A wry smile played on Valenti's face. So Marco had managed to put his plan in place before he got caught. That is interesting. So the person with the invitation card 19 will probably be Nova, the assassin sent to take him out.

He will instruct all security to watch out for that killer number 19.

He had only one one job: Protecting his empire at all costs. And he would do it well.

No one who betrays him will live to tell the tale.

No one.

———

Mira was buzzing. Although what she was feeling was impossible to describe, if she were to describe it in one world, it would be excitement and fear.

Okay, okay, those are two words.

That's only because she was overwhelmed with emotions.

Finally, this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. A rare chink in the Valenti armor, something to catch hold on to, something she can capitalize on.

Alex had been unavailable throughout the night. It's true, She called him 24 times. She knew it was inappropriate to call at such odd hours, but at that time, she had lost composure and was too excited to care.

Finally, when he picked up by 5 a.m., his voice was heavy with sleep.

"Hello?"

"Where the hell are you? I have been calling all night."

"There is this little something that people do at night. It's called sleep. You should try it too, I heard it's the best therapy for headaches."

"Sleep? I am too excited to sleep!"

"I guess you checked the package."

"Yes! Alex, you genius. Where on earth did you get this from?"

"Santa Claus, I know the guy personally. He and I go way back to when he bought his first sled."
Mira giggled. It was a delight to hear her giggle.

The Mira she had known all this time was a boorish killjoy who had forgotten how it felt to smile.

"Quit your silliness, Alex. This is genius. No matter where you got this from, I am delighted you did. God, I can kiss you right now!"

"Really. I would love to kiss you too, young lady, but I had tuna for dinner. Never, I repeat, never ever kiss a man who had tuna for dinner."

Mira laughed.

"Do me a favor. Can I come over so that we can discuss how to run this?"

"Come over. To this tiny apartment? No. I better come to yours."

"Okay, okay, but don't be late, Alex."

"I know. I promise not to be late this time."

"Alex?"

"I promise. For real, I am going to try my best not to be late."

"Okay, you have one hour, else I'll murder you."

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Time passed, and Mira was sitting in a chair in the park. Although she looked cool and calm, she was fuming so hard she could kill a tiger with one bite. She texted him:

"Dear Alex,
Despite all your assurances, you didn't make it in an hour.
Worst Regards,
Mira" 

She wanted to call him and rant, but Mira is not one the explosive gunpowder type of lady. She would rather scurry like a wounded snake, looking for a victim to sink her teeth in.

And, yes, she needed to get back at Alex for all these incessant delays.

When he didn't show up in the second hour, she went to the pack to drink in some of the fresh chilled autumn air. There is nothing cooler than a wicked plan and fresh air.

Alex barely made it in the third hour. He must have been to her apartment. He called her six times, but the girl would not pick up.

In another twenty minutes, here he was strolling into the park. He looked lost and frustrated looking for her.

"Hey. I've been looking for you. I figured out you will be here. Care to check your phone? I have been calling you." He said.

He wore his favorite brown coat, which, this time, he had taken his time to iron. Maybe that was the excuse this time. He had been ironing his clothes.

He slumped into the park chair, letting out a deep sigh. Mira was also sitting on the chair, with her hands in her pocket, and her eyes narrowed to slits.

In all, she didn't give him a moment's glance. She was not pleased with his everyday lateness, and for once, she needed to let him know.

"Hey, how is it going? I thought you said we should meet in the house."

No answer.

Okay. This is awkward.

"Okay, okay, I get it. I didn't keep to my word, I am sorry" He said, sounding defeated.

"There is..."

He stopped as Mira shot him a bad look, signaling she wasn't interested in whatever excuse he had this time.

"Okay, I am sorry. I have nothing to say this time. It is just irresponsible of me."

"Yes, It is."

"Yes, but look on the bright side, I brought a peace offering." He said, revealing a package.

He had been hungry this morning, and as was coming to her, he took a detour to get some breakfast.

That's where he ran into another useful lead on the Valentis.

Of course, he knew Mira would be furious with him, but he could not ignore that lead. So he used one stone to kill two birds, grab breakfast for both of them, and have a juicy clue, too.

And now here he was, with a little peace offering...her favorite breakfast.

Mira barely looked at the colorful package. But only now did she remember she had not eaten since last night. She was too excited to eat. It was so obvious that even Jasper wondered why she was excited.

"So you offer bribes now? What makes you think I can be bribed?"

Alex chucked.

"Bribe you? No. I was late because I got us breakfast and some other juicy stuff."

"Bullshit. It's funny that you think you can just walk on me anytime you like after we had an agreement and try to bribe me with this...well, what is this anyway?"

"Here's your breakfast. Bacon, eggs, and cheese sandwich."

"I see." Mira tried to act indifferent, but her tummy rumbled.

"You really outdid yourself this time, attacking me with my favorite food. This is not fair," she said, sounding like a little child.

"I will get you back one of these days. I should sue you."

Alex chuckled.

"I didn't do this on purpose though, I mean, come late. I really wanted to come in that hour, but something else came up."

"I didn't..."

"Let's go to the apartment. This food is getting cold."