âYou just said youâd do anything for me, and now youâre backing out?â Milaâs irritation escalated in response to Nikoâs visible reluctance, her frustration simmering beneath the surface.
âDo not make promises you cannot fulfill!â
âFine, fine, Iâll do it!â Niko acquiesced.
âBut what if we get caught?â
âWhat is there to fear? There are pickpockets on this very street every day! Lots of people get stolen from, and no one has time to concern themselves with you. Besides, even if you get caught, I am right here. Do you honestly believe I have just wasted my time in Paris all these years?â
Niko was reassured by Milaâs words.
The car came to a stop at the next intersection, and Niko put on a coat and a hat, subtly obscuring his identity before heading toward Adrian and his family.
Adrian and Joelle were entirely absorbed in capturing images of Aurora, who was preserving moments for Ryland to cherish in the future.
None of them noticed that Joelleâs bag had been slashed open, its contents gone.
Niko returned to the vehicle, his heart racing with intense fervor.
âDid you get it?â
âYes,â Niko responded, perspiration cascading down his brow.
âWhat should I do next? Throw them into the river?â
Mila had initially intended to do that, but now she perceived it as far too lenient.
âGive them to me.â
After Joelle and Adrian discovered their belongings were missing, they promptly went to report the incident to the police. Unfortunately, the chances of recovering their lost items were slim, so they headed back to their hotel after providing their statements. By evening, the police contacted Adrian through the hotel.
âYour items have been found, but only one person can retrieve them.â
Adrian found the condition unusual but decided to go alone. He was directed to another hotel, where upon arrival, he was told to enter a specific room.
When he pushed the door open, he saw three passports and ID cards laid out on the white bedspread, even with the lights turned off. To stay cautious, Adrian left the door open as he walked in. However, only a few steps in, the door abruptly slammed shut, and in the faint light, he sensed someone lunging at him. Caught off guard, Adrian stumbled backward and bumped into a vase.
Thankfully, the carpeted floor prevented the vase from breaking, keeping the noise to a minimum.
âWhoâs there?â
Mila stayed quiet, her cheeks flushed as she embraced Adrian, her hands exploring his muscular chest.
Angry, Adrian quickly grabbed one of Milaâs hands and forcibly moved her aside. He then turned on the light to find Mila lying on the floor.
âMila?â
âYes. If you want your belongings back, you have to stay here tonight,â Mila snorted.
âYouâve lost your mind.â Adrian dismissed her and moved towards the bed.
Mila quickly followed and embraced him again.
âWhat does Joelle have that I donât? I can be everything she is and more. And you donât have to worry about any consequences. Whatever happens here, sheâll never find out!â
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