Chapter 8: Unknown Numbers
995 Words
After the incident at her condominium, Mhagi had little choice but to spend the night at the Flores Mansion.
Normally, she preferred her condo. It was quieter. Private.
Away from the endless security and responsibilities that came with being Don Nicollo's granddaughter.
But after an unknown man had broken into her home and delivered a warning, the condo no longer felt like the peaceful refuge it once was.
Someone was watching her. Someone wanted her investigation to stop. Someone was willing to send people after her.
And what bothered her most was the realization that the intruder had not been connected to the Porter family.
The more she thought about it, the more certain she became. The man lacked training.
His movements had been sloppy. His attacks predictable. He fought like someone who had only recently entered the criminal world.
Not like the elite soldiers employed by the Porters. Which raised an even bigger question.
If not the Porters...
Then who?
The black SUV rolled through the mansion gates shortly before midnight. As soon as Mhagi stepped inside, familiar warmth greeted her.
The Flores Mansion had changed over the years, but it still felt like home. A place filled with memories. Some good. Some painful.
"My beloved princesa!"
Mhagi barely had time to remove her heels before Don Nicollo's voice echoed through the hallway.
The old man stood near the staircase with his usual smile. His cane rested comfortably in one hand.
"To what do I owe the honor of this visit?" he asked dramatically.
Mhagi laughed.
"Some random i***t forced his way into my condo."
Don Nicollo's smile disappeared instantly.
"And?"
"I'm tired."
She walked over and wrapped her arms around him.
"I wanted one peaceful night of sleep."
The old Don immediately hugged her back.
"Then you've come to the right place."
Mhagi smiled.
"Good."
After one last squeeze, she released him.
"Goodnight, Grandpa."
"Sleep well, mi hija."
Without another word, she headed upstairs. Within minutes, exhaustion claimed her.
Downstairs, however, Don Nicollo's expression became serious. He turned toward Fathima.
"What happened?"
Fathima spent the next several minutes explaining everything.
The intruder. The warning. The fight. The interrogation. The failed attempt to discover who had sent him.
The old Don listened carefully. Not interrupting once. When she finished, silence filled the room.
Then Fathima added,
"Mhagi was... particularly brutal."
One of the nearby guards visibly shifted uncomfortably.
Everyone who witnessed the interrogation had looked disturbed afterward.
Everyone except Fathima. She had long since grown accustomed to it.
Don Nicollo simply smiled.
"That's my granddaughter."
The guards exchanged glances. Only Don Nicollo could sound proud after hearing such a report.
The following morning, Mhagi left before sunrise. Instead of returning directly to work, she headed toward her favorite gym.
The previous night's events still lingered in her mind. Training usually helped clear her thoughts. The moment she entered, her personal trainer spotted her.
"Good morning, Miss David."
Cara waved enthusiastically.
Mhagi nodded.
"Morning."
The two immediately began their session. Stretching. Cardio. Strength exercises. Everything proceeded normally.
Yet throughout the workout, Mhagi noticed something unusual. Cara kept looking at her. Then looking away. Then looking again.
Clearly wanting to ask something. Eventually, Mhagi sighed.
Her mood happened to be decent today. Which was fortunate for Cara.
"Say whatever you're thinking."
Cara froze.
"What?"
"You've been staring at me for thirty minutes."
The trainer immediately looked embarrassed.
"No, I haven't."
"You have."
Cara hesitated.
Then laughed nervously.
"Fine."
Mhagi crossed her arms.
"Go ahead."
The woman took a deep breath.
"Are you really dating Mr. Porter?"
The question was so unexpected that Mhagi burst out laughing. The sound echoed throughout the gym.
Cara blinked.
"Was it that ridiculous?"
"Yes."
The answer came immediately.
Cara frowned.
"But the articles..."
"The media always wants a headline."
"So you're not together?"
"No."
"Not even secretly?"
"No."
Cara looked genuinely disappointed.
Mhagi shook her head.
"I signed a contract with his company."
"That's all?"
"That's all."
Although for some reason, she remembered the text message she had received the previous night and the ride home. And the way Xavier had asked whether she had a boyfriend.
The thought disappeared almost as quickly as it came. After finishing her workout, Mhagi returned to her condominium.
The security team had already cleaned everything. No signs of the break-in remained. No damaged furniture. No evidence. No reminders.
It looked exactly the way she had left it. As if nothing had happened. Mhagi dropped onto the sofa. Finally relaxing for the first time all day.
The silence lasted only a few minutes. Her phone rang.
Fathima.
Mhagi answered immediately.
"What is it?"
"Halix Torres called."
That got her attention.
"Oh?"
"He said there's a media press conference tomorrow afternoon."
Mhagi sat upright.
"What for?"
"Officially announcing the launch of the summer campaign."
That made sense. The marketing team would want maximum publicity. Especially after the recent rumors.
"Alright."
She leaned back against the cushions.
"Prepare everything."
"Already working on it."
Mhagi smiled.
"Thanks."
"That's what you pay me for."
The call ended.
She tossed the phone beside her. Ready to enjoy a few minutes of peace. Then another notification appeared.
Unknown Number. Her eyes narrowed. Slowly, she opened the message.
Only three words appeared on the screen.
"See you tomorrow."
For several seconds, she stared at it.
Most people would have been concerned. Maybe even frightened. Mhagi simply smiled.
She already knew who had sent it.
Xavier Porter.
The man was apparently bold enough to text her from an unknown number.
Interesting. Very interesting.
Setting the phone down, she leaned her head against the sofa and looked toward the city skyline beyond her windows.
Tomorrow would bring another step in her plan. Another opportunity to get closer.
Another chance to uncover the truth behind what happened twenty years ago.
And somewhere deep inside, she couldn't help wondering whether Xavier Porter was becoming a useful piece on the board...
Or a complication she hadn't anticipated.
- Writer
