𝟷𝟶. "... 𝙳𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚘𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚝 𝚘𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚒𝚘𝚗?"

PEARL'S P.O.V

Breaking News: Violent Shootout Rocks Los Angeles

Los Angeles was thrown into chaos last evening as a violent shootout erupted in the heart of the city, leaving several men dead and vehicles destroyed in fiery explosions.

The authorities are still working to understand how it began. Witnesses report hearing intense gunfire and seeing thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky.

A chilling discovery has added to the mystery: several of the attackers bore a wolf symbol, raising concerns of a possible foreign-coordinated assault. Investigators have not yet identified the group or motive behind the attack.

Emergency services and law enforcement are on high alert as they work to secure the area and piece together what happened. The LAPD has requested federal assistance to determine whether this incident is part of a larger threat.

Residents are urged to stay indoors and avoid the affected areas. This is a developing story, and more information will be released as it becomes available.

I pulled the cigarette from my lips and opened the next page of the papers. Seems like wherever he goes, chaos follows. He has welcomed himself back fully into the city.

"Excuse me, miss... " someone called and I looked above the paper to some chick in a blue uniform. "We have a no smoking policy in the store"

I still held that look with her like she didn't say anything, "alright" she nodded uneasily still managing to plaster that smile on her lips before walking out.

The nerves on that one, I hissed before shutting the papers and leaning back by the wall and taking in my environment.

"Welcome to Pearls & Stones..." One of the attendants beamed at the customers as they walked in.

𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐬 & 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬.

The name rolled out the tongue excellently well. It is a stunning jewelry boutique that radiates elegance and sophistication from the moment you approach its doors.

The exterior is sleek, with frosted glass panels etched with intricate designs of vines and pearls, and a shimmering golden sign that reads ‘Pearls’ in an elegant script. Inside, the atmosphere is serene, with soft lighting reflecting off marble floors and crystal chandeliers.

Glass display cases line the room, showcasing a mesmerizing array of jewelry—delicate pearl necklaces, diamond-encrusted bracelets, and rings that sparkle like captured stars. Each piece is arranged meticulously on velvet cushions in shades of deep blue and cream, evoking timeless luxury.

The air is scented faintly with vanilla and roses, and a quiet melody of classical music plays in the background. Friendly, impeccably dressed staff glide gracefully across the floor, offering their expertise and ensuring every customer feels like royalty.

At the heart of the store, a centerpiece display features the most exquisite item of the collection—a breathtaking pearl and diamond tiara that seems to glow under its spotlight.

Itis more than a jewelry shop; it’s a haven for those who appreciate beauty, craftsmanship, and the allure of timeless treasures.

I ashed the cigarette by the windowsill as Kendra approached me. "So, what do you think about the place?" She asked and I let out a breath, picking back up my bag.

"You want my honest opinion?" I asked back as I headed towards the exit. "No" she shook her head and we stepped out of the store.

It was one of many. Manageable.

We moved through the bustling hallway of the mall, weaving past shoppers until we stopped in front of another store—𝐍𝐨𝐢𝐫. The place was packed, a flood of people spilling in and out, drawn to its sleek displays and high-end designs.

𝐍𝐨𝐢𝐫. A designer store. My designer store. I was the anonymous owner.

I had set this one up a year ago, yet this was my first time seeing it in person. My first time in LA.

Glancing at my watch, I exhaled slowly, taking it all in.

"When is the fashion show again?"

"Next week. When are you dropping by at RedCo?" She inquired following closely and I let out a resigned sigh only thinking about that.

"Work begins tomorrow" I answered and we got into the escalator. "You must be excited for your big day, you've been waiting for this moment for so long" she said and I glanced at her, that bright smile plastered on her lips.

I have been waiting for this moment for a long time, perfectly curating, working In the shadows to get to this exact moment and here It was but it didn't feel like it.

I have devoted a lot of time into this that I couldn't feel anything when I finally got it. This city had a lot...of memories tied to it and now I was back here, I felt all of it flood back in.

I've done a great job not even bringing it up but now I was here, I didn't know what to expect. He was here too, they all were here.

