Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles, the Smith family villa ~

Saturday

5:14 PM

Ron and Zula reached the Smith family villa and lined up with other guests to get their invitation checked before they can come inside.

The villa is located on the outskirts of Los Angeles, on a large lot, and surrounded by mature trees. The massive structure is completely hidden from the road.

The long line of guests and tight security tell Ron and Zula that the Smith family is not to be underestimated.

Ron glanced at Zula. Her hair is styled in a low bun and her makeup makes Zula look a few years older, which is perfect for the occasion. She is wearing a dark red short-sleeved cocktail dress with lace details on the top and chiffon skirt which ends just above her knees. The dress is flowy and paired with silver sandals which have a two-inch heel and are just right for dancing.

Her earrings and necklace are shining, but not more than her eyes. Her gaze is sharp while she observes the surroundings and Ron could not look away.

"You are beautiful…" Ron murmured.

Zula smiled. "Thank you."

She looked at him and her breath hitched when she met his ravenous gaze. She knows what that intensity means and it's making her heart race because the contraceptive pills are effective, and her period passed three days ago. Since then, Ron is using every opportunity to make up for waiting until they can make love without a condom. And even now she can see that he is hungry.

"Stop looking at me like that…" Zula said in a half-whisper. "How can I focus on the reason we are here, if you are distracting me?"

Ron chuckled and asked innocently: "How is it my fault that you can't focus?"

Zula shook her head in disapproval of his mischievousness which she normally welcomes, but they are on a mission. She decided to change the topic. "You are very handsome."

Ron lifted his chin proudly and adjusted the lapels of his suit jacket. Yup, he is handsome. For Zula.

Ron's suit is black, and he has a dark red vest which is matching the color of Zula's dress. Couples' outfits!

"Mr. Heine…" The security member greeted Ron and his date (aka Zula) and gestured to them that they can enter.

Outside of the villa is not much, other than being massive and secluded. However, inside is extravagant and the décor is screaming that the owners are loaded. Crystal chandeliers in the hallway, white marble flooring, columns with intricate details, furniture with golden edges… everything is shiny and glittering to the point of blinding people.

Zula blinked a few times. "Wow…"

Ron made a face. "No wonder Charlie does not want to live here."

Charlie and Emma told them during the briefing that this is the main Smith family villa where parties and any important occasions for the family are held.

Some family members live here like Charlie's second Uncle Thomas with his wife Caroline and kids David, and Aileen. Also, Charlie's third Uncle Samuel with his kids Logan, and Caleb has this mansion as their permanent address.

Charlie and Emma are here since morning, attending various family-only functions and they have guestroom to use.

The event which includes outsiders officially starts at 5:30, dinner is at 6 PM, and the doors opened to welcome guests at 5 PM.

They analyzed potential threats and Emma told them that the biggest ones are from the Smith family. She suspects that they will not go beyond tarnishing her (and Charlie's) reputation and that means that whatever they are planning will happen with a big audience.

That is where Ron and Zula come in. They are to keep their eyes on anything suspicious related to Emma from the distance. If they act too familiar, people will be cautious around Ron and Zula and that can spoil their chance to catch the culprits in the act (whatever that act might be).

Jarred and Mrs. Ronin are also present, but they are not aware of the real purpose behind Ron's and Zula's attendance today. It's not that Charlie does not trust Jarred, but ever since Angelo visited, Charlie and Emma are keeping communication with Jarred and Mrs. Ronin to business-only.

Back to the present…

Ron and Zula passed through security checks in the hallway and made their way toward extravagant ballroom which has tables and a spacious dancing area.

There is a large number of people present and no one seems to pay much attention to Ron and Zula. That is perfect. They will get a chance to move and observe without attracting attention.

Ron touched his earpiece and spoke to Charlie and Emma: "We are in."

"Great. Thanks…" Emma's voice responded.

For this evening, Felix provided communication devices that look like accessories to all four of them.

"What do we do now?" Zula asked Ron.

"We can start with snacks and drinks." Ron responded and guided Zula toward the long table with a big selection of bite-sized food. "Don't forget to look bored."

Zula giggled at this last comment. Ah, rich people have a hard life. All this luxury, food and drinks and they are bored.

The evening progressed quite uneventfully.

Ron and Zula were seated at one table with six other people. After introductions, people were curious to find out more about Ron (aka young Mr. Heine), but he was answering stiffly and not very eager to socialize. When pleasantries were completed, Ron focused his attention on Zula.

Secretly, Ron wished for dinner to be over, because then they will have a reason to leave the table.

Zula enjoyed Ron's company, as usually. And the food was good.

Zula noticed that Ron is not appreciating his current situation. She wondered if that is because he is resisting to embrace his identity as young Mr. Heine or because he does not like this rich-lifestyle of the upper class.

She reminded herself that even though he grew up as young Mr. Heine, for the last year he is enjoying the freedom and carefree life at the Cliffside Villa. Also, Ron is only eighteen years old and he would rather play games and have fun with others his age than to be stuck into this stiff social interaction with people who are more than a few decades his elders.

They were all working on the dessert when Jarred took the main stage.

"Thank you, everyone, for coming. I want to use this opportunity to announce some changes in the Smith family…" Jarred made a dramatic pause before lifting his hand and gesturing toward Mrs. Ronin who made her way by his side.

Jarred's hand rested around Mrs. Ronin's waist and he said: "I am happy that Donatella Ronin accepted to be my wife. The wedding is set for November 28, and the lucky ones amongst you who will get the honor of witnessing that event in person will receive invitations shortly."

Jarred let out a hearty laugh and no one was sure if he is laughing because he is happy about the upcoming wedding or because he just spoke like he is an entity above others. In any case, everyone clapped enthusiastically.

Jarred lifted his hand, indicating that he is not done.

"I and my future wife decided to enjoy our life together and to focus on ourselves. Due to that, I decided that Charles will take over all my roles in this family and I will retire. As you know, Charlie is engaged to Emma and in order to make their life easier, I decided to give them my wedding present earlier. All the company shares I own are now officially Charlie's. I hope that you will support him." Jarred ended by gesturing to the nearby table where Charlie and Emma are seated.

After a few seconds of silence, people started clapping.

Ron and Zula noticed that some people were unable to maintain pleasant expressions. It was obvious that even family members were not aware that Jarred is giving everything to Charlie, stocks included.

Everyone knew that Jarred is training Charlie to take over the company, but it was not official. And now Jarred said that he is giving to Charlie not only the CEO position at Smithsonite corp. but stocks as well? And that was already done? People who are in the know are aware that 'all roles in the family' includes the underground layer of trading weapons. This… this is too much.

Ron and Zula shared an understanding that this is why Emma wanted Ron and Zula to watch her back. All those who don't like Jarred's announcement will be triggered. But the real question is: who will be foolish enough to actually do something reckless?

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