup. She's super cheerful. I had fun chatting with her. Why?"
"That guy with her—he's Kyle Anderson, right?" Calvin asks.
I smirk internally. So predictable. "Yeah, her boyfriend. Why?"
They glance at each other, smile, and simply tell me to enjoy the party. "Come on, Calvin," one of them says as they walk away.
Wait. Did I… switch them?
If they style their hair alike, it's honestly hard to tell them apart. Calvin usually keeps his hair neat, while Curtis is more relaxed. Still, why the switch now?
Before I can dwell on it, Thoven approaches.
"How are you enjoying the party?" he asks.
"It's… entertaining so far," I reply, keeping it vague.
He looks at me with a half-smile. "A beautiful girl like you at a boring event like this? Why don't I take you somewhere fun?"
Ugh. He really thinks I'm like his other girls. But I keep cool.
"I don't think a girl like me can offer Beethoven Yellic a good time. Besides, my cousin would probably scold me if I don't head home soon."
I excuse myself and leave the hall—straight to Thoven's car. Just then, I get a text.
From: Sniper (Kyle)I rigged the brakes. Don't go too fast.
Figures. He never fails to surprise me.
Now, it's time for a good show.
I drive for a while, then when I see a post in the distance, I speed up—and crash into it.
To hell it is.