I sighed and tucked my hair behind my ear as we headed out of the mall. "Oh oh, I forgot to tell you" she hurriedly appeared in front of me and I shot her a look.

"When I went to pick up your stuff at the office back in Italy..."

"I didn't send you to pick up my stuff" I cut her off, walking past and heading towards the car where Tobi stood. "Yes but I did and guess who came to me..."

"I don't wanna know"

"The hottest guy at the office" she went on and I paused and glanced at her. "Caius?"

"What? Eww! No!" She repulsed and I chuckled as we hopped into the car. "No, Leandro" she answered and I paused and slowly turned to her.

"Yes, I know, I was surprised too. He was asking about you and he had this kinda...sad...lost puppy look on his face when I told him you were too busy to drop by again" she informed and I looked away with a small smile on my lips.

"Did he, now?"

"Yes, he suddenly warms up to you now you're leaving, it was so surprising and sweet too" she crooned and I rolled my eyes and got out my phone.

Leandro. How could I forget him? Actually, it was pretty easy to forget after I got what I wanted. He happened and he's now in the past.

"Is the house ready?" I asked Tobi, "yes, everything is in place. Should we head there now?" He inquired and I let out a breath.

"Yes"

The ride became quiet and I stared out the window to the streets, a lot of things has changed from what I imagined, it's been while.

I had braced myself for the impact of this city, there is bound to be an encounter with some people...from my past but I've vowed to keep away till my time in this city was exhausted.

I just needed a couple months and my job here was done. Moments later, we pulled up in the surrounding and I took it in. "At least, you guys got one thing right" I commented before stepping out of the car.

The Villa.

I wanted something serene and secluded from the city, gardens all around with fountains and the glass house just sitting there. Over the years, I've grown fond of glasses houses, their transparency and intimacy intrigued me.

Contradicting, right?

I stood there for a minute, just admiring the place, it felt like home. As much as I've wanted to stay far from this city, being back here made me relax a little, this was home.

A place I was familiar with, a place I knew and maybe...just maybe I was glad to be back.

"Pearl!" Kendra called out and I sighed and turned to them before heading towards the house. "Do you like it?" Tobi asked and I remained quiet until we walked in.

I paused at the entrance, letting the scene sink in. The glass walls framed the living room, revealing glimpses of the world outside while casting reflections that danced across the sleek floors.

A plush gray sectional surrounded a low, polished wooden table, its placement creating an inviting sense of intimacy. The staircase behind me spiraled gracefully to the second floor, its metallic railings glinting under the soft overhead lights.

To the right, the open-plan kitchen stretched out, its marble countertops gleaming and stainless steel appliances catching the warm glow of the space. The air carried a subtle hint of lavender, making the entire room feel both sophisticated and oddly personal.

I walked in fully, my hands still crossed over my chest. "I could manage" I muttered, still looking around.

"The chef won't be here till tomorrow" Kendra informed and my eyes shot to them. "Tomorrow? Can't you both get something right for once?" I snapped and they both exchanged looks.

"We could... "

"Save it" I held out a hand to her before heading towards the stairs.

➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣➣

I lit the cigarette first and took a drag before leaning by the window and staring back at the city. I was having a hard time adjusting to the time here, it was a weird feeling because that usually happened in a city I wasn't used to.

But here I was, back to a country that was supposed to be mine but it felt so foreign.

It has all began unraveling, the undoing. The undoing of everything. Tomorrow, I'll begin working at RedCo as the international relations expert and other bullshit.

A smile tugged at my lips at the thought of it, it didn't excite me, it irritated me but it was something I had to do to get my peace of mind.

Even though it meant, leaving a city that had become my home, people that had become family, leaving Italy was hard because there was a lot I was still very much attached to back there.

But in order to achieve all I want, I had to muster up courage and push everything behind and do this. He was here too and I knew deep down he could be a problem.

We haven't met officially and I was honestly not looking forward to it, it's been years and setting my eyes on him for the first time at the summit was...unsettling.

He would definitely derail my mission here and I just pray he disappears back to where ever he was this past months. Because if we did meet face to face, if we did talk... I wouldn't be holding anything back.

And yes, that's a threat.