Is this destiny?

Masika's birthday celebration was progressing in a good mood. The whole garden at the Cliffside Villa was filled with music and laughter.

There was an area with tables, an open area for dancing, and some of the kids sat on benches which were arranged around the bonfire.

In the middle of all that festive mood, Jeff was serious. He had something to share, and he was conflicted if this is the right time.

"Can we talk?" Jeff asked Aiden.

Based on Jeff's expression, Aiden concluded that it's something important. "Do you want us to go to the study?"

Jeff confirmed. "It's something that impacts all of us."

Sarah and Aiden exchanged looks before standing up and leading the way to the study room.

…

In the study…

JoAnna, Sarah, and Aiden took their seats, and they looked at Jeff who was left standing, ready to explain why he asked them to leave the party.

JoAnna knows what the topic will be. It is something that is bothering Jeff for a few days, and she suggested that they should talk about it with Sarah and Aiden. They would include Sophia and Felix as well, but Sophia is close to the delivery and JoAnna does not want to bother them at this sensitive time.

Jeff took a deep breath and started talking: "Samara told me that in the last few weeks she received a number of text messages. Someone was offering her to get her revenge against me and reclaim what belongs to her."

"Is that a genuine threat?" Aiden's voice showed that he does not think this is important. Marcus gathered many accomplices and Jeff fended off that danger without many casualties. Since that incident, Jeff and his allies are much stronger. Who else can jeopardize Jeff and his position?

Jeff lifted his hand, indicating to Aiden to be patient. He needed some time to arrange his thoughts before speaking further. "I also didn't think much of it at first. However, Samara told me that every next message was more detailed. The person who contacted her knew that she is Marcus' daughter, and that her father and brother are institutionalized and that they lost a war against me. I know that this is the information anyone can get by digging through articles and reading between the lines. However, the messages were taunting her with the idea that she was wronged and that there is a chance for her to regain whatever Marcus lost."

Jeff made a dramatic pause before continuing with the point which makes this important: "The interesting thing is that about ten minutes after Samara received the message, all traces would disappear like she never received it. And then a few days ago, it was a phone call. A female voice with a heavy Eastern European accent told her that this is her last chance to join and take what belongs to her."

Aiden and Sarah exchanged glances. There are many people who can make a message disappear from the phone, but they got alerted at the 'Eastern European accent' part.

"You think it's Voronins?" Aiden asked after some time.

Jeff shrugged. "I'm not sure. Maybe it's nothing and I'm overthinking it. Maybe is one of Marcus' henchmen who is still angry. However… We removed a lot of people connected to Voronins from the White foundation and White corp. I'm confident that they are not willing to take that without retaliation. The caller knows a lot about the White family, and the caller had an Eastern European accent. When I think of all that combined, it adds up that Voronins are trying to find a way to get back in, and what is better than recruiting someone who is family?"

Sarah agreed that this should not be taken lightly. If it's Voronins, it means that Aiden might be implicated, and she is super-sensitive about Aiden. She will not dismiss the possibility of Lebedevs going after Whites, trying to take advantage of the situation while Voronins are weakened. "I believe that we should investigate. You taking them out, combined with our attacks on their bases, is definitely putting pressure on them to retaliate. They didn't take us seriously at first, and by the time they realized what is going on, they were in a disadvantageous position to strike back. Now both Lebedev and Voronin families are focused on their defense and strengthening what they have left so that they don't lose it. They will not dare to attack us with their forces, so it makes sense that they are trying to recruit others."

Jeff was happy that Sarah agrees with him, and JoAnna and Aiden nodded as well.

"Do you know what the caller wanted Samara to do?" Aiden asked.

Jeff shook his head. "No. Whoever was behind it, was cautious not to reveal anything that we can use. Samara says that the texts and the call were short, and all the data is gone. Do you think that you can look into it, and retrieve the messages? Maybe she missed something. Or can you trace from where the messages and the call were made?"

Sarah looked at Aiden. "If the data was erased from her phone, we can't get the messages, but maybe the script used left some traces."

Aiden was not overly optimistic. "It's a long shot. If someone knows how to send a message and delete its traces, that person probably knows how to remove any footprints left behind. However, it's the only thing we have at this point…" Aiden turned to Jeff. "We will need Samara's phone. Or at least inform her not to power it off."

Jeff was happy that Sarah and Aiden decided to look into the matter. "I will talk to her."

"It would be helpful if she remembers the timing of the messages and the call, and where she was when she received them." Sarah added. "Her phone might be wiped out, but there is a chance that the cell tower has the logs."

After sharing this with Sarah and Aiden, Jeff felt like some of the burden was off.

"We should increase people at our locations." Jeff advised Aiden.

"You believe that Samara is not the only one?" Aiden guessed.

Jeff confirmed. "If they reached to Samara, who knows how many others they contacted?"

"I will take care of manpower." Aiden was already thinking about the important locations where more security should be added.

"Don't take this lightly." Jeff said to Aiden. "If these are Voronins, they might be making a move on you."

"I am aware of that…" Aiden assured Jeff that they are careful and guarded. "Don't forget that our defenses are much more than simple manpower."

Jeff knows that Aiden is referring to Eve, and probably those three black German Shepherds who are following Aiden around, but still… no one is invincible, and Aiden has a history of being reckless.

"No one can hurt him as long as I'm around." Sarah said cheekily. It's not that she is not worried, but she does not want everyone to get gloomy. How will that help?

Jeff shook his head in disapproval. Sarah and Aiden are both reckless, but they are taking care of each other. "Then, make sure that you are always around."

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