CHAPTER TWELVE

As soon as my heels touched the first stair, the conversation beneath me ceased, as if I wasn't meant to hear whatever was being discussed. I gripped the railing and continued, wishing I could walk right out the door without a word, but regardless of my opinion of my uncle, it wouldn't be right to do that to my grandmother.

I reached the bottom of the staircase and took a deep breath before making my way into the informal living room. My uncle's stern gaze met mine immediately. He had what could have been his eleventh or twelfth glass of wine gripped in one hand. I’d picked up on his drinking habit very early on.

"You're going out?" His tone was more of an accusation than a question.

"Yes," I replied evenly, trying to ignore the ways his eyes crawled all over me. "I have plans tonight. "

My grandmother turned toward me, a worried crease forming on her forehead. "Elena, dear, are you sure this is a good idea?"

I nodded, forcing a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine, Grandma. It's just dinner."

My uncle's expression hardened. "With whom?"

I paused, knowing their reaction to the truth would not be pleasant. "An old acquaintance."

"An old acquaintance?" His voice held a hint of disbelief. "Since when do you have connections in this part of the city?"

"I have friends here," I responded, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'll return later. Don't wait up."

My uncle gave a smirk, his eyes glazed over and making me suspect he had more than just wine to drink. “If you're not careful, you'll end up like your sister, Elena. Gone and remembered as--. ”

"That's enough of that," my grandmother interjected.

"And what will you be known for, Uncle?" I gave him a slow once-over. "This?"

His smirk vanished as a shadow of something sinister flashed in his eyes. "Be careful how you speak to me, girl."

"What are you going to do if I don’t?" I challenged, frustration coursing through me. This man was a pitiful excuse for a human being. Every time I looked at him, all I saw was my father and it made me sick. I resented the fact that he was living in my parents' house and had done nothing to prevent their reputation from being tarnished. I hated he’d done nothing to find my sister but had the fucking audacity to speak on her name. I could see why she loathed him and made sure she never crossed his path.

When he didn’t speak, just stared at me with a slackened face, I turned to leave, my heart pounding in my chest .

As I reached the doorway, my grandmother called out softly, "Just be careful, Elena."

"I will," I promised, glancing back at her with another forced smile, avoiding my uncle's creepy gaze. I needed to get the hell out of this house. Keeping my pace casual, I headed for the front door. The timing couldn't have been better. Just as I pulled it open, a shiny white sedan pulled into the driveway.

It came to a halt as I approached, and a man I didn't recognize stepped out. His hair was neatly tied back in a ponytail, and though he wasn't much taller than me, his muscular build and immaculate suit made an impression. A gun was visible on his hip, and despite the hour, he wore sunglasses.

"Good evening, Miss Castello," he greeted me with an air of respect, his accent thick as he opened the rear passenger door.

"Evening," I replied hesitantly.

"I am here as a humble servant of Mr. Escuro. I will drive you to his location. "

Who spoke like that? Humble servant? How fitting for a man known as the King of Vice. "Okay..." I trailed off, carefully maneuvering into the backseat, taking in the car's luxurious interior.

The leather seats were immaculate and plush, exuding the scent of a new vehicle mixed with a hint of cologne. As the car drove away, I took one final glance at the house. It was no surprise that my grandmother's silhouette could be seen in the window. I hoped she wouldn't fret too much while I was gone. The gravity of the situation I was about to enter into was starting to sink in, and all I could do was hope that Mateo's intentions, whatever they may be, would somehow coincide with my ultimate goal of finding Eva.

"We will be heading away from the estates," my driver announced as he took a left turn out of the driveway.

"Where is he having you bring me? "

"This evening, you will dine at Dior's," he replied smoothly.

"Alright," I said, lacking anything else to add. I had no idea what or where Dior's was, but it sounded expensive. My stomach was a bundle of nerves, making it hard to imagine eating anything.

I gazed out the window, watching the landscape blur as my mind wandered. My thoughts drifted to a few weeks ago when Eva and I had entirely separate lives. She would be getting ready for another night in this city while I prepped for a long night at the convenience store. We would leave our home together, her easily lying to our aunt about where she was headed. Underneath her hoodie and sweatpants, she'd be wearing a revealing outfit.

At the end of our cracked walkway, we would hug and go separate ways, unless we were arguing–which seemed to happen often towards the end. I closed my eyes briefly, taking a small, quiet breath .

When I thought of Eva, I couldn't help but think of my parents and the fact that they were all gone. Over time, I learned that the cruelest part of death was not being able to say goodbye. It's something you never consider until you have no choice but to face it – along with all the things you wish you could take back and everything left unsaid.

A sharp pain throbbed in my chest as if my heart was trying to break free from my ribcage. I clenched my hands together on my lap, willing the burning sensation behind my closed eyes to subside. It always seemed to happen when I least expected it, just when I thought I was getting a handle on things, the overwhelming emotions would come flooding back.

The car continued to glide smoothly along the road, the driver's presence a silent reminder of the evening ahead. I tried to push my grief aside, focusing on my current predicament .

I pulled my phone from my clutch and sent a quick update to Peyton and Melody. Their replies came almost instantly, offering words of encouragement and caution. It didn't take long before the bright lights of the city began to appear on the horizon. I gazed out at the dark ocean that bordered the flashy buildings, its waters so deep and dark it resembled black glass, perfectly reflecting the neon-lit skyline and vibrant nightlife.

I had never seen the city at night. I was sent away to Aunt Molly before I was old enough to even dream of visiting. Now, it seemed something had come full circle. The driver took an exit and seamlessly maneuvered off the highway onto a road that immediately showcased the wealth of its residents and visitors. Luxury cars, each costing more than the average house, glided by, their sleek forms illuminated by the colorful glow of neon signs and streetlights. I couldn't help but marvel at the lively atmosphere .

Palm trees swayed gently against the backdrop of a twilight sky, adding to the surreal beauty of the scene. We continued down the bustling street, the vibrant lights and sounds enveloping us. We approached a more exclusive area, the buildings becoming taller and more sophisticated, slowing near a small line of luxury cars waiting to be dropped off, bypassing them to enter the same grand location.

There were two lanes: one for drop-offs and another for valet. There didn’t seem to be an option to park oneself. That would have been the first indication we were at an upscale restaurant, but the building itself was unlike anything I’d ever seen before. Dior’s stood tall, at least three stories high, with a connecting hotel rising up behind it, its rooftop vanishing into the night sky. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my nerves as I watched impeccably dressed women entering the building with their suited companions. I felt out of place among them, but I had to act like I belonged.

This was for Eva, for Aunt Molly, and for me. Despite feeling like an imposter, I knew I could pull off pretending to fit in. After all, there were probably other women doing the same thing tonight. My driver opened my door, and I stepped out of the car with one final steadying breath.